fMRI

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Functional Magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures small changes in blood flow that occur with brain activity. It may be used to examine the brain’s functional anatomy, evaluate the effects of a stroke or other disease, or to guide brain treatment. fMRI may detect abnormalities within the brain that cannot be found with other imaging techniques.

The Siemens Espree 1.5T MRI machine can hold up to 550lbs on the table in horizontal and vertical movements. Combined with its 70cm bore, this is a system that works well for larger patients.

The Espree 1.5 Tesla MRI incorporates Siemens’ popular “Tim” technology (Total Imaging Matrix).

The Magnetom Espree 1.5T is an open bore MRI system that allows a new level of comfort for your patients. This system has an opening of almost 2.3 feet in diameter to provide a full foot of space over the patient’s head. Its short bore enables physicians to perform exams with their patient’s head completely outside the magnet which provides benefits for claustrophobic patients.

The Magnetom Espree 1.5T by Siemens comes equipped with the shortest 1.5 Tesla magnet that is available. It can perform advanced clinical applications and comes equipped with the Tim Technology (Total Imaging Matrix) that delivers high-quality imaging and reduced exam times. With the Tim Technology, whole-body scans can be performed in one single pass. It also enables flexible coil combinations to encompass local high-resolution imaging to large anatomical coverage.

Patient Preparation

DO:

• Wear comfortable clothing & take any medications as prescribed.

• Inform our office at least 24 hours before your appointment if you are claustrophobic or feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, have a pacemaker, brain aneurysm clip, artificial heart valve(s) or vascular stent(s),nerve stimulator, metal fragment in the eyes, hearing implants or hearing aids.

• Arrange to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment if you are receiving sedation for your scan. wear comfortable clothing without metal clips, buttons, or decorations.

DON’t:

• Wear any jewelry or metal items

IF YOU HAVE A SCHEDULED MRI WITH IV CONTRAST:

DO: Inform our office at least 24 hours in advance if you have any of the following:
You are over 55 years old ▪ Have diabetes ▪ Have hypertension ▪ Have a history of renal disease ▪ Have severe allergies

DON’T: eat or drink anything except water during the four hours before your appointment