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Overview. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. You lie inside the tube during the scan. An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including the:
- How It's Performed
A single scan may take from a few seconds to 3 or 4 minutes....
- Who Can Have One
The strong magnets used during the scan can affect any metal...
- How It's Performed
- Overview
- What is an MRI?
- What is an MRI with contrast?
- Why would you need an MRI?
- What to expect during an MRI
- How to prepare for an MRI
- After your MRI scan
- Are there risks from an MRI?
- Who should not have an MRI?
- Who will read your MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique using magnets, radio waves, and a computer that produces images of soft tissues in the body, like muscles and organs. Unlike some other imaging tests, this type of scan does not use radiation.
An MRI scan is a noninvasive medical test that provides images of the soft tissues, like organs and muscles, within the body. The images are created using a magnetic field along with radio waves and a computer.
An MRI machine is big enough to fit around your entire body. Its tube-shaped magnets create a magnetic field that realigns the protons found in all the water molecules in your tissues.
Radio waves transmitted by the machine are what help create 3D images. They appear as slices, called cross-sections, and allow doctors to visualize each layer of tissue.
Your doctor may order an MRI with contrast. This means that prior to the scan, you will be given a contrast agent (sometimes called a “dye”) intravenously. This agent typically contains a metal called gadolinium.
When a contrast agent is in your body, it speeds up the proton activity and produces brighter, clearer images.
MRI is not used to diagnose things like broken bones. This is because bones do not contain much water, so the magnetic field and radio waves cannot make clear images.
Instead, MRI is used to visualize organs and other soft tissues. It can help diagnose a variety of health conditions throughout the body.
MRI of the brain and spinal cord can detect:
•brain aneurysms
•brain injury
•eye or ear issues
In general, you can expect your MRI to go something like this:
1.You will arrive at your appointment, change into a cotton or paper gown, and remove any metal objects (like jewelry or watches) from your body.
2.You will lie on the scanning table and be moved into the MRI machine. The hospital staff will be able to communicate with you through an intercom.
3.The machine will make beeping and clicking noises. They may be quite loud — up to 120 decibels, or louder than a chainsaw. The hospital staff may provide you with earplugs or other protection from the noise.
4.You will need to lay still for the duration of the scan. You may notice that the area of your body being scanned feels warm.
5.The scan will last between 20 and 90 minutes. The length of time depends on what part of the body is being scanned.
There isn’t much preparation involved with getting an MRI. You may take your medications and continue eating and drinking as you usually do.
If you are having an abdominal or pelvic MRI, you may need to fast for 5 or more hours before your scan.
Following your scan, you may wait to ensure the images are clear. If the radiographer needs additional images, you may need to go back into the MRI machine.
If everything looks good, you can get dressed and go home to wait for your results. MRIs are noninvasive, so there isn’t any necessary recovery time or aftercare.
Again, MRI machines do not emit radiation like X-ray or CT scans. That said, the magnets are extremely powerful in and around the machine.
It’s important to inform the hospital staff about any medical implants you have that contain metal. Likewise, you’ll need to remove any jewelry or other metal objects (steel, iron, etc.) from your body and clothing before entering the room with the machine.
Implants that may be affected include:
•pacemakers
•vagus nerve stimulators
•implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
MRI scans are generally safe.
Experts advise that pregnant people may need to avoid scans, particularly in the first trimester when a baby’s organs are forming.
Your images will be read by a radiologist or other doctor who is trained to interpret MRI scans. The report of that specialist’s findings will be forwarded to your doctor.
You will likely have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss these results and any next steps.
- Ashley Marcin
In particular, an MRI scan can be used to diagnose or monitor: conditions that affect your brain, spine and nervous system, such as such as brain tumours, spinal disc problems, and multiple sclerosis. heart conditions such as valve problems. problems with your blood vessels, such as narrowing of your arteries or risk of rupture (bursting) cancer.
- Having tooth implants or fillings shouldn’t stop you from having an MRI scan. But it’s important to let your radiographer know if you have any of t...
- If you’re claustrophobic, you may still be able to have an MRI scan. Although MRI scanners resemble a tunnel, they are open at either end so you wo...
- There are lots of differences between MRI scans and CT scans. An MRI scan takes images of your soft tissues and doesn’t use any radiation. CT scans...
A single scan may take from a few seconds to 3 or 4 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. Depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken, the whole procedure will take 15 to 90 minutes. The MRI scanner will make loud tapping noises at certain times during the procedure.
Aug 6, 2023 · MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create a detailed image on a computer screen. It can show different types of tissue, organs and other structures inside your body. This image is an MRI scan of a brain. The person's eyeballs can be seen at the top of the picture.
Sep 2, 2024 · About an MRI scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. You lie inside the tube during the scan. An MRI scan can be used to examine any part of the body.
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Jun 8, 2023 · A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. MRI can help with viewing injuries, tumors ...
