Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body. It provides precise details of your body parts, especially soft tissues, with the help of magnetic fields and radio waves. It is non-invasive and painless.
How does MRI work?
MRI works by using strong magnets to create a magnetic field around your body. This magnetic field causes the protons in your body to align with it. When radio waves are pulsed through your body, the protons are stimulated and spin out of equilibrium. When the radio waves are turned off, the protons return to their original position and release energy. This energy is detected by the MRI machine and used to create an image of the inside of your body.
Types of MRI?
There are different types of MRI machines. The two main types of MRI machines are closed bore and open. While closed bore MRI machines take the highest quality images, open MRI machines may provide more comfort during the imaging due to the lack of an enclosed space. Magnets used for MRI are of three types: permanent, resistive and superconductive. Apart from these types, there are some specialized features that have been incorporated to optimize the output of MRI scans such as Magnetization Transfer MRI, T1rho MRI, Proton Density Weighted Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR), Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI), Neuromelanin Imaging.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most types of MRIs take about 15 to 90 minutes to complete. In some cases, your MRI might be shorter or longer. The part of your body getting scanned and the number of images needed to play a role in determining how long the MRI will take. If your MRI requires contrast dye, it will typically last a little longer than MRIs that don’t require it.
What are some common uses of MRI?
MRI is a common diagnostic tool used to confirm a wide range of problems with the soft tissue, such as organs, ligaments and the circulatory system. MRI can diagnose blood clots, spinal injuries, aneurysms, ligament and meniscus tears (such as ACL), stroke and inflammation. It may be used to help diagnose or monitor treatment for a variety of conditions within the chest, abdomen and pelvis. MRI may be used to diagnose many different diseases such as brain and spinal cord injuries, blood vessel abnormalities, lymph node abnormalities, diseases of abdominal, chest and pelvic organs (e.g. liver, kidney and heart), various cancers, joint injuries and infertility.
What are some risks associated with MRI?
MRI is generally a safe procedure. However, there are some risks associated with the procedure. The strong magnets used during the scan can cause metal objects in your body to move, which can be dangerous if you have metal implants or other metal objects in your body. The radio waves used during the scan can also heat up your body tissue, which can be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, you should let your doctor know before having an MRI.
To write a content on this is not easy because there will be a lot of information. So tried to inform a Non-tech person in a very superficial way. Thank you. Mr. Shivu Y S Biomedical Engineer
Manasvi Healthtech
Mysore, KA - 570009