What is MRI Imaging Used For?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of what’s inside the body. It is safer than other diagnostic tests, as it does not use radiation. For the test, the patient lies on a table that slides into a hollow tube. A contrast agent may be used to enhance the images of certain tissues.

A doctor may order an MRI if a patient is presenting symptoms that they would like to investigate further. To learn why a doctor may ask you to undergo an MRI, let’s first talk about what an MRI can reveal. Nearly every body part can be studied with an MRI, and it clearly shows the difference between healthy and diseased tissue.

Brain

An MRI can be used to examine the brain for injuries, structural abnormalities, or abnormal growths. An MRI can reveal tumors, abscesses, hemorrhaging or bleeding, fluid in the brain, multiple sclerosis, venous malformation, stroke, and dementia. MRI is considered the best way to check for tumors in the brain and spinal cord.

Spine

Issues with the spine can also be diagnosed with the help of an MRI scan. It can reveal changes in bone structure and soft tissues, and reveal fractures, disc herniation, pinched nerves, spinal cord compression, and spinal tumors.

Arteries and Veins

An MRI test allows a doctor to see inside blood vessels. Brain aneurysms, reduced blood flow in the heart, circulation problems in the legs, a narrowing, tearing and bulging in the aorta, heart failure, and enlargement of the heart can all be revealed by an MRI scan.

Orthopedics

MRI can create detailed images of bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. It is often used to investigate orthopedic issues, monitor their progression, and plan for treatment. MRI scans can reveal injuries, ligament stretching and tears, joint and tissue degeneration, infection, inflammation, swelling, fluid collection, and tumors. It can also be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment and be used as a basis for adjusting or changing treatment.

Since an MRI uses a powerful magnet, patients with implanted devices such as a pacemaker may not be eligible for the scan.

If your doctor has requested an MRI, the facility you choose matters. Not all diagnostic facilities value patient experience and accuracy, which can lead to serious complications and a delay in getting you the right treatment for your condition or injury.

MRI Scan in Farmington Hills, MI

At Associates in Neurology, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system. Our medical practitioners and technicians are trained and highly skilled in the use of highly advanced MRI machines. We routinely use MRI technology to help make accurate diagnoses and check on whether treatments are working for patients. We are a friendly team of healthcare providers that care about patient comfort and overall experience.

We look forward to providing you with a positive MRI scan experience. To schedule your MRI scan, call us at (248) 478-5512 or use our online request form. We have locations in Farmington Hills, Novi, Southfield, Brighton, and Howell.