Your therapist can refer you for an investigation appropriate to your condition. This will be done if your therapist deems it appropriate rather than at the request of the client. We will always discuss the reasoning behind why we may ask for a scan, or similarly, if we feel it is not necessary.
Many types of scans will shows anomalies that are present in a large number of the normal population. It is important to always link any findings with the clinical history and, in most cases, conservative management is normally continued to aid recovery. In some cases, an operation may be required to resolve the symptoms and, if this is the case, you will always be under the care of a Surgical Consultant.
An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. You lie inside the tube during the scan.
An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including the:
- brain and spinal cord
- bones and joints
- breasts
- heart and blood vessels
- internal organs, such as the liver, womb or prostate gland
The results of an MRI scan can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective previous treatment has been.
What happens during an MRI scan?
During an MRI scan, you lie on a flat bed that's moved into the scanner.
Depending on the part of your body being scanned, you'll be moved into the scanner either head first or feet first.
The MRI scanner is operated by a radiographer, who is trained in carrying out imaging investigations.
They control the scanner using a computer, which is in a different room, to keep it away from the magnetic field generated by the scanner.
You'll be able to talk to the radiographer through an intercom and they'll be able to see you on a television monitor throughout the scan.
At certain times during the scan, the scanner will make loud tapping noises. This is the electric current in the scanner coils being turned on and off.
You'll be given earplugs or headphones to wear.
It's very important to keep as still as possible during your MRI scan.
The scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken.
Single Area MRI: £225.00
Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan performed by a Radiographer: £150