Alabama Back Institute Offers Open MRI Services For ABI And Referred Patients

The future of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is here. Our Velocity Open MRI machine delivers high image technology advancement with utmost patient comfort. The open MRI technology allows a patient to feel safe during the imaging process while delivering the best results for your physician.

1.2T High Filed OPEN MRI OPEN FOR ALL PATIENTS

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WHAT IS an MRI?

MRI Images are formed when signals emitted by body tissue are processed by software and turned into clinical images. These signals are generated using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio waves of a specific frequency. Different tissues characteristics are translated into different contrast levels on the image.

A typical procedure averages 30 minutes or longer, depending on the type of information requested by your physician. You can hlep make your images as clean as possible by relaxing and remaining stil duringthe exam. Some patients fall aslepp during the MRI Exam.
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MRI In Action

  • The magnetic field is used to align hydrogen protons in the body.  
  • Radio frequency waves are absorbed by the protons and then emitted as a signal.
  • A radio frequency coil picks up the signal and transmits it to the computer.
  • The computer processes the data and an image is generated.
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What You Need To Know About Your MRI

During your MRI Examination, a technologist will be with you and will be able to see you at all times. For your convenience, an intercom system is built into the MRI imager so that if you need anything, the technologist will be right there.

In certain instances, a contrast agent may be administered to enhance the study. There are no extra precautions if you physician requires this type of study. Consult the physician or technologist if you have any questions.

How Does MRI Help You and Your Medical Team?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one form of imaging used by physicians to obtain clinically useful diagnostic information, incorporating advanced technology, MRI produces images of anatomy without the use of radiation required with other imaging modalities, such as x-ray or computed tomography (CT).
MRI combines the physical properties of strong magnetic fields with radion waves to produce computer-generated soft tissue images within any plane of the body.

This popluar imaging technique can be used as a primary diagnostic tool to provide a quick and accurate diganosis for your physician. In some situations, this procedure can reduce the need for further diagnostic procedures or invasive procedures, such as exploratory surgery, that my have associated complications.
The benefits of magnetic resonance imaging are many, and new applications are being continually developed through ongoing research.

The procedure is used for all parts of the body and is effective in the clinical evaluation of the following conditions:

-Brain Disorders
-Traumatic Injuries
-Eye Abnormalities
-Spine Diseases
-Tumor Detection
-Liver and Other Abdominal Diseases
-Knee and Shoulder Injuries
-Musculoskeletal Disorders
-Facial/Neck Abnormalities
-Infection
-Cardiac Malformations
-Blood Flow and Vessel Disorders

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How To Prepare For an MRI

No special preparation is required prior to the MRI exam. You may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed.

Prior to entering the scan room for your exam, you will be asked to leave those items that are not compatible with a magnetic field in a safe place outside the scan room. Some items include:

-Coins
-Hearing Aids
-Jewelry
-Keys
-Watches
-Hair Pins
-Glasses
-Other Metal Objects
-Credit Cards

You may also asked to remove make-up and dentures and to wear a hospital gown to avoid magentic interference from belt buckles or zippers.

Other items that may be incompatible are implants and similar items. Check with your physician or MRI technologist if you have had any brain, ear, or eye surgeries, or have any of the following:

-Pacemaker
-Neurostimulator (Tens unit)
-Metal implants
-Intrauterine device (IUD), etc.
-Aneurysm clips
-Surgical staples
-Implanted drug infusion device Foreign metal objects in the eye
-Shrapnel or bullet wounds
-Permanent eyeliner

*If you are pregnant, please notify your physician.

Once you are situated on the table, make sure you are comfortable so that it is easy to remain still for the duration of the examination. Breathe normally.

Once the examination has begun, you will hear a knocking sound that represents changes in the magnetic field. This is a normal part of the imaging process. After the exam, the technologist will assist you out of the scan room.

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What is Alif?

ALIF, or Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion, is a type of spine surgery used to fuse disc space of the spinal column in the low back. This surgical approach is used to repair damaged discs and realign bones to reduce back and leg pain. ALIF surgery is performed by entering the front of the body through the abdomen (anterior). Unlike other spine fusion techniques, ALIF leaves the nerves and muscles in the back undisturbed since the approach is taken from the front.

Advantages of Alif surgery:
  • Less blood loss and less scarring because of smaller incisions
  • Less pain
  • Shorter recovery times (6-12 weeks)
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Natural compression of the spine to support healing