Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging or commonly known as MRI or Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR) is a simple process, that make use of a sturdy magnetic field to see the tissues and organs.

It makes use of radio frequency waves not ionizing radiations and proves helpful for the evaluation of diseased conditions like cardiac diseases, joint break down and cancer.

The equipment comprises of a cylindrical magnet that is enclosed. The patient is made to lie down inside, making him feel claustrophobic (the fear of being closed in).

Modern science has made it likely to design new compatible MRI equipments that are not clogged completely, though the results lack lucidity. Minute differences in tissue types like the white and gray matter is made out.

Each assessment comprises of many series each at around fifteen minutes. Some small equipment termed, coils have the ability to release and accept radio waves and are therefore used on the legs, arms and even head. These augment the image quality. Sometimes, a contrast is managed intravenously to attain more clarity of particular areas, before which saline is injected to prevent coagulation. The operating person or the radiologist dwell in the room next to the study room and the process takes around an hour or long to end.

The person is made to lie down still, without movement, on a sliding table and has the capacity to speak to the operator. A person is allowed to continue in the room, if the individual to be reviewed is a child.

A comprehensive study requires more than an hour. Movement between series is not limited. After conclusion, the images are checked to review the requirement of further imaging. A technologist or radiologist examines the image report and understand the same. Slices of single images that can be saved on a computer.

A closed feeling makes the examination, a sore one. The assessment area is warm, after the procedure is over. Any abnormal pain or feeling is immediately brought to the guidance of a radiologist. Plugging of ears, especially for the elderly is advised, as earsplitting noises are heard. Both the functions and organ evaluation are done. It is a rapid and noninvasive procedure and can be used as an alternative for x-rays. The risk of allergy, due to contrast ingestion is lesser and radiation exposure is prohibited. Bone masked abnormalities are detected by this method.

But, the occurrence of a magnetic field involves any embedded or implanted metals in the individual. This technique is avoided in pregnant women, less than 3 months. Open MRI scanners are the latest progress for over weights and nervous people. More space is offered on the table to lie down. The expertise behind both the techniques is the same.