Mri Image example essay topic

The MRI, an abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging, uses magnetic signals, rather than X-rays to create image "slices" of the human body (Edwards). Like all imaging techniques, the MRI creates images based on differences between types of tissues. The MRI shows us the different tissues, and thus creates an image inside the body. An MRI is often used to study nerves, muscles, ligaments, bones, and other tissues in the body; the detail of the study can be quite incredible. An MRI is often used to evaluate the possibility of injuries to ligaments and tendons. Problems in the spine, such as a disc herniation are seen well on an MRI image (Magnetic).

Masses and tumors within soft tissues can also be evaluated with MRI. An MRI is also often used to obtain specific diagnostic information not already provided by other imaging technologies such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and nuclear medicine. MRI may be needed to rule out disease and to facilitate medical, surgical, and other treatments for conditions of the brain, spinal column and spinal cord; eye, ear, nose and throat; bones, joints, and muscles; heart and blood vessels; chest and lungs; abdominal organs and digestive tract; and, kidneys, urinary tract, and pelvic organs. Such conditions may include congenital and developmental disorders, genetic and metabolic diseases, infections and inflammatory conditions, traumatic and other types of injury, vascular and blood diseases, and cancer conditions of childhood (Hornak).

Different from a x-ray, this test makes a picture of your body's organs and tissues without exposing you to radiation. An MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and a kind of radio frequency energy, that makes computerized pictures. A MRI is a routine diagnostic procedure. Images of the internal tissues of the human body are produced by using the tiny magnets of hydrogen nuclei which are abundant in all of us as parts of water, fat, protein, and other molecules (Magnetic).

The large magnetic field of the MRI machine causes the hydrogen magnets to align, while applied radiowaves excite them to transmit signals similar to the radiowaves generated at FM radio stations. The locations of the signals within the body are identified using magnetic field gradient pulses which are the source of the loud knocking noises heard during the examination. Once enough signals have been collected, they are processed by powerful computers to generate pictures of the human anatomy in vivid detail for the radiologist to analyze and diagnose abnormalities (Edwards). Your doctor has ordered an MRI scan.

In order to undergo an MRI of the brain or spine you must have no contraindications to having the study (i.e. a pacemaker, defibrillator wires, metal implants, cochlear implants, ferromagnetic surgical clips in the brain, pregnant). If you are claustrophobic, we can give you medications to relax you during your study, but it's probably best for you to have someone with you to drive you home after the study (Hornak). You can eat normally the day of your study and you should take all of your medications as directed by your doctor. For this study you will lie on your back and be placed within the scanner opening. The MRI scanner is shaped like a long hollow tube and it can seem cramped within that tube. For some patients, a small intravenous catheter will be placed in your arm to administer gadolinium, the MR contrast agent (Edwards).

This contrast dye is extremely safe and most patients have no discomfort or reaction when it goes into the body. When it is scanning it makes very loud rapping noises like a jackhammer that will require you to wear ear plugs to reduce the sound. You will be in the magnet for about forty-five minutes while the scanning is being performed, but each portion of the scan only takes about five to ten minutes. If you feel too cramped in the magnet, the time can be reduced in the magnet to as short as possible while trying to get the maximum information from your study.

During the scanning, however, it is important for you to hold as still as possible because motion makes the scans blurry (Magnetic). An MRI scan can be used as an extremely accurate method of disease detection throughout the body. The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. Edwards, John. "MRI, and How it Works". Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia.

CD-ROM. Information Access 1998. Hornak, Joseph P. The Basics of MRI. 6 Sept. 2003... Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

9 Sept. 2003...