Health Tips

What to Expect During a Breast MRI and How to Prepare for It

If your doctor has recommended a breast MRI, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. Whether it’s your first time or a follow-up scan, understanding how to prepare and what the procedure involves can help ease anxiety and ensure everything goes smoothly. Let’s walk through how to get ready for your appointment and provide a step-by-step overview of the breast MRI experience.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): A Minimally Invasive Solution for Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain, especially from osteoarthritis, can significantly impact daily life. While treatments like physical therapy, medications and injections offer relief, they aren’t always effective long-term. For those seeking a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an emerging option. This procedure helps reduce knee pain by decreasing blood flow to inflamed areas, providing lasting relief.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine fibroids can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, from heavy menstrual bleeding to pelvic pain. For those seeking a minimally invasive treatment, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) offers an effective alternative to surgery. This guide explores how UFE works, who can benefit, what to expect and how to prepare for the procedure.

Outpatient vs. Inpatient Care: Exploring the Advantages of Outpatient Services

When seeking medical treatment, patients often face the decision between inpatient and outpatient care. Understanding the differences between these two types of care and the benefits of outpatient services can help individuals make informed healthcare choices.

Cervical Cancer Staging: Ultrasound vs. MRI - Which Imaging Test is Best?

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women, but thankfully, advancements in diagnostic technology have improved early detection and treatment planning. A critical part of managing cervical cancer is accurate staging, which determines the extent of the disease and guides treatment decisions. Two common imaging tests used in cervical cancer staging are ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Diagnostic Imaging: The Bridge Between Symptoms and Treatment

Diagnostic imaging is a cornerstone of modern medicine, offering non-invasive methods to see inside the human body and identify medical conditions. By creating detailed images of internal structures, diagnostic imaging provides doctors with vital information to diagnose, treat and monitor a wide range of health issues. From X-rays to advanced MRI scans, these technologies empower medical professionals to make precise decisions tailored to each patient.

The Most Common Interventional Radiology Procedures

Interventional radiology (IR) is a specialized field of medicine that employs advanced imaging methods, including X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds, to perform minimally invasive treatments. These procedures offer patients less pain, shorter recovery times, and reduced risk compared to traditional surgery. This article explores some of the most common procedures performed using interventional radiology. DRI offers many of these procedures at our Alamance and Lake Brandt locations. 

Understanding Lower Back Pain and Sciatica

Lower back pain is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While many causes exist, one of the more painful and debilitating conditions is sciatica. Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back to the legs, is pinched or aggravated. This can result in sharp pain, tingling or numbness that radiates from the lower back to the legs.

The Difference Between a Colonoscopy and Virtual Colonoscopy

There are two primary methods of screening for colorectal issues: a traditional colonoscopy and a virtual colonoscopy. Understanding the differences between these procedures is crucial for making an informed decision about your health.

Current guidelines recommend men and women get their first colonoscopy at age 45 if they are at average risk for colorectal cancer.