What is an Upright and Open MRI?
Unlike traditional enclosed MRI scanners, our upright and open MRI requires the patient to sit, stand or lie between two large magnetised plates.
With our upright open MRI scanners you are able to see out at all times, and you can even watch TV whilst you have your scan. Patients who have struggled to tolerate traditional supine MRI generally find upright and open MRI much more pleasant – and even the most anxious and claustrophobic individuals are able to obtain the imaging they require.
Patients are able to simply walk in and be scanned in a variety of positions – a technique that is known as either ‘positional’ or ‘weight-bearing’ MRI. This allows for patients to be scanned in the exact position they experience pain, or for the spine and joints to be imaged under the effects of gravity. We can even scan the spine in multiple positions – for example, flexion and extension.
With our technology, we are able to scan patients:
- in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending (London clinic only)
- in a sitting position (dependent on type of examination)
- lying down
- in their position of pain (dependent on type of examination)
- whilst they are weight bearing (dependent on type of examination)
Many people who experience back or joint pain report that it either improves or disappears entirely when lying down – and for this reason many undergo inconclusive traditional supine MRI. Upright MRI allows for a more comprehensive diagnosis for these patients.
Thank you!
I am claustrophobic, and this is the first time I’ve been in an upright scanner. It was brilliant compared to ordinary MRIs
Upright MRI Patient
Upright & Open MRI scan
Key Features at a Glance
Easy Access
Reduced Anxiety
Our state-or the-art scanners are specifically designed for patients who suffer from claustrophobia or anxiety, as well as for those patients that need to be observed during the procedure.
Imaging in Position of Pain
Relaxed Position
An upright MRI allows all parts of the body, particularly the spine and joints, to be imaged in the weight-bearing state. The scanner is able to move to a position that allows superior imaging of the targeted body part.
Bariatric / Resticted Mobility
Comfortable
Upright Open MRI scanners are ideal for those who are either unable to lie flat for extended periods, or are not able to comfortably fit in a traditional MRI tunnel scanner due to size or mobility issues.
Upright & Open MRI scan
What Are The Benefits?
Upright Open MRI scanners have clear advantages over supine imaging that you get with ‘tunnel’ scanners.
Open scanners
Claustrophobia
Upright MRI scanners are designed with the claustrophobic patient in mind. You can walk into our scanners and, depending on which part of you is being scanned; you sit, lie slightly backward, lie horizontally or even stand in some cases. At no point will there be anything in front of you, and when the scan is finished you simply walk out.
Our radiographers are very experienced in dealing with claustrophobic and anxious patients, and will take their time to ensure that you are completely comfortable and relaxed.
State-of-the Art Technology
Weight Bearing
Due to the unique nature of our scanners, we are able to perform weight bearing and positional imaging. The Upright MRI allows parts of the body, particularly the spine and joints, to be imaged in the weight bearing state to show the effect of gravity on the spine.
This can be particularly useful with sports injuries as the patient can be placed in the position where they have the most pain. The system can also rotate the vertically-oriented patient into a horizontal position so the patient can be scanned in a supine position, as in conventional MRI scanning.
Upright & Open MRI scan
Comfort
Due to the fully open design of our scanners, we are able to accommodate larger patients than traditional tunnel MRI scanners, as well as being ideal for those who are either unable to lie flat for extended periods.
We provide a much more comfortable experience for larger individuals, and we have helped countless individuals who have been unable to enter a traditional tunnel MRI due to their size obtain the imaging they require.
As an example, our scanner in London can accommodate persons up to 35 stone (227kg) and up to 18 inches wide (45.7 cm).
Self Referals
Reasons you would want to self refer?
- You are unable to obtain a GP or consultant referral for an MRI scan.
- Your symptoms may not have been satisfactorily resolved.
- You may wish to speed up the diagnostic process.
- You may be unable to arrange an MRI scan on the NHS.
- You may be claustrophobic, or anxious about having a tunnel MRI scan.
- You’re unable to physically lie flat, or comfortably fit in a tunnel scanner.
- You perhaps feel let down by prior medical consultation.
- You may be looking for a second opinion.
- Or simply looking for reassurance or peace of mind.
Upright Open MRI Scan
Your Health Journey
At all times our primary concern is your wellbeing. We will at every stage be there to help you through what may be an anxious time for you and your family. Our friendly team will explain the procedure and be able to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Below is a walkthrough of what to expect on a visit. Please see our FAQs for more information or please call us to discuss any issues.
Complete our online form
The first step to arranging your MRI is to either send us the referral form from your consultant or GP, or to ask them to send it to us on your behalf.
Alternatively, if you wish to self refer, please complete the online form here.
Choose an appointment
Once your form has been received and vetted by our clinical team, you will be contacted by a member of our administrative team, who will ask you some simple safety questions to ensure that you are MRI safe.
If they have no concerns they will then offer to schedule you an appointment at a mutually convenient time
Choose an appointment
Once your form has been received and vetted by our clinical team, you will be contacted by a member of our administrative team, who will ask you some simple safety questions to ensure that you are MRI safe.
If they have no concerns they will then offer to schedule you an appointment at a mutually convenient time
Your MRI Scan
We ask that you arrive fifteen minutes prior to your appointment time. Our radiographers will explain the entire process to you, and will answer any questions you have prior to commencing the scan.
An MRI scan is performed in ‘sequences’. At the start of each sequence you will be informed of the duration, and asked to remain as still as possible.
Reports
Your scan images will be assigned to a specialist consultant radiologist for reporting. The report will be completed within 72 hours.
The report will be sent to your referring medical professional, who will discuss these results with you directly. If you have self-referred for the MRI, the report will be sent to you directly, as well as your GP.
Your scan images will be made available to you.
Reports
Your scan images will be assigned to a specialist consultant radiologist for reporting. The report will be completed within 2 working days.
The report will be sent to your referring medical professional, who will discuss these results with you directly. If you have self-referred for the MRI, the report will be sent to you directly, as well as your GP.
Your scan images will be made available to you on CD.
Referrers
Refer your Patients
We welcome referrers and we will work closely with you to ensure your patient receives the best care and prompt diagnosis. Our experienced Consultant Radiologists will provide a report within 72 hours of the scan being performed to enable you then to prescribe the most appropriate treatment for the condition.
Patients
Refer Yourself
Refer yourself and book a scan today with Upright MRI at any one of our locations: London or Birmingham.
At this stage all we ask is that you complete a simple form and satisfy the safety questions. We will then contact you directly.
Patient Testimonials
We pride ourselves on the feedback we have from our Patients. We are rated Excellent on Doctify. Read patient reviews below.
Patients and Referrers
Start Your Journey
Book an MRI scan directly with us by completing the Self referral form or completing our enquiry form. We will then contact you to discuss your specific requirements, and confirm the costs with you.
OR
if you are a Referrer wishing to refer a patient complete our Private Patient or NHS Patient Referral forms.
Speak to the team
Get in Touch
Call us on 0207 637 2888 or complete our enquiry form if you would like to discuss an MRI scan with Upright MRI.
Our friendly team members are on hand and will be more than happy to help with any questions that you may have.
