MRI scan - 1 area in Sidcup

This MRI scan of one area of the body provided by Alliance Medical to detect many neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. The test can be used for all areas of the body, and is especially useful for detecting soft tissue problems, such as with nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. £130 additional charge for Gadolinium contrast medium. 

If you have been referred to have an MRI scan, or you are choosing to book one for yourself, before you go ahead you should inform the clinic if you have or are experiencing any of the following:

• You are or might be pregnant.
• You have a heart pacemaker fitted.
• You have previously had an artificial heart valve fitted.
• You have an electronic drug delivery device fitted.
• You have a cochlear implant.
• You have had any surgical procedures on your head.
• You have any metal implants in your body.
• You have any surgical clips fitted. 
• You have had a capsule endoscopy. 
• If there is a possibility that you have metal fragments in your eyes, such as working with metal at high speed, or from an injury. If there is any possibility, an X-ray may be necessary as the MRI scanner emits powerful magnetic rays which can cause injury by moving metal fragments that are in the body. 

Before you arrive for the scan, the clinic will send you a set of questions such as those above, to ensure that it is safe for you to go ahead with the scan. 

In most cases, it is not necessary to make any special preparations before the scan, such as changes to your diet or not eating in the hours before. However, if this is required, the clinic will inform you beforehand. 

Do not wear jewellery or clothing with metal buttons or zips.

You may bring a friend or companion with you for the scan, if this helps you to feel more comfortable. Arrive in plenty of time before your scheduled appointment time, and bring your appointment letter with you. 

After you have checked in at the reception, a member of the team will explain everything to you, make sure that you are comfortable, and ask you to fill out the safety questionnaire. You will be provided with a space to leave your personal possessions. 

The radiography team will take care of you throughout the procedure, and be on hand in case you are feeling any discomfort. 

A gadolinium contrast medium may be necessary to be injected before the scan, depending on the information that is needed. This helps the radiography team to see more from the scan if this is required. 
The contrast medium usually either has no side-effects or mild side-effects, including nausea, itching, dizziness, and headaches. 

The procedure consists of several scans lasting a few minutes each, with the whole procedure lasting between 15-60 minutes. The radiographer can see you the whole time, and is on hand to help in case you are feeling uncomfortable. 

Following the scan, you can return to your normal activities without restrictions. There are no restrictions to eating, drinking, driving, or physical activity.

If a contrast medium was required, you will be monitored for 15 minutes following the procedure to check that you are not experiencing any side-effects. 

The radiographer will examine the scans following the procedure, and send the results to your doctor or consultant in the days following the scan. Only your doctor or consultant can discuss the results with you, not the staff at the clinic.