Open MRI machines help comfort more anxious patients

Advanced technology and design changes to MRI machines have given more people the opportunity to comfortably test for potentially dangerous injuries.

Doctors often ask for an MRI scan for patients with potential brain, spine or joint injuries.

An MRI uses magnets to transmit radio waves over a patient's body.

Closed MRIs, with walls surrounding a patient and more space for magnets, created a better image quality, he said.

Within the past couple years, the Advanced Imaging practice received a newer General Electric open MRI scanner with stronger magnets.

Making patients less anxious is a large component of Griffin Hospital's Imaging and Diagnostic Center in Shelton, Conn., according to Ken Roberts, the hospital's director of communications and public relations.