Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic test that takes high-definition images of the body’s soft tissues. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, images in this test are created through a computer, radio waves, and a magnetic field. This article focuses on 8 health issues that this scan can detect.
Uses Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan – 8 Health Issues To Detect
Here are 8 major health complications that can be detected via this scan:
Neck And Head Complications
The magnetic resonance imaging scan is used to detect traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, infection, dementia, and development anomalies.
Blood Vessels And Heart
This test also focuses on the blood vessels and the heart, assessing the function and size of the heart’s chambers, the movement and thickness of the heart’s walls, and the extent of damage caused by heart disease such as a heart attack.
Internal Organs
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan can check for abnormalities such as tumors in several organs such as:
- Prostrate
- Ovaries
- Spleen
- Liver
- Uterus
Joints And Bones
This scan can help doctors evaluate:
- Repetitive or traumatic injuries, such as torn ligaments or cartilage, cause abnormalities
- Disk abnormalities in the spinal cord
- Infections in the bones
Breast Cancer
Doctors also used mammography with this scan to detect breast cancer in women with a high risk of disease or dense breast tissue.
Inflammation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging can indicate infection or inflammation of bone marrow or soft tissue, which can help doctors identify where the inflammation is located in the body and whether it is treatable. Not only can this scan detect inflammation, but it will also help in monitoring the response of the patient to the treatment.
Muscle Damage
Damages that are caused to muscles show up on an MRI scan. Reports can clearly show the extent of the muscle injury compared to an X-ray or a CT scan.
Nerve Damage
When there is pressure on nerves, it can lead to nerve damage. Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan can pinpoint where lesions are before permanent nerve damage settles in. Some doctors may even pair the results with a neurological examination, which will help the doctor create a treatment plan for the future.
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Things To Consider Before Doing An Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan?
Here are some medical considerations your doctor should take before doing the magnetic resonance imaging scan:
Pregnancy
While the actual effect of this scan on a fetus is unknown, you should still notify your doctor that you are pregnant before undergoing this test.
Claustrophobia
If you are claustrophobic, you need to notify your doctor before the scan. The doctor may be able to offer you medication that will calm you down.
Metal
If there are metal objects in your body, they may affect the machine’s magnetic field. Tell your doctor if you have any implant or internal devices, such as a medication pump, metal pins, or a heart peacemaker.
Fasting
For an abdominal or pelvic scan, the doctor will advise you not to consume or drink anything for over 5 hours before the scan. However, ask your doctor whether fasting is essential or not.
Types Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanners
The following three types of scanners are available out there:
Short Bore Scanner
This machine is similar to the standard scanner but much smaller, almost half its length. If the doctor takes pictures of your head, your feet will stick out of the machine. Similarly, your head will stick out of the scanner if the doctor scans your back. This option is more tolerable for claustrophobic people.
Standard Scanner
This scanner has a long, cylindrical shape and has a narrow tube in the middle. The patient lays on the moveable bed, and the whole body slides into the cylindrical tube. While this machine can be uncomfortable for claustrophobic people, it produces better-quality images than other scanners.
Open Scanner
An open scanner is a machine that looks like a half-sliced bagel rather than a donut hole. This machine is also a good option for claustrophobic people because it offers more room than other scanners. However, the image quality this scanner produces is not as good as the standard scanner.
Conclusion
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a useful medical test and aids doctors in identifying critical health conditions. In this article, there is a list of health issues that this scan can detect. This article also discusses types of Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanners that you can get.
