FAQs
NSI performs diagnostic radiological Imaging on multiple areas of the body
We specialize in:
- Neuroradiology: A subspecialty of diagnostic radiology pertaining to imaging studies of the brain, neck, orbits, and spine utilizing modalities such as MRI, MRA, CT, CTA, ultrasound, and x-ray.
- Abdominal/Pelvic radiology: An area of diagnostic radiology pertaining to the imaging studies of the abdomen and pelvis utilizing modalities such as CT, CTA, MRI, MRA, Ultrasound, and X-ray.
- Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic radiology: A subspecialty of diagnostic radiology pertaining to the imaging studies of the musculoskeletal system such as joints, muscles, bones, and spine utilizing modalities and procedures such as MRI, CT, Arthrography, Ultrasound, and Xray.
- Chest Radiology: An area of diagnostic radiology pertaining to the imaging studies of the chest utilizing modalities such as CT, X-ray, and MRI.
- Breast Radiology: An area of diagnostic radiology pertaining to the imaging studies of the breast utilizing MRI.
- Non-interventional vascular radiology: An area of diagnostic radiology pertaining to the imaging studies of the arteries and veins of the body utilizing MRA and CTA but without the use of interventional procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
MRI
What is an MRI?
An MRI is a machine that uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a powerful computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body. No X-rays or other ionizing radiation is employed. MRI is the shortened form of magnetic resonance imaging.
How does MRI work?
To understand how an MRI works, let’s start by focusing on the “magnetic” in an MRI. The major and most important component in an MRI system is the magnet. The magnet in an MRI system is rated using a unit of measure known as a tesla. MRI provides a magnificent view inside the human body.
A large magnet surrounding the body causes the hydrogen nuclei (protons) in water molecules to align in a particular direction, and then radio waves strike the protons, causing them to spin out of alignment. When the radio signal is turned off, the protons return to their previous alignment, giving off new radio waves at the same time. The returning radio signals are received and analyzed by a computer, which then creates cross-sectional images of the body.
When is MRI used?
Like CT, MRI can be used to image almost any part of the body, although MRI produces pictures containing information that may not be seen on a CT scan. For some things, MRI is more useful than CT, and for some things CT is more useful. Sometimes, both are necessary, since the information gained from one may complement or clarify information gained from the other. MRI is often used for the following:
- Brain and nervous system: MRI is the most accurate tool for evaluating most diseases of the brain and spinal cord, including strokes, tumors, and multiple sclerosis.
- Musculoskeletal system: MRI is the most accurate way to non-invasively image most joints (knees, shoulders, wrists, etc) for problems involving cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
- Breast: with our new EXCITE technology upgrade come H.D. VIBRANT (Volume Imaging for Breast Assessment). We can now simultaneously examine both breasts in high resolution in a single patient visit.
- Other: MRI can also be useful for evaluating the neck, liver, kidneys, pelvic organs, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.
What is MRA?
MRA is “magnetic resonance angiography”. Using special techniques, MRI can be employed to produce highly detailed images of many arteries and veins, without the need to insert catheters into the body or inject iodinated contrast agents. The pictures obtained look much like a conventional angiogram, but are obtained non-invasively.
What can I expect during my MRI Examination?
Prior to your going in to the exam room, a staff member will interview you and will explain what will happen during your test. A technologist will stay in constant contact with you throughout the exam.
What forms can I fill out prior to my MRI examination?
How should I prepare for an MRI?
Not everyone can be safely exposed to a magnetic field, so if any of the following apply to you, you should let us know before making an appointment:
- cardiac pacemaker
- history or possibility of a metal fragment in your eye, even if it has been removed
- aneurysm clip in the brain
- ear or eye implant
- nerve stimulator
- drug infusapump
- recent surgery (less than 8 weeks ago)
- any other procedure where medical personnel might have left a stent, coil, filter, wire, or any other implantable device inside your body
When can my physician expect a copy of my report?
CT SCAN OR CAT SCAN
What is a CT or CAT scan?
CT stands for “computed tomography,” taken from the Greek word “tomos” meaning “to cut” or “to slice.” CT uses ordinary X-rays coupled with special detectors and a powerful computer, to create images, which appear as sections or slices of the body.
When is CT used?
CT scanners can be used to evaluate almost any part of the body for a variety of different problems. Some examples are:
- Head & Neck: CT can be used to evaluate the brain for strokes, headaches, or injury. It can also be used to evaluate the sinuses, facial bones and structures of the neck.
- Chest: CT is excellent for evaluating the lungs for infection, emphysema, tumors and other conditions.
