MRI Examination: Types, Functions and When to Perform
What is MRI ?
MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, is an imaging technique that uses radio waves, magnets, and computers to obtain images of tissues in the body such as muscles and other internal organs.
Unlike most imaging techniques, MRI does not use radiation. That's why this method is much safer to use for people who need imaging tests regularly.
The way an MRI works is as follows. The patient will be told to lie down on the MRI machine. After that, the body will be passed by a tube-shaped magnet to form a magnetic field so that it can get an image from inside the body. After that, the radio waves emitted by the machine are sent to the computer. The computer captures the signal and translates it into a 3D model.
MRI can be done with or without contrast. Contrast is a colored liquid that is inserted into the body through the infusion method before the MRI test is performed. The aim is to get a clearer image. This liquid is not harmful to the body.
Types of MRI
There are currently two types of MRI used based on the shape of the machine, namely open MRI and closed MRI.
1. Open MRI
In an open MRI machine, the magnets are located below and above the bed. As the name implies, the machine is open on both sides. This makes imaging tests easier for patients who are wide-bodied or who have a fear of tight spaces (claustrophobia).
2. Closed MRI
This MRI machine is a traditional design. At the top of the machine's bed is a tube that is magnetized. During the imaging process, the patient will be inside the tube.
The images produced by closed MRI are considered to be clearer and more detailed.
Function of MRI
MRI results can help doctors see the inside of the body more clearly and in detail. Especially in problem areas.
Because the images are 3-dimensional, the doctor can see the area of the body that is being monitored from various sides. Through this test, doctors can find irregularities in the tissue or monitor the progress of the area being treated. MRI results can also help doctors provide appropriate treatment. For example, avoiding unnecessary surgery. Or vice versa, solidifying the medical team's decision to take surgical action.
Therefore, basically, the function of MRI is to help doctors to make an accurate diagnosis and monitor the patient's health condition.
When is an MRI performed ?
MRI is performed when the doctor wants to get a detailed picture of the soft tissues and organs in the body. That's why MRIs are not performed on conditions such as broken bones.
MRI can detect a variety of health problems, for example:
- Detecting tumors and cancers throughout the body, including breast cancer
- identify other problems with organs (brain, heart, lungs, digestive organs)
- visualize soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons, muscles)
- Locate joint diseases and injuries
- Anatomical structure of the heart
- Blockages or other problems
- Blood flow through arteries and blood vessels
- Congenital heart disease
- Damage from a heart attack
- Heart function
- Infections, tumors and inflammation
- Brain aneurysms
- Brain injury
- Eye or ear problems
- Liver disease
- Pinched nerve
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke
- Brain or spinal cord tumors
Advantages of MRI
This method is often the doctor's choice because it has several advantages such as:
- Relatively safe because it does not use radiation
- Clear and 3D images so that it can be seen from various directions
- Very helpful when diagnosing cancer
- Non-invasive
- Can get images from head to toe
Risks of MRI
Although fairly safe, there are several risk factors to consider such as
- Risk of allergy when using MRI contrast agent
- If you have a phobia of tight spaces, your anxiety may increase during an MRI.
These are the functions and explanations of MRI. An MRI test will be performed if the doctor needs more detailed images to help determine the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan.
Thank you for reading this article. Have a nice day.
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