Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates detailed images of organs and other body structures using a large magnet, a computer and radiofrequencies. Unlike computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans or X-rays, MRI does not use radiation.
MRI can be used to diagnose or rule out certain neurological conditions, including:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease
- Aphasia
- Ataxia
- Central pain syndrome
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Concussions
- Cranial base tumors
- Dementia
- Dizziness
- Epilepsy
- Essential tremor
- Facial nerve disorders
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Headaches
- Huntington's disease
- Migraines
- Moyamoya disease
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Stroke
- Tic disorders
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Vascular dementia
Northwestern Medicine specialists* are committed to safe and effective X-ray exposure using the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) philosophy and featuring new technologies that give you:
- More enhanced images
- More detailed images
- Greater capacity
- A more comfortable experience
During an MRI, you will:
- Be asked to remove jewelry, clothing, eyeglasses, removable dental work, hearing aids, etc.
- Be given a hospital gown to wear if you are required to remove your clothing.
- Have an intravenous (IV) line inserted in your hand or arm if you are having an MRI with contrast dye.
- Lie on a table that slides into a long, tube-like machine.
- Be able to see your MRI technician through a window.
- Wear a headset or earplugs to reduce the machine's noise levels.
- Be asked to remain very still so the scan can create accurate images.
An MRI scan is painless, though you may feel discomfort from having to lie still for an extended period of time. Your technician will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.
Locations Offering this Test
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Northwestern Memorial Hospital
251 East Huron StreetChicago, Illinois 60611place -
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
1000 N. Westmoreland RoadLake Forest, IL 60045place -
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
25 N. Winfield RoadWinfield, IL 60190place -
Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
300 Randall RoadGeneva, IL 60134place -
Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center Diagnostic Imaging
2701 Patriot Blvd.Suite 175Glenview, IL 60026placePhone 847.535.8000 -
Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Center
1475 E. Belvidere RoadGrayslake, IL 60030placePhone 847.535.8000 -
Northwestern Medicine Diagnostic Imaging Huntley
10350 Haligus RoadHuntley, IL 60142placePhone 815.334.5566 -
Northwestern Medicine Diagnostic Imaging McHenry
4201 Medical Center DriveMcHenry, IL 60050placePhone 815.334.5566 -
Northwestern Medicine Diagnostic Imaging Woodstock
3701 Doty RoadWoodstock, IL 60098placePhone 815.334.5566 -
Northwestern Medicine Diagnostic Imaging Crystal Lake
360 Station DriveCrystal Lake, IL 60014placePhone 815.477.3400 -
Northwestern Medicine Gavers Breast Center
360 N. Terra Cotta RoadCrystal Lake, IL 60012placePhone 815.356.6149 -
Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center
2701 Patriot Blvd.Glenview, IL 60026place -
Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center
1475 E. Belvidere RoadGrayslake, IL 60030place -
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Northwestern Medicine Vernon Hills Imaging
870 N. Milwaukee Ave.Second FloorVernon Hills, IL 60061placePhone 847.535.8000
Related Resources
- What to Expect During Your MRI: Learn what to expect during your MRI (Western Suburbs locations).
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital MRI Services: Learn the preparations and care needed before and after an MRI at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital MRI Prescreen Form: Download this MRI prescreen form to answer important questions prior to your MRI at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. English | Spanish
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital Patient History Form: Download this to answer important questions about patient history if you will be a patient at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. English | Spanish
- Kidney Disease and MRI Contrast at Northwestern Memorial Hospital: Learn important information about this procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. English | Spanish
In the spirit of keeping you well-informed, some of the physician(s) and/or individual(s) identified are neither agents nor employees of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare or any of its affiliate organizations. They have selected our facilities as places where they want to treat and care for their private patients.