A lot of people may not be aware about the best time to get an MRI exam. Perhaps you are not sure what advice your doctor is providing. You may be confused between getting awide bore mri in New Jersey or a regular MRI exam or getting a CT scan.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI exams allow doctors to produce 3-dimensional images of the inside of your body without using x-rays or radiation. MRI exams are sometimes called MRI scans or imaging tests. An MRI scanner produces powerful magnetic fields that attract certain atomic particles in the body. MRI scanners use these atomic particles to produce detailed images of your brain, neck, spine and internal organs. MRI exams are very safe because MRI machines do not use radioactive dye or ionizing radiation like x-rays do.
The MRI exam is completely painless and usually takes about 30-90 minutes. MRI machines do not require you to disrobe or wear any special clothing. MRI exams can be loud, so MRI machines are equipped with earplugs. MRI examinations are considered one of the safest imaging procedures for people that have metal implants and shrapnel in their bodies. MRI exams are also very safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because MRI machines do not use ionizing radiation like x-rays do.
T1-weighted MRI is used to detect:
· Bone fractures (frequently referred as a bone scan)
· Brain cancer detection (brain tumors)
· Disc compression (only if there’s nerve impingement)
Compression of intervertebral discs is frequently detected by T2-weighted MRI. MRI exams are used to detect compression of discs for failed back surgery patients which leads to radiating pain into the legs. MRI exams can be useful to distinguish new disc (herniated) from old one (slipped). MRI is also helpful in detecting and distinguishing cysts, both benign and cancerous tumors.