Medical Imaging: MRI Scan, Its working, Uses, Advantages and disadvantages

Magnetic resonance imaging scan, is a detailed cross-sectional image of a part of the body. It is similar to a CT scan. Its quality is more, so it is easier to see differences in tissues.

What does the equipment look like?

The traditional MRI unit is a large cylinder-shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet. You will lie on a table that slides into the center of the magnet.

Some MRI units, called short-bore systems, are designed so that the magnet does not completely surround you. Also Some newer MRI machines have a larger diameter bore, which can be more comfortable for larger patients or those with claustrophobia. “Open” MRI units are open on the sides. They are especially helpful for examining larger patients or those with claustrophobia. Open MRI units can also provide high quality images for many types of exams. Certain exams cannot be performed using open MRI. For more information, consult your radiologist.

What do they produce images of?

• To get images of the brain and spinal cord
• Bones, the heart, blood vessels
• Different internal organs with more quality, MRI can be used.

What are some common uses?

• The uses are similar to a CT scanner: diagnosis, getting more detail for treatment planning of the disease.
• Monitoring of ongoing treatment such as cancer or any other malignant disease.

How does it work? 

• An MRI surrounds the whole body.
• The patient is pushed into a thin tube, and extremely strong magnetic field and radio waves are used to create detailed images.
• In another room the radiologist who is operating the machine is stand to avoid the radiation, but can communicate with the patient with the help of a mike. 
• The MRI is much louder than a CT scanner.

What are any advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages

• MRI scans are painless and are safe, as the magnetic fields and radio waves have no negative impact on the patient.
• They don’t have any x-ray radiation exposure, so can be used for pregnant women and babies if necessary.

Disadvantages

• MRI scans can enclose lot of the body, so make people with claustrophobia uncomfortable.
• Metal implant cannot go inside of an MRI scan room, so people with certain implants such as pacemakers cannot use them.