Difference Between an Open MRI and a Regular MRI

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan produces clear images of the structures and organs within your body without causing any pain. To produce these detailed images, an MRI machine uses radio waves, a large magnet, and a computer, X-rays (radiation) are not used.

MRIs are the best imaging test for people who need frequent imaging for diagnosis or treatment monitoring, especially of their brains, because it doesn’t use X-rays or other radiation.

The types of MRIs are open MRIs and closed MRIs. These differ in a number of procedural ways but are used to monitor for similar conditions. MRI’s produces images of the inside of the body for healthcare providers to evaluate and monitor including organs throughout the body, the brain and surrounding tissue, the spine and spinal cord, breast tissue, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. There are different types of MRIs available for different areas of the body such as body MRIs, cardiac MRIs, brain and spinal cord MRIs, and MRIs of bones and joints.

With MRIs, we can more accurately diagnose and study diseases like dementia, spinal and musculoskeletal problems, cancer, ENT problems, and other difficult-to-diagnose conditions. A closed MRI scanner is the most accurate MRI scanner available. The patient lies in a very narrow space inside a “tube-like” structure. Traditional closed MRIs have, however, been reported to cause extreme claustrophobia in many patients. A traditional closed MRI scans may not be possible in some cases due to the patient’s size. There may be an option to perform a wide bore MRI or an open MRI in these cases.

An open MRI, or open bore MRI, is also a machine taking images, but it does so without enclosing the patient. There is typically a large space between two flat magnets over and under you where the patient lies in an open MRI machine. With closed-bore MRI machines, many people experience claustrophobia due to the lack of open space on both sides.

An MRI machine with a closed bore has a ring of magnets that form a tube or hole in the middle where you lie to get the images. The head-to-ceiling space in closed-bore MRIs is tight. It is not uncommon for patients to feel anxiety or discomfort in a closed MRI machine. In contrast to closed-bore MRI machines, in some cases open MRIs do not produce as clear an image but open MRI services available at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging are on the cutting edge of open MRI technology to ensure the clearest possible imaging.

With wide-open MRI machines, patients can view the surroundings, watch television, or stay near a family member (especially if they are children).

A patient is accommodated in a large space between two flat magnets on the top and bottom of the machine. As the patient is not fully enclosed, the open space in between often alleviates discomfort or claustrophobia. In addition to producing high-quality images, this design provides optimal comfort.

An MRI with anesthesia may be recommended for patients with conditions that prevent them from remaining still, such as claustrophobia or anxiety. Since children are often unable to remain still, an MRI is often performed with anesthesia. Despite the enhanced comfort and typically lessened feelings of claustrophobia, sedation or anxiety medications are an option for patients undergoing an open MRI as well. It is important for patients to have a friend or family member drive them from their appointment if they are sedated.

Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging takes every step needed to ensure patients’ maximum comfort while undergoing an MRI while achieving the highest quality of imaging. For more information, contact us. We serve patients from Rockville Centre NY, Lakeview NY, Baldwin NY, Malverne NY, Lynbrook NY, Hempstead NY, West Hempstead NY, South Hempstead NY, North Lynbrook NY, East Meadow NY, Oceanside NY and surrounding areas.