MRI scan

Summary
The MRI scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio waves
to take pictures of your body’s interior.
It is used to investigate or diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue such as tumours or
brain disorders.
The MRI scanner is a complicated piece of equipment that is expensive to use and found
only in specialised centres.

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scan used for a medical imaging procedure.
It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures inside the body. It is
especially helpful to collect pictures of soft tissue such as organs and muscles that
don’t show up on x-ray examinations.
One way to think of an MRI scan is a water ‘x-ray’ (although no actual x-rays are
involved). Normal x-rays image calcium, so they are good to see bones. MRI scans
image water, which makes them very useful because all tissues of the body contain
various amounts of water. This allows high-resolution pictures of many organs and
tissues to be taken that are invisible to standard x-rays.
How an MRI works
The MRI scan consists of a table that slides into a large cylinder. Inside the cylinder is
a magnet that, when operated, creates a powerful magnetic field.
Soft tissue contains water molecules and the magnetic field acts upon microscopic
substances (called protons) found in water. The magnetised protons in the soft
tissue send out an echo in response to the MRI scan’s radio waves. A computer then
organises these echoes into images.
The MRI scan operator (radiographer) can take cross-sectional images of the
patient’s body from almost any angle.
When an MRI scan is used
The MRI scan is used to investigate or diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue,
such as:
Tumours, including cancer
Soft tissue injuries such as damaged ligaments
Joint injury or disease
Spinal injury or disease
Injury or disease of internal organs including the brain, heart and digestive organs.
The MRI scan provides clear and detailed images of soft tissue. However, it can’t
‘visualise’ bone very well, since bone tissue doesn’t contain much water. That is why
bone injury or disease is usually investigated with regular x-ray examinations rather
than MRI scanning.
Issues to consider prior to an MRI
Medical considerations prior to the MRI scan may include:
Metal – some metal objects can be affected by the magnetic field of the MRI scan. Tell your
doctor about any internal device or implant you may have, such as a heart pacemaker,
metal pins or a medication pump. Don’t ever have an MRI scan if you have a heart
pacemaker!
Pregnancy – the affect of MRI scanning on a fetus is unknown. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant.
Fasting – before undergoing a pelvic or abdominal MRI scan, you will be advised not to eat
or drink for at least five hours before the procedure. In most other cases, it is usually not
necessary to avoid food or drink prior to the scan. However, be advised by your doctor.
Claustrophobia – tell your doctor if you experience claustrophobia. Some patients find the
confined space within the MRI scan unsettling. The doctor may offer you medication to help
you relax during the procedure.
Children – often children are given anti-anxiety medication prior to the procedure to help
them relax. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about this.
MRI scan procedure
Generally, an MRI involves the following:
You will be asked to remove all metal objects, including wristwatches, keys and jewellery.
These items must be left outside the scan room.
In most cases, you are asked to undress and put on a cotton gown.
You are instructed to lie on the scanner’s table. The table then slides into the cylinder. An
intercom inside the MRI scanner allows you to talk with the radiography staff.
It is important to lie very still. Movement will blur or distort the pictures.
While it is in operation, the MRI scanner makes noises such as knocks, loud bangs and
clicks. (You may be offered earplugs. In some cases, you can listen to music through
headphones if you prefer.)
The scanned area of your body may feel a little warm.
The scan may take up to an hour, depending on the nature of the investigation.
Immediately after the MRI
You may be asked to wait while the radiographer checks the quality of the pictures.
In some cases, you may be asked to get back into the MRI scanner so that more
pictures can be taken. If the pictures are satisfactory, you can get dressed and go
home.
There are no known long-term side effects from undergoing MRI. The MRI scan does
not use ionising radiation to achieve its pictures. The MRI scan is a non-invasive,
painless and safe procedure that doesn’t require any ‘recovery time’. Be guided by
your doctor but, generally, there are no special after-care instructions.
A radiologist and other specialised doctors will examine and interpret the scan
images. A report of the radiologist’s findings is sent to your doctor. You will need to
make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the results. The MRI scan will help
the doctor to plan appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Complications of an MRI
The MRI scan is a very safe procedure. Occasional complications may include:
Metal objects (such as jewellery) worn during the scan can cause injury.
The powerful magnetic field of the MRI scanner may damage internal metal devices, such
as a heart pacemaker.
 In some cases, such as in the investigation of blood vessels, a contrast dye is injected into a
vein immediately prior to the scan. This helps to produce a clearer picture. Rarely, a patient
may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye.
Alternatives to an MRI scan
The MRI scanner is a complicated piece of equipment that is expensive to use and
found only in specialised centres. Alternatives to MRI depend on the medical
condition under investigation, but could include:
x-ray examination
computed tomography (CT), an X-ray scan
ultrasound
blood test
biopsy.
Where to get help
Your GP (doctor)
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/general-practitioner-services)
Radiologist
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/Radiologist)

References
MRI
(https://www.svpr.com.au/our-services/mri)
, St Vincent's Private Radiology.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/) (https://florey.edu.au/)
View all medical tests
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/conditionsandtreatments/medical-tests)

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Reviewed on: 31-08-2014

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