- Abdomen & Pelvis: CT is extremely useful for visualizing all organs of the abdomen and pelvis, and is often performed to evaluate the possibility of appendicitis, diverticulitis, kidney disease, liver or gallbladder disease, etc.
- Spine: CT is very helpful in evaluation of spinal fractures, and can also be used to evaluate disc herniations and other causes of neck and back pain.
- Blood vessels: A type of CT scan can be performed for visualization of arteries or veins; it is called CT Angiography (CTA). The latest multidetector CT scanners produce the most accurate CTA examinations.
What can I expect during my CT scan procedure?
With the latest multidetector CT scanners, most examinations take less than 10–15 minutes. You will be asked to lie on a comfortable table, which will slide into the opening of the machine, and you will move through the opening as your body is being scanned. If intravenous contrast material is required for your exam, a temporary IV will be started in your arm by a technologist. For abdominal scans you will also be asked to drink a dilute barium solution, beginning approximately two hours before the procedure.
What forms can I fill out prior to my examination?
For a list of forms you can fill out prior to this procedure, please visit the Patients page where you’ll be able to print off the PDF forms you’ll need.
Are there different kinds of CT scanners?
What is contrast material?
How do I prepare for a CT scan?
Is CT scanning a safe procedure?
When can my physician expect a copy of my report?
ULTRASOUND
What is ultrasound?
Diagnostic Ultrasound is the use of high-frequency sound waves to study the anatomy and function of the body. The sound waves can be used to produce images of various organs, to observe motion within organs, or to measure the flow of blood using a specialized method called Doppler Ultrasound.
How does ultrasound work?
A small, hand-held device, called a transducer, is used to send sound waves into the body, and to receive returning signals. The information returning to the transducer is sent to a computer, which reconstructs cross-sectional images of the body—similar in concept to sonar or radar.
When is ultrasound used?
Because Ultrasound is non-invasive, painless, and does not use ionizing radiation, it is an extremely valuable way to evaluate many parts of the body—including the pregnant uterus, pelvic organs, kidneys, gallbladder, liver, thyroid, breasts and testicles. Doppler Ultrasound is used to evaluate the heart, as well as blood vessels such as the carotid arteries and veins of the legs.
What can I expect during my ultrasound examination?
The procedure is painless. You will lie on a comfortable exam table, while the sonographer moves a transducer over your skin. A gel-like substance is applied to the skin, to allow the sound waves to pass through more easily. For some exams of the female pelvis it may be necessary to place a transducer into the vagina, but this is not uncomfortable for most women.
What forms can I fill out prior to my ultrasound examination?
How should I prepare for an ultrasound exam?
There are different preparations for different kinds of exams.
- Pregnancy, pelvic, and bladder sonogram: Start drinking five (5) 8oz.glasses of non-carbonated water or clear liquid 1 ½ hours before your appointment. (Finish drinking within one hour.) Do not empty your bladder until the exam is completed.
- Abdomen, gallbladder, liver and kidney sonograms: No solid foods for eight (8) hours prior to your exam. You may have clear, non-carbonated liquids (including jello) and you may take your usual medications.
When can my physician expect a copy of my report?
X-RAY
What is an x-ray?
A beam of x-rays can be produced by bombarding a tungsten target with a stream of electrons, inside an x-ray tube. The x-ray beam can penetrate through the body, exposing a sheet of photographic film which records the image cast upon the film by the differing absorption of portions of the beam, by tissues of varying density within the body. For example, the lungs are easily seen because they contain air, allow most of the x-ray beam to pass through, and appear dark on the film. Bones are clearly seen for the opposite reason: they absorb most of the x-ray beam that strikes them, and appear white on x-ray films.
What forms can I fill out prior to my x-ray examination?
For a list of forms you can fill out prior to this procedure, please visit the Patients page where you’ll be able to print off the PDF forms you’ll need.
Are x-rays dangerous?
Exposure to any radiation is potentially hazardous, although the amount used for diagnostic examinations is extremely small—similar to the amount of radiation we receive each month or year from natural sources. Diagnostic x-rays are requested by your physician and performed by us, only when the potential benefit to you far outweighs any potential harm.
How are x-rays used?
X-ray films are very useful for examining the lungs and bones (including the spine) and can also be used for evaluation of the skull, sinuses, abdomen, and all other bones throughout the body.
What happens during an x-ray examination?
When can my physician expect a copy of my report?
Locations
MERRITT ISLAND
255 North Sykes Creek Parkway, Suite 102, Merritt Island, Florida 32953
(321) 454-4897
