Magnetic Resonance Imaging, often abbreviated as MRI, is a common medical imaging technique used to create pictures of the internal anatomy of the body. MRI scanners make use of strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to create images of your body’s organs.
There are many reasons your physician might order an MRI. Often, an MRI can assist your doctor in identifying what is behind your health issue, so that they can diagnose you appropriately and create a specialized treatment plan for your injuries.
Injuries Which Can Be Detected Via MRI
Depending on what symptoms you present with, an MRI will scan a specific section of your body to diagnose:
- Tumors
- Heart damage
- Lung damage
- Sports injuries
- Auto Accident injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Brain abnormalities
- Abdominal/digestive tract problems
- Bone diseases and conditions
MRI vs. X-Ray
MRIs are indicated for use more frequently than X-ray imaging, because, unlike X-ray, MRI uses no radiation during the scanning process, and are safer for your long-term health. One of the only reasons why a person would be unable to have an MRI scan is if they have any sort of metal inside their body (like a metal plate or screws). Since an MRI scanner is essentially a giant, powerful magnet, not only can entering the scanner with metal in or on you damage the machine, it can also cause an injury to yourself.