Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is an examination of various areas of the human body, head and limbs. It does not work on the principle of X-rays but uses a very strong magnetic field. It is a safe examination that can display the structure of organs with high spatial resolution and informs in detail about pathological lesions. In this respect, MR has a privileged position among all imaging methods. Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to improve and speed up the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases.

To date, no harmful side effects of magnetic resonance have been demonstrated on the human body. Although safe, there are risk factors that need to be taken into account in order to avoid complications. In particular, the existence of metal objects in the patient's body. If you carry any electronic or metal implant, or a foreign body, this does not automatically mean that you cannot be examined at the MR. However, such a fact you must always report to the MR device operator before MR examinationwho will make a qualified decision as to whether or not you can undergo an examination.

Absolute contraindication by magnetic resonance imaging

You cannot undergo magnetic resonance imaging if you have an MR incompatible pacemaker, a metallic shrapnel in the eye, or a vascular clamp intracranially from an unknown material.

I have claustrophobia and the doctor prescribed me MR - how do I proceed?

Contact our MR Workplace at 5461 on weekdays between 08:00 and 14:00, and our radiologists will discuss with you the best ways to conduct the exam. It usually takes 30 minutes and you lie in a tube-shaped device that is open on both sides. You need to lie still and not move. For mild claustrophobia, your attending physician or your general practitioner may prescribe sedative medication. In this case, it is advisable to invite your entourage with you and not drive motor vehicles. Another option is to perform the examination in analgosedation or general anesthesia in the presence of a specialist doctor - anesthesiologist. However, this procedure requires you to have a special internal examination before the MR examination itself, and you will spend some time in the ward before you are released home after the examination.

Other implants and performances whose presence may impose some limitations

If you have metal implanted in your body, you should inform your doctor who indicates your examination. If you are at the time of the examination pregnantis necessary about this fact inform the doctor. If you are breast-feeding and your examination requires the use of contrast media, breast-feeding should be discontinued for 24 hours after the administration of the contrast medium.

Preparation for MR examination

• No special preparation is required for most magnetic resonance areas examined. Even before intravenous administration of contrast media, the patient may not be fasting. Metal objects in the pockets or on the body, and the synthetic fabrics from which the clothes are made, can be a significant problem. Therefore, we recommend that you take the best cotton shirt on your MR examination. Likewise, it would be a good idea to leave jewelry at home.
• (necklaces and earrings), which you would have to put in the stall before examination. However, in some cases preparation for MR examination is necessary.
• MR enterography: You should not eat the day before the afternoon before drinking, drink 1.5 to 2 liters of clean water from 12 to 20 hours to clear the small intestine. On the day of the examination from midnight do not eat, drink, smoke. Bring 1.5 liters of still water with you to the MR examination, where the MR operator mixes Mannitol - a substance that helps to show the entire small intestine. You will need to drink this Mannitol diluted in half an hour before the examination, so come to MRI 45 minutes earlier than the time for the invitation to have enough time for your preparation.
• MRI of the abdominal cavity (liver, kidney, biliary tract, pancreas examination): 6 hours do not eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours.
• If you are taking any medicine, take it at the usual time and drink it with less water.
• You will arrive at the MR examination 15 minutes before the indicated examination time, you will be informed by us for the examination.

Where the examination is done

Magnetic Resonance Department is located in the building of the Department of Neurology of the General Teaching Hospital. 

What is the course of the examination

• You will follow the instructions of the MR staff.
• Upon arrival at the MR workplace, you will be asked to read and sign the instruction (so-called informed consent), which contains basic information on MRI. With this consent, the patient confirms that he / she has been familiar with the risks and contraindications of the examination.
• You can download the consent in PDF format. It is possible to print it in advance and bring it with you for examination. If you have any questions or concerns about you, please inform the staff prior to the actual examination. This avoids possible complications.
• After you are prompted by an MRI staff for examination, you will be taken to the booth where you will put your clothes, jewelry and personal belongings, and change into a ready-made mantle. All valuable personal things they remain locked in this cabin during the examination and no one will have access to it. The primary purpose of this measure is to protect your phone, watch, credit card, and other personal items that are sensitive to magnetic fields from being damaged in any way.
• The examination is carried out lying down on an examination table that goes into the instrument's circular circular tunnel. The space is not closed. You must not move during the examination and, to achieve this, the body part to be examined will be comfortably supported or fixed. The examination itself is completely painless, the only inconvenience is the strong noise emitted by the device during the examination. The staff will therefore offer you headphones.
• You will have for your safety throughout the examination, the signaling device is in handthat can be used to call the operator and ask for help. Workers will be in touch with you all the time through the microphone and will be happy to assist you if necessary.
• Length of examination depends on the area you need to view. Most often, it takes about 20-30 minutes, in exceptional cases up to 60 minutes. All the time it is necessary to lie still and avoid any movements. Restlessness during examination worsens the quality of the image.

In the case of a contrast medium test

Most examinations are done without the use of a contrast medium in a vein. The necessity of applying contrast media is decided by the doctor at the workplace. Magnetic resonance contrast media are relatively safe, and adverse reactions are rare. If they occur, they manifest themselves as nausea, vomiting, and headedness. The allergic reaction is also quite exceptional. Nevertheless, notify your MR staff of your proven allergies.

Care and recommendations after examination

• Magnetic resonance imaging has no identified side effects, and you can continue with your program after the examination.
• If there are any complications (nausea, light-headedness, weakness), inform MR staff who are happy to help.

The patient will only be examined by magnetic resonance based on a duly completed application form.