Magnetic resonance imaging

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An MRI machine
A picture of a MRI scan of the human head.
An image of a human skull created using MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), is a machine that doctors use. They use it to take some pictures. These pictures are of the soft tissue. Magnetic resonance uses nuclear magnetic resonance to take the pictures.

Contents

[change] Principle

To take an MRI image, the patient lies on a movable bed. The bed enters a strong magnetic field and then certain atoms in the patient's body make special signals. The MRI scanner detects those special signals. The MRI scanner then sends the signal information to the computer, and the computer creates an image of the inner body by using the signal information.

[change] Pros and Cons

The MRI is used to diagnose disorders of the body that cannot be seen by X-rays. The MRI is painless and has the advantage of avoiding X-ray radiation exposure. It is an expensive medical procedure to have. A person who has metallic objects or implants in the body cannot generally have an MRI.

[change] Where to use?

The MRI is also used to study nerves, muscles, bones, and many other tissues in the body.

[change] When to use?

An MRI scan can be used as an extremely accurate method of disease detection throughout the body.

Neurosurgeons use an MRI scan not only in defining brain anatomy but in evaluating the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma. An MRI scan can evaluate the structure of the heart and aorta, where it can detect aneurysms or tears.

It provides valuable information on glands and organs within the abdomen, and accurate information about the structure of the joints, soft tissues, and bones of the body. Often, surgery can be deferred or more accurately directed after knowing the results of an MRI scan.

[change] Other websites

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