An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field to create highly detailed, 3D images of organs and systems. An MRI helps your doctor confirm a diagnosis or better plan treatment.

We have state-of-the-art MRI machines for doing high-quality, complex scans.

We put your safety first with careful screening to make sure you can have an MRI. We have hard-to-find expertise in MRI scans for patients with implants that use electricity or other outside power. These include:

• Chemotherapy pumps
• Deep brain stimulation implants
• Insulin pumps
• Loop recorders
• Pacemakers
• Pain pumps
• Spinal cord stimulators
• Vagus nerve stimulators

Before your appointment

Once you have a request from your doctor, you can call us at 503-418-0990 to make an appointment. We usually schedule you within a month.

You’ll get instructions through MyChart on how to prepare for your scan. In some cases, you may need to stop eating or drinking for several hours. Please follow instructions or we may have to reschedule your scan.

If you’re anxious about being in the scanner, you can ask your doctor to prescribe medication to help you relax. In that case, please bring someone to drive you home.

If you have an implant with a controller, please bring the controller to your appointment. Without it, we cannot do your MRI.

Let us know if:

• You’ll be late or can’t come. We will reschedule you so another patient can have their MRI.
• You’re unable to lie still for more than a few minutes.
• You’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• You have an implant that uses electricity or other outside power.
• You’ve had an injury that left metal in your body.
• You have a strong fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia).

Getting ready

You’ll be checked for clothing and items that contain metal. If you need to remove clothing, we’ll give you a gown.

You may be given contrast by IV or to drink. Contrast helps organs and tissues stand out in imaging. If you think you may be allergic to MRI IV contrast, please let us know.

You’ll have a coil put on or around the body part we’re scanning. Some coils look like blankets and others look like frames, depending on the body part they’re designed for. For a brain scan, you’ll wear a see-through helmet.

During the scan

You’ll be scanned while lying on a table that moves in and out of a tunnel-shaped scanner. We have blankets, headphones and cushions for your comfort. You’ll need to keep still. For some scans you may be asked to hold your breath.

Scans are painless and usually take 30 to 45 minutes. We may have to do more than one scan to get the images your doctor requested.

You can talk to us, and we’ll check on you often. In some cases, we can play music or a movie to help you relax. If you get anxious, you can ask to stop. We’ll see if we can use the images we have. We can always schedule you for another scan.

How MRI works

MRI uses magnets, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of your organs and systems.

After your appointment

If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t need to pump and throw away the milk.

You’ll get your results through MyChart in two to three days.

Is an MRI scan loud?

Yes. You will hear loud noises, like knocking.

Why is an MRI scan loud?

During a scan, the metal coils inside the scanner vibrate and echo.

What’s the difference between MRI and CT?

An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves but not radiation. An MRI takes longer than a CT and can detect things that CT can’t. An MRI is typically better for seeing differences between normal and abnormal tissue.

A CT scan uses an X-ray beam that emits a small amount of radiation. A CT is much quicker and quieter than an MRI. A CT is typically better for seeing the structure of bones and organs.

Which one your doctor recommends will depend on your past imaging, your condition and which scan offers more benefit than risk.

Will I have any aftereffects from an MRI scan?

You may feel mildly dizzy for a few moments after you sit up. You can resume your usual activities right away.

Can I ask for an open MRI?

No. We don’t have an open MRI.

Can I keep my wedding ring on?

You may keep your ring on if it has only gold, silver or platinum or if it has no metal. We recommend taking it off or leaving it at home if you can, to be on the safe side.

Other MRI services at OHSU

• MRI of the heart, to check the size of your heart and how well it’s working
• MRI for babies, children and teens in our Pediatric Imaging program
• Intraoperative MRI (iMRI), for pediatric brain surgery