MRI, an abbreviation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, refers to a popular procedure performed by a lot of hospitals around the world. It relies on a strong magnetic field combined with radio waves to produce detailed images of the body organs and tissues. The invention of MRI machines has greatly helped revolutionize the medical field. It has not only benefited patients but also enabled doctors and researchers expand their knowledge. The scanner has the image of a large tube with a lying surface in the middle, which allows the patient to lie and slide into the scanner.
The MRI powerful magnetic field aligns nuclei atoms found inside the body, causing the atoms to resonate as a result of the variable magnetic field referred to as nuclear magnetic resonance. The scanner detects images from the rotating magnetic field produced by the nuclei and sends them to a computer where they can be clearly viewed.
Pros of MRI machine
Clear and accurate images
Pictures that are created by the MRI technology are definite. They usually allow clear and precise images that medical practitioners can analyze directly by looking at the tissues. This helps because it reduces the number of diagnostic tests that one would have to undergo using other methods.
Since MRI scanners use magnetic fields and do not involve ionizing radiation, it is painless. There is not exposure or harm that would affect a patient.
MRI scanners also help to display soft tissue structures like cartilage, ligaments and organs such as the heart, brain, and eyes that other scanners cannot be able to show clearly.
The MRI machine can show the three-dimensional and cross-sectional images that are taken in the body as well as showing swelling and inflammations that X-rays would not be able to show.
The scanners are quite expensive. A single scanner of good quality can cost over a million dollars. That means that not all hospitals and medical facilities can afford to buy them. Accessing the scanners can be a daunting task forcing most patients to have to travel long distances looking for MRI scanners.
A lot of people are not accustomed to machines, therefore placing a patient in the scan tunnel can cause great discomfort, especially from the sounds emulating from the magnets. This can affect patients that are claustrophobic.
People with tattoos have reported discomforts while undergoing MRI scans. That is because old tattoo inks usually have traces of metals, causing irritation and burning pain in the surrounding area around the tattoo.