• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a painless diagnostic imaging technique employing a magnetic field and radio waves generated by a computer to create detailed images of various internal organs and tissues within the body
• It produces high resolution images of the internal organs and is helpful in diagnosing various conditions. In fact, it is the most commonly used method to evaluate the brain and spinal cord
• MRI machines are generally large, tube-shaped magnets. When a patient lies inside the machine, the magnetic field temporarily redistributes the water molecules within our body. The computer generated radio waves makes these molecules emit signals, which enables creation of cross-sectional MRI images (similar to slices in a loaf of bread).
• The MRI machine can also create 3D images that can be viewed from various angles
MRI TEST PROCEDURE
• The MRI machine is a long narrow tube with both ends open.
• The patient lies on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tube.
• During the procedure, a medical person sitting in another area closely monitors the patient, and the patient can communicate with that person via microphone.
• In contrast MRI, a contrast material, typically gadolinium, will be injected intravenously (IV) to enhance the images. Gadolinium may rarely cause allergic reactions.
• During a type of MRI called functional MRI, the patient is asked to do several simple tasks such as moving a toe or finger, or answering simple questions. This helps identify parts of the brain that control these activities
• The duration of the procedure can vary from 15 minutes to more than an hour. The patient must not move because movement can make the images appear blurred
• The patient can resume his/ her usual activities immediately after the scan.
• The images will be analyzed and interpreted by a radiologist and a detailed report will be given to the patient
CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE DIAGNOSED WITH MRI (not an exhaustive list)
• Blood vessel abnormalities in the brain
• Spinal cord diseases
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Presence of tumors
• Multiple sclerosis
• Diseases of eye and inner ear
• Disorders of heart and blood vessels
• Breast MRI in women suspected with cancer or those at high risk
• Bone and joint infections and injuries
• Bone and joint tumors
• Vertebral disc lesions
• Abnormalities of liver, bile ducts, spleen, pancreas, prostate, ovary and uterus
PRECAUTIONS/ CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR MRI
Discuss with your doctor if any of the following may be applicable to you for further advice
• Pacemaker implant
• Metal implants or prostheses
• Pregnancy
• Claustrophobia
• History of renal disease
• Skin tattoos
• Neurostimulators (TENS-unit)
• Drug infusion device implant (eg insulin pump)
• Artificial heart valves
• Metal fragments in eye
• Aneurysm clips
• Cochlear implants
• Vascular stent or stent graft
• Metal worker occupation
• Shrapnel or bullet wounds
• Known allergy to iodine, or gadolinium
• History of diabetes
