Magnetic Resonance - MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a method of obtaining detailed pictures of internal body structures without the use of radiation or radioactive substances of any kind. This is accomplished by placing the patient in a magnetic field while harmless radio waves are turned on and off. This causes the body to emit its own weak radio signals which vary according to tissue characteristics. These signals are then picked up by a sensitive antenna and fed to a computer which produces detailed images of the body for interpretation by trained radiologists. You can help to produce a high quality image by lying still during the examination while breathing normally. The average scan takes 5 to 15 minutes - the complete examination about 30 to 45 minutes - during which several dozen images will be produced. With incredible accuracy, MRI can detect many abnormalities which CT scanning and X-rays cannot, especially those involving soft tissue.