Magnetic resonance imaging

Frequently asked questions

• How is an MRI scan performed?

  An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field to form an image of the body’s tissues.

  • In an MRI scan, you lie still in a tubular imaging device.
  • A coil is placed over the area to be imaged to form the image.
  • The scan usually takes about 20–45 minutes. The time may vary depending on what is being imaged.
  • If necessary, a contrast agent can also be used.

• What does an MRI scan feel like?

  MRI is a painless examination where the customer simply has to lie still for the duration of the scan.

  The MRI machine makes a variety of sounds, but the customer wears headphones during the examination to muffle the sound from the machine. Headphones can be used to listen to music/the radio.

• What parts of the body imaged by the MRI?

  The most common targets for MRI are joints – especially the knee, ankle and shoulder – and spinal imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head is also common. Modern MRI equipment can also be used to perform MRI scans of the prostate and breast areas, for example.

• What is MRI of the back used for?

  MRI of the back is used for examining back pain. MRI of the back can be used to examine the structure of the spine, the condition of spinal discs and the status of nerve structures. On the basis of the MRI scan, surgical treatment can be considered.

  An MRI scan of the back takes 10–45 minutes. During this time, the person lies in the examination device and the area to be examined (e.g. head, back, knee) must remain still.

• Can an MRI scan be used to examine sports injuries?

  In sports injuries in the ankle, knee or groin area, MRI is the fastest and most accurate way to get a diagnosis.

  MRI can be used to examine, among other things:

  • soft tissue damage
  • bone injuries
  • muscle and tendon tears
  • tendon and ligament damage
  • bone bruises
  • stress fractures and injuries

  The images also show bleeding, swelling and the age of the injury.

• How does an MRI differ from an X-ray?

  MRI does not use any X-rays, so the patient is not exposed to ionising radiation. The technology of the imaging equipment is completely different. MRI gives a much more accurate image than X-rays, especially of soft tissues.

• What are the benefits of MRI?

  In many cases, an MRI scan can show the cause of a symptom or condition that needs to be clarified or provide information for the follow-up of an already established injury or disease. For example, in the case of an accident, imaging may be needed to support the diagnosis.

• Is the MRI machine cramped? What if I panic?

  There’s no need to be nervous about an MRI scan beforehand. The body part to be imaged is concentrated in the tube, so in an image of the ankle or knee, for example, claustrophobia is rarely a problem because your head is not inside the tube.

  The new 3T MRI machines used in Mehiläinen have a larger imaging aperture than traditional devices, which reduces the feeling of a tight space. The MRI machine can be tried out before the actual imaging and it is also possible to treat claustrophobia with medication to make the imaging a success.

  The customer has a button in their hand at all times during the scan, which can be pressed for immediate assistance and contact with the nurse performing the scan. This means that the imaging can be interrupted at any time.

• In which situations should MRI be avoided?

  Pacemakers, some intra-body implants and foreign bodies are also often an obstacle to taking an MRI scan. These will all be clarified in the questionnaire before the actual scan.

• Can I have an MRI scan when pregnant?

  MRI is safe at every stage of pregnancy.

• Why should you come to Mehiläinen for an MRI scan?

  Mehiläinen’s high-quality MRI equipment and professional staff ensure that every customer receives high-quality care on an individual basis. Mehiläinen’s experienced radiology specialists interpret the MRI images and give their statement.

• How can I get an MRI scan at Mehiläinen?

  You can book an appointment for a Mehiläinen MRI scan directly at the clinic, via our online appointment booking or by calling 010 414 0300 (local network rate/mobile charge). A doctor’s referral is required for an MRI.

• Why do prices for MRIs vary between operators?

  Magnetic resonance imaging can be done quickly and screening-like, with a limited number of sets and images, or it can be done more comprehensively and thoroughly, tailored to the customer’s individual situation. More comprehensive diagnostic imaging is often more expensive as it takes more time. Professional staff and an experienced radiology specialist who interprets the examination images and gives their statement are also very important in terms of quality. The quality of the equipment also affects the price of the MRI scan.

  At Mehiläinen, we combine technically advanced imaging equipment, professional staff and experienced specialists – for the benefit of our customers.

  Go to the price list

  Learn more about our payment methods

• What magnetic resonance imaging scans are available at Mehiläinen?

  The following magnetic resonance imaging scans are performed at Mehiläinen:

  • MRI scan of sella turcica
  • MRI scan of blood vessels in neck, MRI angiography of blood vessels in neck
  • MRI scan of lower abdomen
  • MRI scan of gynekological pelvis
  • MRI scan of the tempomandibular joints
  • Magnetic arthrography of the hip
  • MRI scan of the brachial plexus
  • MRI of the rectum
  • MRI of the pectoral muscle
  • MRI scan of sacroiliac joints
  • MRI scan of spine and spinal cord
  • MRI scan of abdominal aorta and lower limb arteries
  • MRI scan of upper abdomen
  • MRI scan of limbs

  Appointments for examinations can be booked directly at the location or by calling the procedure customer service at 010 414 0300.