MRI

What is MRI?

MRI works by using an extremely powerful magnet and a series of radio waves to stimulate water molecules in the body, which subsequently emit a signal. The advanced computer software is then able to collect all these signals and produce a map of where they all originate from. As water content differs between various anatomy the resulting image is able to demonstrate excellent contrast and differentiation between body structures, particularly soft tissue structures making it the modality of choice for the central nervous system. 

Scans are tailored to the optimum parameters to demonstrate specific anatomies and pathologies in different contrasts so that a true assessment can be built up of what is happening inside the body. Our scanner is capable of using techniques including fat saturation, diffusion weighted imaging and three-dimensional acquisition to gain as much information as possible. Sometimes an intravenous injection of contrast media will be needed to further characterise areas of interest.

When is MRI used?

Common conditions that we would use MRI for include intervertebral disc disease, soft tissue and neurological tumours, epilepsy, syringomyelia, vestibular pathology, strokes or vascular events and ligament and tendon ruptures.

Due to the lengthier scan times,patients who undergo MRI will always require a GA. Unlike CT or X-ray, no ionising radiation is involved, but there are other safety considerations for these patients, namely the presence of metalwork or metallic foreign bodies as well as devices such as pacemakers and is important that we are aware of such objects before scanning.