Neuro MRI

Your physician may recommend a Neuro MRI if you suffer from any number of symptoms, including headaches, back pain, loss of memory, changes in vision, injuries sustained from an accident or stroke and many other conditions that affect your central nervous system. The MRI will help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, thus allowing your physician to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Unlike conventional X-ray examinations and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, a Neuro MRI does not utilize ionizing radiation. Instead, it uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of brain, spinal cord and structures of the central nervous system.

If this is your first MRI, you may not be sure what to expect. Not to worry, we are here to guide you every step of the way. You may or may not be given a contrast agent intravenously. During the procedure, you will lie flat on an exam table. It is important that you remain still while the table slides through the scanner where the surrounding magnetic fields and radio waves will capture images of the appropriate sections of the brain, brain stem and spinal cord. The MRI machine does generate loud noises as images are captured. All patients are given protective ear plugs, or headphones for music. The Technologist will be in the adjacent room operating the scanner, but will be able to hear and communicate with you throughout the exam. The exam can take anywhere from 30 - 60 minutes.

MRI exams are painless. The part that may be uncomfortable is remaining still during the imaging portion of the exam. If you suffer from claustrophobia, talk to your physician to see if medication may be prescribed.

When the MRI is complete, you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist checks the images to ensure no additional images are needed. Once the exam is complete, you may resume your normal activity level. Our Radiologist will interpret your study and send the final report to your physician.

Contact our Scheduling Department for an appointment:

Phone: 703.698.4488 Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm

Fax: 703.698.0864

Or click here to make an appointment request

Please have your written physician order and your insurance card in hand when making your appointment.

For your convenience, appointments are available mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends at the locations listed below. Learn more about each location.