MRI

Conventional x-rays are very helpful in determining if a bone is broken or if there is fluid accumulation in the lungs. Radiography has been used since the 1890’s and revolutionized the practice of medicine. However, it can be difficult to take a look at soft tissue inside the body. The MRI was born in 1977 and hospitals quickly competed for the limited numbers of machines. Rather than using radiation, the MRI machine uses a very strong magnet to temporarily realign the hydrogen atoms. As the atoms ‘push back’ a little the machine captures the signal and uses the information to create a three dimensional image of the body part.

MRI is the most frequently used imaging test of the brain and spinal cord. MRI may be used in addition to mammography to detect breast cancer, particularly in women who have dense breast tissue or who may be at high risk of the disease.

Because the MRI machine uses a very strong magnet, any metal or electronic devices in the body could be a safety hazard. The special dye used for a MRI can be a problem if one has liver or kidney disease. Like all medical procedures, both the doctor and the patient need to discuss the risks versus the benefits.

The actual scan is painless but very noisy. The scan can take as long as an hour and a patient may feel claustrophobic.  Some patients tolerate the procedure more comfortably with a mild sedative.

The key to obtaining a good set of images is full cooperation with the MRI technician as well as a lot of patience.