MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Introduced
MRI which is also known as magnetic resonance imaging is much like a computerized topography scanner. The reason an MRI scan is much the same as a CT scan is because they both produce images of the body that are cross-sectional. Viewing images of an individual's body using a cross-section view is much the same as peering into an apple that has been sliced open. The difference is that a CT scan makes use of x-rays. An MRI does not use an x-ray to see into the body. An MRI machine uses a magnetic field that is very strong in conjunction with radio waves. By doing this it is able to produce a very detailed and clear image that is computerized showing the inside of the human body. There are a large number of different areas of the body that an MRI scan is used for.
A few of these common body parts include the abdomen, spine, joints, brain, and pelvis. There is also a type of MRI scan that is used specifically for examining of blood vessels in the body. An MRI scan can produce incredibly detailed pictures. The brain is one of the main body parts that can be seen in excellent detail with an MRI. Individuals who suffer from common ailments such as blurry vision, weakness, hearing loss, and headaches are all excellent candidates for an MRI. Doctors will normally use a CT scan first and if an abnormality is found they will further their investigation using an MRI scan.
When doctors are using an MRI they have a device they use known as a head coil. This device is fitted around a person's head allowing the MRI scan to produce pictures of the brain in stunning detail. This special coil never actually makes physical contact with the patient and it is easy to see through it because it has large gaps. An MRI for the spine is normally used to find something known as herniated disks and spinal canals that are experiencing a narrowing. A spinal MRI is used for people experiencing pain with their leg, neck, or arm. A spinal MRI scan is also used for individuals who have had back surgery in the past that may be suffering from a disk herniation that is recurring.
Joint and bone MRI scans allow every kind of doctor to check all the joints, bones, and softer tissues found within the body. This MRI can be used for identifying injured ligaments, tendons, muscles, bones, and cartilage. Masses and infections can also be discovered using this MRI scan. If an MRI is done on the abdomen it is normally used to view a previously discovered abnormality in greater detail. An MRI scan done on the abdomen is normally used exclusively for the pancreas, liver, and adrenal glands. When used with women an MRI scan can effectively provide very detailed images of the uterus and ovaries. An MRI makes use of a strong magnetic field to allow for the aligning and magnetization of various atoms in the body. It then uses radio frequency types of fields to alter magnetization and alignment systematically.