Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive technology used to produce detailed images of various parts of your body with the help of powerful magnets, radio waves, and contrast agents. MRI scanning machines are large, tube-shaped machines that radiologists use in both preventive and diagnostic treatments to detect different diseases, determine diagnoses, and monitor the success of certain treatments.

MRI scans harness the power of physics to capture images of your body and diagnose diseases. MRIs use powerful magnets to create a magnetic field, forcing your body’s protons to align with it. Then, your radiologist pulsates a radiofrequency current through your body to disrupt the position of these protons.

Once the current stops, the protons in your body will reposition themselves in their original alignment with the MRI’s magnetic field. That releases differing amounts of energy, which is then recorded on the MRI image. Radiologists use the data provided by this image to inform their diagnoses and make decisions about treatment options.

MRI machines are best suited for taking images of the soft tissues in the body. These types of scans are able to gather clear images of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and more. MRI scans can detect aneurysms, tumors, joint injuries, spinal injuries, and many other types of irregularities in the organs and soft tissues of the body.

Some of the areas of the body that MRIs can detect irregularities in include (but are not limited to) the:

• Brain
• Neck
• Orbits
• Heart
• Breasts
• Adrenal glands
• Cervical spine
• Lumbar spine
• Thoracic spine
• Tailbone
• Hips
• Elbows
• Wrists
• Legs
• Feet
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Bowels

The cost of an MRI depends on various factors, including the part of your body you’re scanning, your geographical location, whether or not you use insurance to pay for your MRI scan, your particular insurance plan benefits, and much more. The best way to determine the cost of an MRI is to reach out to an MRI scan provider directly.

MRIs are generally safe and do not emit ionizing radiation like some other popular medical imaging scans, such as CT scans. However, all scans have some level of risk. The powerful magnets used by MRI scanning machines are strong enough to move metal objects across an entire room. Therefore, when getting an MRI, you should make sure to tell your radiologist whether you have any type of metal implant - especially if it’s made of iron. Medical devices such as pacemakers, medication pumps, and vagus nerve stimulators are not considered safe for use in MRI scanning machines.

Before your MRI, also make sure to tell your radiologist whether you have any health issues, such poor kidney function. In rare cases, the contrast dye used in MRI scans to illuminate blood vessels can make certain health conditions worse. Also, be sure to notify your radiology center if you are pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, or breastfeeding.

The search tool on scan.com makes it easy to locate MRI scan providers and radiologists in your area. Find an MRI center near you and book an appointment by clicking here.

Resources:

1. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/mri-scan
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mri-scan/whathappens/#:~:text=A%20magnetic%20resonance%20imaging%20