Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has transformed the landscape of medical diagnostics. This innovative technology allows doctors to clearly visualise the internal structure of the human body in high resolution without using radiation. MRIs provide crucial insights that can detect abnormalities or disease months to years before symptoms appear. This blog will discuss how an MRI scan helps detect and diagnose back pain, brain issues, and more. So, keep reading.
Understanding MRI Basics: How do MRI Scans Work?
MRIs use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional “slice” images through the body. Essentially, the strong magnet causes hydrogen atoms in our cells to align. Next, radio waves are pulsed through the magnetic field, causing the atoms to alter their alignment. When the radio waves stop, the atoms return to their original positions and release energy that is measured by detectors around the body, like GPS coordinates pinpointing the locations of cell disturbances. Complex computer calculations turn the signals into grayscale 2D images, stacking up to show 3D form.
MRIs Create Pictures Without Radiation
Unlike CT scans or X-rays, the MRI scan in Hyderabad do not rely on ionizing radiation that can damage DNA over cumulative exposure. This makes MRI a preferred choice for assessing ongoing or congenital conditions requiring multiple lifetime scans, like back injuries. MRI avoids risks associated with repeated radiation exposure.
Clear Images Through Magnet “Relaxation Properties”
MRI leverages magnetic relaxation properties that differ across the body’s tissues, providing exceptional contrast. For example, dense bone, disc fluid, ligaments, cerebrospinal fluid, gray matter and white matter all appear distinctly. Pathologies like tumors, cysts, inflammation or nerve impairment stand out.
Common Uses of MRI Scans: From Back Pain to Cancer Detection
Thanks to exquisitely detailed imagery, MRI has become the gold standard test for assessing soft tissues, nerve conditions or anomalies in areas like the spine and brain. MRI scans provide doctors critical information unattainable from x-rays, ultrasound or CT alone.
Here are some common uses:
Evaluating Back Pain
Determining the causes of chronic back pain represents one of the most frequent uses of MRI scans, such as assessing:
- Herniated discs – MRI can identify disc bulges, tears or ruptures pressing on spinal nerves.
- Degenerative disc disease – Asses loss of disc thickness, hydration
- Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of spaces around the spinal cord and nerves
MRI guides targeted back pain treatments like steroid injections or surgery when conservative efforts fail.
Assessing Brain Issues
MRI scans allow detailed evaluation of brain tissue, blood vessels, anatomy and functional connectivity. Brain MRI is used to:
- Diagnosing multiple sclerosis, tumours, bleeding, clots or stroke
- Evaluating headaches, concussions, infections like encephalitis
- Assessing cognitive or memory problems to rule out Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Detecting developmental disorders like autism or epilepsy
- Monitoring dementia progression
Whole body MRI checks for cancer or metastases, like scanning for breast, liver, bone, prostate or colorectal cancer spread.
What’s the MRI Procedure Like?
Having an MRI scan in Pune is painless, but it can feel somewhat claustrophobic for some. Prior to the scan, you should remove metal objects like jewellery since the magnets will pull on any ferrous material. You also change into a hospital gown.
During the exam, you lie still on a scanner table that glides slowly through a short tunnel inside a large machine. Loud, repetitive knocking sounds come from the magnet’s pulses. MRI staff offer earplugs or headphones with music, though you can still plainly hear noise.
Cushions may stabilise positions to help you hold still. Contrast dye is sometimes injected to enhance views of tissues, blood vessels, or tumours. MRIs usually take 30 to 90 minutes, with a total appointment time of 1-3 hours. Many centres allow a companion to sit in the room during the test.
Risks and Safety Concerns
MRI utilises no ionising radiation and is considered an extremely safe exam when proper screening protocols are followed. However, there are notable risks primarily related to the immense strength of the fixed magnets.
- Implanted Medical Devices: Magnetic field interactions can disrupt pacemakers, insulin pumps, aneurysm clips, deep brain stimulators or metal implants, causing life threatening malfunctions. Nearly all medical devices nowadays indicate MRI safety ratings to guide appropriate use.
- Projectile objects: The enormous pull of the magnet can turn everyday metal objects into dangerous flying projectiles. Incidents have occurred when staff allowed unaware patients to wear oxygen tanks, concealed weapons or other heavy metal objects near the bore. Units today have thorough screening.
- Burns: Rare but dangerous heating injuries have happened when monitors or cables contacted the patient during scans. Staff prevent accidents by following safety protocols.
- Anxiety, Confinement Issues: Up to 5% of patients require sedation due to preexisting claustrophobia or confinement anxiety triggered by the tight scanner bore. Unit staff receive special training to help nervous patients complete scans successfully without sedation when factors permit.
- Pregnancy: No negative effects have been substantiated for a single MRI exposure using standard scans. However, it’s prudent to defer elective MRIs until after pregnancy since effects from newer, less tested pulse sequences are not yet known.
Other Uses of MRI Beyond the Back and Brain
While back pain and brain issues are common reasons for an MRI, the scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including:
- Joints and Muscles: To diagnose injuries in the knees, shoulders, hips, or other joints.
- Heart and Blood Vessels: To check for heart diseases or blood vessel problems.
- Abdominal Organs: Such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas for tumours or other diseases.
- Breast MRI: For detailed breast tissue imaging, often used alongside mammograms.
The Takeaway
MRI leverages specialised magnetic fields, providing exquisite and versatile soft tissue imaging without using ionising radiation. MRI gives health practitioners an unparalleled window into pathology and function that would otherwise remain invisible. Whether undergoing an MRI scan in Pune or Hyderabad, understanding fundamental MRI principles empowers patients to feel at ease, putting their health in capable hands.