MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic field and radio wave energy to diagnose and capture images of the organs and the structures inside the body. It is a test which uses nuclear magnetic resonance in order to take pictures which can then be used to diagnose problems for instance injury, blood vessel disease, tumors and the like. A highly unique method, it's known for diagnosing problems which cannot be found with other imaging methods. Usually, an MRI is carried out to add on to the information already provided by the ultrasound, X-ray, or the CT scan, so as to give a clear cross-section view of the problem. To perform an MRI test, the patient has to be placed inside a special hallow machine which contains a strong nuclear electromagnet. The electromagnet then becomes active, causing the nuclei of atoms to align magnetically. The aligned nucleus changes its position shortly as the patient becomes subjected to radio waves. The receiver detects the radio waves which is then comprehended and translated by a computer on to a two dimensional picture, which are later usually interpreted by a radiologist. The MRI test takes approximately half an hour to be carried out and could go on for about two hours at the most. It is a must for the patient to remove most of the clothes worn at the time of scan and any metal objects worn also since metal may become powerfully attracted to the magnet being used. (2009)

An MRI scan can be taken for various body parts including the head, chest, blood vessels, and bones and so on. To help remain still, it may be necessary to strap the patients head, chest and arms inside the MRI magnet. Because of this, some patients may feel claustrophobic. The patient can be given sedative to help feel relaxed. Overall, the procedure is known to be harmless and although the CAT scans and other techniques are similar to the MRI, an MRI can differentiate between types of tissues more clearly. (Weiss, 1997)

MRI has become increasingly common and is of great demand in the diagnoses of many diseases. Edward Purcell, in the 1930's (Weiss, 1997), discovered NMR which later turned into MRI. For further discoveries concerning the MRI, Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield was awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physiology (Weiss, 1997). Later in 1970, Raymond Damadian (Weiss, 1997) who was a medical doctor and research scientist discovered the usage of the MRI to medical diagnosis.