MRIs are an essential part of today’s advanced medical technologies.

It helps in optimising diagnosis of a wide range of diseases.

But do you really know what an MRI is?

In this blog we are presenting a comprehensive guide on what MRI is and what it does.

When the doctor is suggesting an MRI next time, make sure you know what MRI is and what it is used for.

What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging commonly known as MRI is a non-invasive test procedure.

It provides detailed imaging of the internal body including the organs, muscles and blood vessels.

Principles of MRI

MRI operates on the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

It utilizes strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to generate detailed images of the body’s internal structures.

Key Components of MRI

• Superconducting coils,
• Gradient coils,
• Radiofrequency (RF) coils,
• Computer systems.

Applications of MRI

MRI is a versatile imaging technique used in various medical specialties. Key applications include:

1.Neurology:

• Detecting and monitoring brain tumours, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders.
• Evaluating spinal cord injuries and abnormalities.

2.Orthopedics:

• Assessing joint abnormalities, such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, and bone infections.
• Diagnosing spinal disc herniation and other musculoskeletal disorders.

3.Cardiology:

• Evaluating heart structures, function, and blood flow.
• Diagnosing congenital heart defects, myocardial infarction, and other cardiac conditions.

4.Oncology:

• Detecting and staging various cancers, including those of the breast, prostate, liver, and pancreas.
• Monitoring response to cancer treatments.

5.Gastroenterology:

• Visualizing the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines.
• Diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases and liver diseases.

6.Urology:

• Evaluating the kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs.
• Detecting renal masses, prostate enlargement, and other urological conditions.

Know more about MRI Scan Costs

Procedures of MRIA Step-by-Step Guide

Did your doctor recommend you to get an MRI?

Here is a guide to help you understand the procedure beforehand.

Step 1: Preparation

• Screening: You need to inform about any metal implants or medical conditions with the technician. They may ask you a few necessary questions.

• Change Clothes: MRI machines are heavily magnetic. So you would have to remove anything that is metal from your body. Even any metal hooks can interfere with MRI procedures. So they will help you change into your hospital gowns

• IV Line (if needed): If a contrast agent is needed, an IV line will be placed in your arm.

Step 2: Positioning

Lie Down: You'll lie on the MRI table, usually on your back.

Coils Placement: Specialized coils (antenna devices) will be placed around or on the part of your body being examined.

Step 3: Entering the Scanner

Move into the Machine: The table will slide into the MRI scanner (a large, cylindrical magnet).

Communication: You'll be given earplugs or headphones to protect against loud noises. There will be a call button to communicate with the technician if necessary.

Step 4: Scanning Process

Initial Scans: The technician will take some initial scans to ensure you're correctly positioned.

Radiofrequency Pulses: The machine will send radiofrequency pulses to disturb the alignment of hydrogen protons in your body.

Image Capture: As the protons return to their original alignment, they emit signals that are detected and used to create images.

Multiple Sequences: The scan includes multiple sets of images, each lasting a few minutes with short breaks in between.

Step 5: Contrast Agent (if needed)

Injection: If a contrast agent is required, it will be injected through the IV line during the scan. Enhanced Images: The contrast helps highlight specific areas, improving image clarity and detail.

Step 6: Completion

Exit the Scanner: Once the scanning is complete, the table will slide out of the machine. Remove IV: If you received a contrast agent, the IV line will be removed. Dress: You can change back into your clothes.

Step 7: Post-Procedure

Image Review: The technician and radiologist will review the images to ensure they are clear and complete. Results: Your doctor will receive the results and discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment. Monitor: You'll be monitored briefly for any immediate reactions, especially if a contrast agent was used.

Advantages of MRI

• MRI provides clearer images
• It provides better soft tissue contrast than CT
• It can differentiate better between fat, water, muscle, and other soft tissue than CT
• No radiation exposure, can be used by pregnant women and children
• It can identify swelling and inflammation

Disadvantages of MRI

• Claustrophobic people find it difficult to fit in a small enclosed space.
• High magnets in MRI can affect metal implants on the body including heart pacemakers.

Safety Considerations with MRI

As we know MRI is a heavy equipment working with magnetic and gradient features. It can raise many concerns including ;

• Unless carefully handled magnetic features in an MRI machine can turn a ferromagnetic object into a projectile or can cause vertigo and headaches.
• Loud knocking noises from MRI machines can harm hearing if adequate ear protection is not used.
• Cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation resulting in sensations
• The radio frequency used in MRI can lead to heating in the body.
• Conditions like headache, dizziness, upset stomach, pain, or an unusual taste in your mouth can occur.

FAQs

1.Is an MRI safe?

Yes, MRI is considered safe. MRI is a non-invasive treatment It does not use ionising radiations like X-Ray or CT scan, so it doesn’t increasing cancer risk

2.Is MRI painful?

No, MRI is a painless procedure. However the requirements of lying down can be not very comfortable and the noises from the machine is quite loud.

3.Can everyone have an MRI?

Implanted cardiac devices can be damaged by an MRI scan, which can at times be fatal. So people with any implants including pacemakers, cochlear implants or any other metal fragments in the body are advised to avoid MRIs. Metal that is well secured to the bone, such as hip and knee joint replacements are however considered safe.