|  Forks Community Hospital  |  Medical Offices  |  Westend Outreach  |  Long Term Care  |

MRI SERVICES AVAILABLE
 

Forks Community Hospital currently offers MRI services on Saturdays.
Following are a few reasons your doctor may order a MRI scan:

• Diagnosing multiple sclerosis

• Diagnosing tumors of the pituitary gland and brain

• Diagnosing infections in the brain, spine or joints

• Visualizing torn ligaments in the wrists, knee and ankle

• Visualizing shoulder injuries

• Diagnosing tendonitis

• Evaluating bone tumors, cysts & bulging or herniated discs

• Diagnosing strokes in their earliest stages

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology

The MRI machine applies an RF (radio frequency) pulse that is specific only to hydrogen. The system directs the pulse toward the area of the body to be examined. The pulse causes the protons in that area to absorb the energy required to make them spin, or process in a different direction. This is the resonance part of MRI. The RF pulse forces them to spin at a particular frequency, in a particular direction. The specific frequency of resonance is called Larmour frequency and is calculated based on the particular tissue being imaged and the strength of the main magnetic field. These RF pulses are usually applied through a coil. MRI machines come with many different coils designed for different parts of the body: knees, shoulders, wrists, head, neck and so on. These coils usually conform to the contour of the body part being imaged or at least reside very close to it during the exam. At approximately the same time, the three gradient magnets jump into the act. They are arranged in such a manner inside the main magnet that when they are turned on and off very rapidly in a specific manner, they alter the main magnetic field on a very local level. When the RF pulse is turned off, the hydrogen protons begin slowly to return to their natural alignment within the magnetic field and release their excess stored energy. When they do this, they give off a signal that the coil now picks up and sends to the computer system. What the system receives is mathematical data that is converted through the use of a Fourier transform, into a picture that we can put on film. That is the imaging part of MRI.

MRI exams require an order from your physician. To schedule an MRI, come to the Radiology department in the Hospital and bring the order from your physician.