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If you’ve experienced recent back pain, injury, or even paralysis, an MRI spine test may be necessary to help find out the cause of the problem and to detect any further damage. This test is conducted by using a machine that generates strong magnetic and radio waves to the back in order to get a clear picture of the internal workings of the spine. Some examples of what an MRI spine test will do is asses the anatomy of the spine, look for any possible diseased tissue, create a plan for future surgeries by getting a detailed look at the spine and surrounding muscles, evaluate any compressed or pinched nerves, look for any possible tumors, and much more. An MRI machine is a very large tubular machine that the patient must lie down inside, while the technical equipment scans the body. It is a painless process that is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning that the patient can usually leave and go home once the test has been completed.

The MRI spine test is an accurate way for physicians to get a very detailed picture of the spine itself, which can open new doors to diagnosis as well as surgeries and other treatment. Some doctors are even using the MRI spine test as a way to look at children who may have certain issues such as ADD or other symptoms that could be a result of nerve or spinal problems. It is recommended that all patients remove any metal objects when receiving an MRI of any kind. If you wear a pacemaker or other device, it is important to let your doctor know immediately before taking the test. While no test is foolproof, this is a very accurate method to let doctors see the inner workings of the human body in order to make an informed decision on treatment and care.

The many scientific breakthroughs in medicine are all designed to help diagnose and treat patients as effectively and quickly as possible. Medical imaging is just one way that doctors can find problems with patients fairly promptly, helping them to treat the patient earlier which can also speed up the healing process. In most cases, medical imaging involves radiology which can mean x-rays, MRI tests, cat-scans and much more. All of these tests can allow doctors to look for things like cancer or other diseases. With the help of medical imaging, the process is painless for the patient and clearer for the doctor so he or she can take the next steps to diagnose a patient. The MRI is one of the most advanced forms of medical imaging. This test can allow doctors to literally see inside of a patient’s brain and look for things like tumors and other damage.

Ultrasound is another common form of medical imaging, which is very useful in looking at a pregnant mother’s baby, or examining a heart patient to look for damage or possible heart problems. In recent years, all of the forms of this kind of medical diagnostic tool have been updated so that images can now be seen in 3D. While this process is currently rare, it is becoming a more common way for doctors to see images of the veins, brain, lungs, heart, bones, and other internal parts of the body in a much clearer way. Whether it is a simple x-ray to look for a broken bone or a whole body scan to search for cancer, medical imaging is a top notch way for physicians to get a clearer picture of what is happening with their patients. As time moves on and technology gets more advanced, the newest forms of medical imaging are adapting as well, giving patients a greater hope of detecting problems sooner which can often save lives.

announce ourexpansion of clinical offerings with its recent acquisition of a new Siemens SOMATOM Heart body CT Scanner. This state-of-the-art full body scanner is the lowest dose radiation scanner available today.

We have included a lot of information here about our new CT scanner, but please feel free to contact us with any other questions you might have.

What is a “CT” scanner?

Computed Tomography (CT for short) is one of the safest and most reliable examination methods available today. It is fast, uncomplicated and completely painless.

CT works with an X-ray system that rotates around you, taking cross-section pictures of your body. These pictures are then converted by a computer into so-called conclusive pictures. That is to say, CT builds up images of internal body structures and organs by scanning a series of slices with are later assembled with a computer to form a complete picture. So, with CT, the inside of your body can be very dependably and precisely portrayed and then examined.

Why not just use an X-ray?

Unline most X-ray examinations, CT can detect even the most minor changes very early on. This simplifies treatment and improves chances for recovery. Additionally, CT makes it possible to portray body parts in 3-dimensional format so overlapping areas can be easily examined.

CT Coronary Angiogram
85% of heart attacks are attribute to a sudden blockage of blood flow from dislodged plaques in the coronary artery walls. This non-invasive procedure detects the unstable, lipid-rich non-calcified soft plaques in the arteries. With early treatment and positive lifestyle changes, heart disease can be stopped, slowed, or even reversed. A contrast injection is required to visualize the interior of the arteries.

Heart View Complete
Includes both the calcium scoring test and the coronary angiogram providing you with complete viewing of the coronary arteries.

3D Dental Scan
A dedicated scan protocol and software program for the specific purpose of measuring bone mass in the upper and lower jaws for dental implants.  Requires recommendation by a dentist.

Stroke and Tumor Screen
This exam includes an Open MRI of the brain tissue, an MRA of the arteries of the brain, as well as an MRA of the carotid arteries in the neck.  This scan helps to identify changes associated with normal aging, possible risk of stroke, and lesions of the brain.

MRI of the Brain Only

These specialty scans are not covered by most insurance plans. Payment is due at the time of service.

Lung Scan
Lung cancer is the number one leading cause of cancer related death. Provide yourself or a family member with a tool for early detection of tumors as small as 3-4 millimeters in size. Early detection means highly curable odds. Lung scans are completed within 5 minutes, and are ideal for high risk patients, smokers, and those exposed to environmental pollutants or have a family history of cancer.

Full Body Scan
Ultra-fast CT scans entire chest, abdoment, and plevis in a single breath, making this our most comprehensive scan offered. The full body scan detects abnormalities of the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, and other primary internal organs. this includes a bone mineral density scan for osteoporosis, and a heart scan/calcium scoring study.

Virtual Colonoscopy
Provides a screening process for colorectal cancer and other diseases related to the colon. With this study, polyps as small as 6 millimeters can be detected. This is a non-invasive procedure done in two breath holds and less than 5 minutes. With compuyer reconstruction, we can create a virtual fly through the colon, eliminating the need for placing a scope into the bowel.

