Newton Medical Center

A Guide to MRI: Open vs. Closed Magnets

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a safe, painless diagnostic imaging tool used to examine the organs and structures within the body. Using a magnetic field and pulses of radio-frequency waves, an MRI can create detailed images of the brain, spine, bones, joints, pelvis, abdomen, breasts, heart, and other vital tissues. Educate yourself on the different types of magnetic resonance imaging technology that your emergency medical facility may utilize with the following article:

The two main types of MRIs contain either open or closed magnets. Both types work when the magnetic field temporarily aligns the water molecules within the body, allowing radio-frequency waves to produce faint signals as they bounce off of the water molecules, creating cross-sectional images of the area being scanned.

Closed MRI magnets are the oldest type of MRI machines, and are usually the first choice for ER or emergency medical physicians. During a closed MRI, the patient lies flat on a table as it slides into a large cylindrical tube. The procedure itself can last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes and requires that the patient remain very still.

An open MRI, on the other hand, is built into a C-shape or donut that allows the patient to slide in and out without being fully enclosed within the machine. While both machines work in the same way and produce very similar results, open MRI magnets are ideal for larger individuals or those that cannot deal with small closed spaces.

Both open and closed MRIs can be used to check for aneurysms, stroke damage, auditory or visual conditions, organ structure abnormalities, joint disorders, bone infections, heart disease, and signs of cancer.

The radiologists with Newton Medical Center are board-certified and fellowship-trained to provide local residents with high-quality MRI services. We offer both open and closed MRI services, and accept Medicare and Medicaid patients. Learn more by contacting us at (888) 507-9146.

Diabetes and Medical Emergencies - Resources From Newton Medical Clinic

If you are dealing with diabetes you are aware that this condition can lead to an emergency medical situation if not handled properly. Newton Medical Center has all the resources necessary to meet your emergency medical needs. To learn more about our services, call (888) 507-9146 today.

• The American Diabetes Association offers some tips on how to get the best care during a diabetes-related medical emergency.
• LifeClinic.com discusses the symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and explains how to handle these conditions.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical emergency.  Get familiar with DKA at MayoClinic.com.
• The American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine provides an overview of the role of minor care facilities.
• Urgent care and minor care facilities reduce health care costs.  Read more in this article from the New York Times.

Newton Medical Center - Knox Surgical Center

Learn to Save a Life by Viewing This CPR Demo Video

You don’t necessarily need to be expertly trained in CPR to help save a life. In this video, the American Heart Association provides an overview of the Hands-Only CPR method.

When you see that an adult has collapsed and is unresponsive, call 9-1-1 or designate someone to call for you. The next step is to get directly over the victim, placing the heel of one hand in the center of his or her chest. Cover your first hand with your second hand and push hard and fast at a rate of 100 beats per minute. Learn more about the technique by watching the clip.

Whether you’re showing signs of a heart attack, stroke, or other emergency medical situation, Newton Medical Center is here to help. Contact us today at (888) 507-9146 to learn more about our services.

This February 6th-12th: National Burn Awareness Week

The week of February 6th through the 12th is designated as National Burn Awareness Week. This week strives to educate patients and consumers about the various types of burns. The treatment method for burns varies based on their severity and the amount of skin damaged, but burns often result in the need for emergency medical care. There is no better time to educate yourself on burns and when to seek the care of an ER or triage center.

A burn is characterized as damage to tissue caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, sunlight, or radiation. The most common causes of burns include flammable liquids and gases, scalds from steam or hot liquids, and building fires. There are four basic types of burns, including:

• First-Degree: These are minor burns that only affect the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. First-degree burns cause redness and pain, but can typically be resolved using at-home first aid remedies.
• Second-Degree: These burns affect both the epidermis and dermis, or second layer of skin. Second-degree burns cause swelling, redness, and pain, and often look wet or moist. These burns may also cause blisters and scarring.
• Third-Degree: Third-degree burns affect the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. These burns can destroy nerves and cause numbness, as well as make the skin appear stiff, waxy, or leathery.
• Fourth-Degree: The most severe of burns, fourth-degree burns reach the nerves, muscles, and even bones beneath the subcutaneous tissue. Fourth-degree burns may not cause pain if the nerve damage is substantial. The skin often appears charred or blackened following a fourth-degree burn.

It is important to seek treatment from an emergency medical facility for burns that cover large portions of the body, second-degree burns larger than the palm of your hand, or burns that are accompanied by weakness, smoke inhalation, or difficulty breathing.

Newton Medical Center is a full-service, hospital-based advanced life support system devoted to providing the best pre-hospital care in the Newton community. Get the medical care you need by contacting us at (888) 507-9146.