What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a painless examination that provides very clear images of the body's organs and structures. MRI uses large magnets, radio waves, and computers to create these detailed images. No X-rays (radiation) are used. Because MRI does not use X-rays or other radiation, it is the imaging test of choice for diagnosis or treatment, especially when frequent pictures need to be taken to monitor the brain.

What is an open MRI?

Open (or 'open hole') MRI refers to the type of machine that produces images. Typically, an open MRI machine has two flat magnets placed at the top and bottom with a large space between them. This allows for open space on both sides and alleviates much of the claustrophobia that many people experience with closed MRI machines.

However, an open MRI does not produce as clear an image as a closed MRI machine. Closed MRI machines have a magnetic ring that forms an open hole or tube in the center to receive images. A closed pore MRI is a narrow space that runs from the head to the ceiling. This can cause anxiety and discomfort for some people, but these MRI machines produce the highest quality images.

If you're worried about an MRI scan or afraid of confined spaces, talk to your healthcare provider. If necessary, your doctor will discuss options for sedation (medicines to help you feel comfortable) or anesthesia, if needed.

What is MRI using a contrast medium?

Some MRI exams use an injection of contrast material. The contrast agent contains gadolinium, a rare earth metal. When in the body, this substance changes the magnetic properties of the surrounding water molecules, improving the quality of the image. This improves the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic imaging. Contrast agents improve vision.

• the tumor.
• Inflammation. Epidemic.
• blood supply to certain organs. Blood vessel.
• If your MRI requires a contrast agent, your healthcare provider will insert an intravenous catheter (IV line) into a vein in your hand or arm. They use this IV to inject a contrast agent.

Contrast agents are safe drugs. Mild to serious side effects occur, but serious reactions are rare.

What is the difference between an MRI scan and a CT scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create a picture of the inside of the body, while computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and a computer.

Health care providers often prefer to use an MRI scan to view soft tissues or non-bony parts of the body over a CT scan. MRI scanners are safer because they do not use harmful ionizing X-ray radiation.

MRI scanners also produce much clearer images of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons than traditional X-ray and CT scans. However, not everyone can have an MRI. MRI magnetic fields can displace metal implants or affect the performance of devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps. If so, a CT scan is the next best thing.

MRI scans are usually more expensive than X-rays or CT scans.

Is MRI safe?

MRI scans are generally safe and pose little risk to the average person as long as proper safety guidelines are followed. The strong magnetic fields generated by MRI machines are not harmful to the human body, but implanted medical devices can malfunction or distort images.

If an MRI requires the use of a contrast agent, the chance of an allergic reaction is very low. These reactions are usually mild and can be controlled with medication. Get medical help right away if you have an allergic reaction. Healthcare providers generally do not perform gadolinium MRI on pregnant women unless necessary because of unknown risks to the developing baby.

What does the MRI show?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Health care providers can use MRI to 'see' and evaluate various structures in the body, including:

• The brain and the nervous tissue around it. Organs of the chest and abdomen, including the heart, liver, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen, intestines, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
• breast tissue. spine and spinal cord.
• Pelvic organs, including bladder and reproductive organs (uterus and ovaries in a person designated as female at birth and prostate in a person designated as male at birth)
• Blood vessel. lymph nodes.