Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced medical imaging test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves, generated by a computer, to produce high-resolution images of organs and tissues inside the body. Unlike X-ray and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation.

Most MRI machines are large, cylindrical magnets. When a patient lies inside the scanner, the magnetic field interacts with hydrogen atoms in the body to create detailed cross-sectional images, similar to slices. MRI can also generate three-dimensional (3D) images viewed from multiple angles.

Why Is MRI Performed?

MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows physicians to examine organs, soft tissues, and the skeletal system in great detail. It helps diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions with exceptional accuracy.

MRI of the Brain and Spinal Cord

MRI is the most commonly used imaging test for the brain and spinal cord. It is often performed to diagnose:

Brain aneurysms
Inner ear and eye disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Spinal cord diseases
Stroke
Brain tumors
Traumatic brain injury

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Functional MRI is a specialized type of MRI that measures blood flow to specific areas of the brain. It is used to:

Identify brain regions responsible for movement, speech, and vital functions
Guide brain surgery planning
Detect brain damage from head injuries
Evaluate conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease

MRI of the Heart and Blood Vessels

Cardiac and vascular MRI can assess:

Size and function of heart chambers
Thickness and motion of heart walls
Damage caused by heart attacks
Structural problems of the aorta (aneurysm or dissection)
Inflammation or blockage of blood vessels

MRI of Other Internal Organs

MRI can detect tumors or abnormalities in many organs, including:

Liver and bile ducts
Kidneys
Spleen
Pancreas
Uterus
Ovaries
Prostate

MRI of Bones and Joints

MRI is helpful in detecting:

Joint injuries, including ligament and cartilage tears
Spinal disc problems
Bone infections
Bone and soft tissue tumors

Breast MRI

Breast MRI is used in combination with mammography to detect breast cancer, especially in:

Women with dense breast tissue
Women at high risk of breast cancer

Risks of MRI

Because MRI uses strong magnets, metal objects in the body may pose safety risks or affect image quality. MRI may not be possible for patients with:

Metal prosthetic joints
Artificial heart valves
Implanted defibrillators
Drug infusion pumps
Nerve stimulators
Pacemakers
Metal clips, plates, screws, or surgical pins
Cochlear implants
Bullets, shrapnel, or metal fragments
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Some tattoos or permanent makeup may contain metallic pigments and should be reported before the scan.

MRI During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or suspect pregnancy
MRI effects on the fetus are not fully understood
Alternative imaging may be recommended
Breastfeeding patients should inform their doctor, especially if contrast material is used

How to Prepare for an MRI

Eat and take medications as usual unless instructed otherwise
Change into a medical gown
Remove all metallic objects such as:
- Jewelry
- Eyeglasses
- Watches
- Hairpins
- Dentures
- Hearing aids
- Metal-containing cosmetics

What to Expect During the MRI Scan

You will lie on a table that slides into a narrow tube
The procedure is painless
Loud tapping or knocking sounds are normal
Earplugs or headphones may be provided
In some cases, a contrast agent (usually gadolinium) is injected intravenously
The scan lasts from 15 minutes to over an hour
Staying still is essential for clear images

During functional MRI, you may be asked to perform simple tasks to activate specific brain regions.

After the MRI Scan

You may resume normal activities immediately if no sedatives were used
A radiologist will analyze the images
Results will be sent to your physician for discussion

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