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Powerful Imaging Technology

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body, often used in medical imaging for soft tissues.

Tailored to Your Needs

MRI is ideal to help diagnose many types of injuries and conditions because of the ability to tailor the exam to the particular medical question being asked. Unlike conventional X-rays and computed tomography (CT) which use radiation, MRI imaging is based on the magnetic properties of atoms. Some common uses for MRI include:

  • Imaging knee & shoulder injuries involving muscles, ligaments & tendons

  • Imaging the brain, spinal cord & nerves

  • Breast cancer screening for those at high risk

  • When frequent imaging is needed, MRI can be used instead of CT reduce radiation exposure.

Available Across the Region

MRI is available with a physician’s order at NMHS locations across north Mississippi and northwest Alabama including:

  • The Imaging Center, Tupelo

  • Longtown Medical Imaging, Tupelo

  • Medical Imaging at Barnes Crossing, Tupelo

  • North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo

  • North Mississippi Medical Center Gilmore-Amory

  • North Mississippi Medical Center-Iuka

  • North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point

  • North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton, Alabama

What to Expect

MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. The patient lies down a padded table for the imaging study.

  • MRI exams average 30-60 minutes.

  • You will need to lie still to avoid blurry images.

  • Depending on your study, you may need a contrast agent by IV or injection.

  • The MRI machine will not touch you during the exam.

  • There can be loud clicking and beeping noises.

  • If you are claustrophobic, talk to your doctor about special accommodations.

Related Locations

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Meet Our Team

Richard Michael Arriola MD
RadiologyInterventional Radiology
Robert Conrad Becker MD
RadiologyNeuroradiology
Mark Lloyd Ellis MD
Interventional RadiologyRadiology
Jeffrey Carlton Howard MD
RadiologyInterventional Radiology
Amanda Beth Johnson DO
RadiologyInterventional Radiology
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Imaging Awards

ACR Mammography
Mammography

Accredited by the American College of Radiology

ACR CT
Computed Tomography (CT)

Accredited by the American College of Radiology

ACR MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Accredited by the American College of Radiology

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Radiology Department

Accredited by the State of Mississippi

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Talk to a nurse

Nurse Link® is a free telephone triage and health information service provided by North Mississippi Health Services. Using computerized medical protocols, nurses direct callers to the most appropriate medical treatment.

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Cancer Screening

Radiology plays an important part in screening and early detection for breast cancer and lung cancer. Breast cancer screening starts with mammography. Lung cancer screening uses low dose CT. 

Notepad-Text--Streamline-Flex

Cancer Screening

Radiology plays an important part in screening and early detection for breast cancer and lung cancer. Breast cancer screening starts with mammography. Lung cancer screening uses low dose CT.