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MRI Scan Information
What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a diagnostic procedure
that can peep through, inside the body and obtain pictures of the
soft tissues.
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Unlike X-ray, MRI uses a
strong magnet rather than harmful ionizing radiations
to detect changes in the body systems.
Through the magnetic field created,
MRI can spot even subtle changes in the normal anatomy and physiology.
It gives an accurate picture, making it favorable for the patients
and physicians in cases of serious diagnosis.
MRI is a revolution in the field of diagnostics
because it has made exploration of body structure and functions
possible with minimum invasive methods.
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Getting an MRI
MRI scans can be used on all body parts and are not disturbed by
bone, body waste or gas. They can only be disturbed by breathing,
heartbeat and bowel movements. The process is expensive, takes time
and is complex in nature. It also needs a radiologist, a trained
operator and a huge machine. Physicians prefer to use this method
only when the other scan methods are not productive or when the
case is serious.
MRI and Pregnancy, is it Safe?
Did you know that MRI does not have ionized radiation?
Pregnant women are however advised MRI only if necessary because
the fetus may be sensitive during the first trimester to the noise
and heat. It is during this time that organogenesis takes place
and MRI is not warranted. Apart from this, gadolinium compounds
enter the bloodstream while taking out images which is highly risky.
Despite these reservations, MRI provides evaluation of fetal tumors,
open fetal surgery and planning procedures to safely deliver babies
with formation defects.
An MRI can be prescribed for various body parts.
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a) Brain and Head MRI
An MRI of the brain helps to evaluate patients complaining of
headaches, seizures, weakness, blurry vision, etc.
Brain tumor, meningitis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease or multiple
sclerosis can be detected at a very early stage with MRI scan.
A head coil placed around the patient’s head facilitates
in obtaining detailed picture of the brain. |
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b) Spine MRI
Herniated inverted discs, degenerated discs, weakness, numbness,
back pain, neck pain caused by severe spinal problems can be
clearly detected by MRI.
MRI is useful in understanding the nerve tissues within the
spinal cord. Spinal MRI can be done to locate the exact place
of any malignant growth or tumor. It is extremely advantageous
in cases related to spinal cord damage and paralysis. |
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c) Neck MRI
The details of nerves inside the upper part of the cervical
spine are clearly visible through the MRI.
MRI provide detailed 3-D pictures of the internal organs. The
patients are advised MRI when they are suspected to have malignant
growth in their neck or have cord/root compression.
The most important advancement in MRI is the stand-up MRI, which
is very useful to patients with neck problems. They are scanned
while they watch T.V and what’s more you get crystal clear
images because of magnetic calibration. |
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d) Breast MRI
MRI can detect breast tumors in the initial diagnosis itself.
This can be otherwise missed by mammography or clinical examination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Magnetic
Resonance Breast Imaging as a supplement tool to investigate
related follow-ups after mammography and other examinations.
MRI is indispensable for women who have a strong family history
of cancer and who are under 40 years of age. MRI uses magnetic
as well as radio waves to show images of the breast and it determines
the mode of treatment too.
A total MRI exam consists of 2-6 sequences with each sequence
taking up to 2-15 minutes. The breast array coil images different
breast tissues, with the technologist having visual control
of breast position through a transparent window. An MRI scan
of breasts may take 30-60 minutes to complete. |
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e) Cardiac MRI
MRI can effectively identify the size and thickness of the heart
chambers. In a patient with coronary artery disease, it can
detect build-up of plaque and blockages in the blood vessels
and indicate the degree of heart attack. It is an indispensable
tool for evaluating function of the heart muscles, valves and
vessels. |
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f) Musculoskeletal MRI
Soft tissues in the body like cartilage, ligaments and tendons
are difficult parts to get clear images of. MRI can make us
see through the skull bone and assess bone loss [osteoporosis].
Tears in tendons, infection of lower spine and shoulder infection
all these frightening conditions can be diagnosed easily through
MRI. Sports persons are more likely to get numerous complications
which cannot be clearly visible .This technique is a boon to
people who are suffering from bone cancer and leukemia.
MRI gives a clear image of bone marrow which facilitates faster
treatment to the patients. |
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g) Shoulder MRI
Shoulder injuries are hard to heal because the patients cannot
give full rest to the shoulder because the slightest movement
will refresh the wound resulting in internal scar tissue. Healing
and treatment of this problem has now become effective and fast
because of MRI.
Developmental abnormalities in children can also be clearly
seen in MRI scan. |
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h) Knee MRI
MRI is used as a road map for its accuracy in showing internal
derangements. Surgeons request knee MRI in musculoskeletal imaging,
particularly for its accurate evaluation of knee joints. Arthroscopy
makes use of this method to the fullest. |
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i) Abdomen MRI
MRI is effective in cases where repeated scanning is an absolute
necessity.
In chronic cases like liver cancer, the therapy has to be monitored
regularly and thoroughly. This needs constant exposure to x-rays
which is not warranted. MRI of the abdomen is highly recommended
during these times and also when CT or endoscopic ultrasound
of the abdomen is not particularly diagnostic. |
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j) Pelvis MRI
One of the main reasons of female pelvic imaging is to detect
lesions, tumors and recurring changes from past treatments.
Patients are advised not to eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours
before the exam.
In males, pelvic MRI is performed to know about prostate gland.
All the patients are given enema to clean the rectum prior to
the examination. The MRI session for pelvic imaging lasts for
about 30 minutes. |
MRA: MRI for Blood Vessels
Magnetic Resonance Angiography [MRA] is a kind of technique which
medically visualizes arteries, veins and creates a different contrast
between soft tissues and blood vessels. It displays both blood flow
and the condition of the blood vessel wall.
MRA’S can be of three different types:
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- Time Of Flight Angiography (TOF) |
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- Phase Contrast Angiography (PCA) |
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- Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography
(CE_MRA) |
An MRA is recommended for the following
indications:
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- Dissections and aneurysms. |
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- Vessel anatomy evaluation. |
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- Blood clot blocks caused by plaques |
Disadvantages of MRI
MRI’s cannot be done on people who have pacemakers, screws
from previous surgeries and also who are oversized.
Magnetic waves can give you distorted pictures with the presence
of metals inside the body. The patients have to be still during
MRI. Even a slight movement on the patient’s part will lead
to redoing the whole process. It is considerably expensive compared
to other methods.
What is an Open MRI?
Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging [open MRI] is open on all four sides
as the name suggests. It reduces claustrophobic effects on patients
making them comfortable and at ease.
The open MRI machines are silent and give a sense of not being confined.
It needs no preparation as it will not induce vomiting sensation
and the patient need not feel enclosed.
Time pulses are emitted between the body and large magnetic fields.
A specially designed computer converts these signals into images.
The open MRI allows people who are large in size and people who
are physically handicapped to be imaged without any hurdle. Children
can be easily comforted, as their parent or guardian can accompany
them.
It is heartening to know that this kind of open imaging would not
require sedation which automatically makes the imaging economical.
One more plus point is that it is painless because of no radiation
and less noise.
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Find Private MRI Clinics:
Alberta
- Calgary
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BC
- Vancouver
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Ontario
- Toronto
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/ Gatineau MRI
Quebec
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