Where Can I Get A Mri Scan Near Me

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of browse that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the within of the body.

An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. You prevarication inside the tube during the scan.

An MRI scan can be used to examine nigh whatever part of the body, including the:

brain and spinal cord
bones and joints
breasts
heart and blood vessels
internal organs, such as the liver, womb or prostate gland

The results of an MRI scan can exist used to help diagnose weather condition, plan treatments and assess how constructive previous treatment has been.

What happens during an MRI scan?

During an MRI scan, you lie on a flat bed that'south moved into the scanner.

Depending on the office of your trunk being scanned, yous'll be moved into the scanner either head first or feet starting time.

Person lying on a flat bed being moved into an MRI scanner by a radiographer operating the controls

The MRI scanner is operated by a radiographer, who is trained in carrying out imaging investigations.

They command the scanner using a computer, which is in a different room, to keep it abroad from the magnetic field generated by the scanner.

You'll be able to talk to the radiographer through an intercom and they'll be able to see you on a television receiver monitor and through the viewing window throughout the scan.

At certain times during the browse, the scanner volition make loud tapping noises. This is the electric current in the scanner coils being turned on and off.

Y'all'll exist given earplugs or headphones to article of clothing.

It's very of import to go along equally withal as possible during your MRI scan.

The radiographer may ask you to agree your breath for a few seconds or follow other instructions during the scan.

The scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the surface area being scanned and how many images are taken.

Read more nigh how an MRI scan is performed.

How does an MRI browse piece of work?

Most of the human body is made up of water molecules, which consist of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

At the heart of each hydrogen atom is an even smaller particle called a proton. Protons are similar tiny magnets and are very sensitive to magnetic fields.

When you lie nether the powerful scanner magnets, the protons in your body line up in the aforementioned direction, in the same manner that a magnet can pull the needle of a compass. Y'all will non be able to feel this.

Short bursts of radio waves are then sent to certain areas of the body, knocking the protons out of alignment.

When the radio waves are turned off, the protons realign. This sends out radio signals, which are picked up by receivers.

These signals provide information well-nigh the exact location of the protons in the trunk.

They likewise assistance to distinguish between the various types of tissue in the body, because the protons in different types of tissue realign at unlike speeds and produce distinct signals.

In the same manner that millions of pixels on a estimator screen tin create complex pictures, the signals from the millions of protons in the body are combined to create a detailed image of the within of the body.

Safety

An MRI scan is a painless and safe process. You may find it uncomfortable if you accept claustrophobia, only near people are able to manage it with back up from the radiographer.

Most modernistic MRI scanners have a wider tunnel, which tin can help reduce claustrophobia. Going into the scanner feet first may be easier, although this isn't always possible.

Extensive research has been carried out into whether the magnetic fields and radio waves used during MRI scans could pose a run a risk to the human torso.

No evidence has been found to suggest at that place's a risk, which means MRI scans are one of the safest medical procedures available.

But MRI scans may not be recommended in certain situations. For instance, if you accept a metal implant fitted, such as a pacemaker or artificial articulation, you may not be able to have an MRI scan.

If you're meaning, a doctor volition hash out with you whether an MRI scan is suitable for you lot.

Read more about who can and can't have an MRI scan.

Page last reviewed: 26 July 2022
Next review due: 26 July 2025