MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A form of scan called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates precise images of the inside of the body by combining radio waves and powerful magnetic fields.
A massive tube with solid magnets is an MRI scanner. During the scan, you lie within the box.
How does an MRI scan work?
Hydrogen and oxygen atoms make up the majority of the water molecules that make up the human body.
Each hydrogen atom has a proton, an even smaller particle, at its center. Because they resemble small magnets, protons are extremely sensitive to magnetic fields.
Similar to how a magnet may pull a compass’s needle, the protons in your body line up in the same direction when you lie beneath the strong scanner magnets. This procedure won’t be something you can feel.
The protons are thrown out of alignment by short radio wave bursts that subsequently direct towards certain body parts.
MRI scan procedure
You lay on a flatbed and enter the MRI scanner during the procedure.
You will enter the scanner depending on which area of your body, head first or feet first. A radiographer, who has training in imaging studies, operates the MRI scanner.
To keep it out of the magnetic field produced by the scanner, they operate the scanner using a computer that is in a different room.
You’ll get headphones or earplugs to wear. It’s essential to maintain complete stillness throughout your MRI scan.
During the scan, the radiographer might urge you to hold your breath for a short period or do something else. The examination takes 15 to 90 minutes.
MRI uses
In-depth examinations of the human body’s inside can now be conducted by doctors, scientists, and researchers without causing any harm.
The following situations urge the usage of an MRI scanner:
- Brain and spinal cord irregularities
- Anomalies such as cysts, tumors, and others
- Breast cancer
- Joint pain
- Specific sorts of heart issues
- Liver and other abdominal organ illnesses
- Assessment of female pelvic discomfort
- Possible uterine abnormalities in female patients undergoing infertility evaluation
This usage is by no means a comprehensive list. The scope and applications of MRI technology are continuously growing.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022