MRI allows your doctor to inspect your tissues, organs and skeletal system in a non-invasive manner.
MRI allows your doctor to inspect your tissues, organs and skeletal system in a non-invasive manner. This high-resolution imaging of the body’s interior can help diagnose many problems.
MRI is the most commonly used imaging test for the brain and spinal chord. It is often used to diagnose:
Functional MRI of the Brain (fMRI) is a special type of MRI. It shows blood flow patterns in certain brain areas. It can be used for examining the brain’s anatomy to determine which brain parts are performing critical functions.
This allows for the identification of important language and movement control areas in brains. Functional MRI can also help to diagnose damage caused by head injuries or disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
MRI can detect tumors and other abnormalities in many organs of the body. MRI can be combined with mammography to detect breast carcinoma, especially in dense breast tissue and women at high risk.
Because MRI uses strong magnets, metal in your body can pose a danger if it is attracted to the magnet. Even if you are not attracted to the magnetic field, metal objects can cause distortions in the MRI image. You will likely be asked to complete a questionnaire before you undergo an MRI. This includes information about whether or not you have any metal or electronic devices.
During a functional MRI, you might be asked to perform a number of small tasks — such as tapping your thumb against your fingers, rubbing a block of sandpaper or answering simple questions. This helps pinpoint the portions of your brain that control these actions.
Any metal found in your body or any small amount of metal that has been damaged by an accident should be known to your health care team. Most dental work, including fillings and bridges, is not a concern. However, MRIs may not be possible if there is any metal in your body. This includes pacemakers and clips to treat aneurysms.