Full Body Scan and Virtual Colonoscopy

Dental/Neck Scan
Screens lower face including maxilla and mandible for identification of tumors/cancer of the salivary glands and floor of mouth. This scan also detects dysfunction of TMJ.

Bone Density Scan
The bone mineral density scan uses quantitative analysis for measuring the risk of osteoporosis for both men and women, relative to age. Early treatment of osteoporosis can prevent dibilitating hip, back, and wrist fractures.

Heart Scan/Calcium Scoring
Heart attacks are the number one killer in America. This scan is designed to identify calcium-rich hard plaques, and measures the amount of calcium deposits in the arteries that carry blood to your heart. Calcium deposits are markers for the probablity of heart disease, and typically begin to appear years before development of symptoms. Prevention today is better than treatment tomorrow.

We will take you on a personal tour of your own body. There images provide you with a powerful tool for early detection of silent heart disease, cancer and other personal health problems.

We have a program that provides early detection of various diseases before any symptoms occur, allowing for better management of disease, treatment options and better outcome of quality health.

Heart Body Scan uses state-of-the-art, ultra-fast, lowest dose, multi-slice helical CT scanner. This provides you with the most advanced, and accurate way to fully examine the entire cardiovascular system, lungs and major organs of the abdomen and pelvis. Early detection of coronary artery calcification, tumors, and other abnormalities can be found. The latest software advances provides you with fast, painless, total body scanning. By using state of the art processing, we can provide detailed 3D diagnostic imaging and visualization of your own body. Preventive health care allows you to “take charge of your life”, make appropriate changes and live a healthier, longer life.

No referrals needed. A board certified Radiologist is on staff for immediate consultation. Also, a hard copy of your images is included for your personal records. A written report will be mailed to you.

Heart-Body-Scan for early detection of heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, scoliosis, osteoporosis, degenerative changes of the sping, aneurysms, vascular disease, kidney/gall stones, cysts, prostate, ovarian disease, and more.

For early detection screening before anywarning signs or symptooms occur.

MRI machines are used to detect signs of a wide variety of diseases, including cancerous tumors, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. MRI was originally called “Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging” because the way that an MRI machine works is that the magnet inside the machine causes the body’s water molecules to align themselves with the magnetic field. The “Nuclear” in the name refers to the atomic nuclei, not to nuclear radiation. Unlike a CAT scan, an MRI does not produce radiation.

This enables the MRIs computer to produce detailed images of any section of the body, and technicians can recognize problematic patterns in the brain or elsewhere in the body. With a traditional MRI machine, a patient must lie in a narrow tube, which can cause problems for people who have claustrophobia, since an MRI scan can take up to an hour. It is also not always practical for those who are obese.

An open MRI machine is much less claustrophobic. There are a few different types of open MRI machines. Some open MRIs are formed more like rings than tunnels, so that only one part of your body is in the MRI at once. Others can even examine a patient in an upright position.

One criticism of some open MRI machines has been that the resolution is not always as good as it is with the traditional tunnel-shaped MRI machine; however, technological improvements have increased image quality greatly in some open MRI machines. Your doctor should be able to tell you which kind of machine is best for you.

Note that anyone with a pacemaker or other metal in the body will not be able to use an MRI machine. However, a CAT scan is also effective at detecting potential problems, and in some cases, depending on the possible problem, better. Your doctor may order either a CAT scan, a traditional MRI, or an open MRI, depending on your individual circumstances.

When all goes according to nature’s plan, vaginal childbirth is the way babies come into this world. This means the baby is delivered from the womb, through the birth canal, and into the world as a whole new person and can usually do so without an excess of trauma or medical intervention.

But every baby is different and sometimes the birth of one is a little different from the norm, too. Sometimes some medical assistance is required to help nature along. And sometimes the medical assistance is required to save the life of the mother, the child, or both.

For differing reasons, vaginal childbirth sometimes requires the assistance of medical forceps or other mechanical devices to help the baby emerge. The infant may not be situated just right for optimum delivery or there is the birth of multiple babies, which is usually predicted well in advance with today’s medical technologies.

In a more extreme situation, vaginal childbirth procedures may be abandoned altogether to be replaced with a cesarean section delivery instead. In this situation, an incision is made into the mother’s abdomen that allows a physician or midwife to reach into the womb and pull the baby from the mother’s body, with no time in the birth canal at all.

This alternative to vaginal childbirth, the cesarean section, is often referred to as a C-section delivery and is usually reserved for deliveries where a vaginal delivery is expected to harm either the mother or the child.

Legend says the first cesarean section delivery was that of Julius Caesar, whose mother was unable to successfully deliver him via vaginal childbirth. In fact, the very word, cesarean, is said to be derived from the name Caesar. Conflicting stories say Julius Caesar’s ancestors were delivered in this fashion and the word, cesarean, comes from the Latin verb, caedere, which means “to cut.”

It’s pretty easy to rule out the possibility of Julius Caesar being born by any way other than the less-traumatic vaginal childbirth method. Ancient Roman records indicate his mother, Aurelia, lived 45 years after his birth. At that time, a cesarean section delivery was performed only to save the life of the child when there was no hope whatsoever for the mother’s survival. All caesarean deliveries were fatal to the mother in the days of ancient Rome.

Today’s caesarean section deliveries are much safer but the more natural vaginal childbirth is always the preferred option. The recovery time for the mother is much shorter and her chances of delivering future children vaginally is greater when extreme surgical procedures are avoided.