Approved by the FDA in 1984, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) has been marked the most significant breakthrough in medicine since the X-ray. MRI imaging is a painless procedure that relies upon magnetic energy to visualize the inside of the human body. Because it allows doctors to see inside the human body in two and three dimensional images, they can diagnose, evaluate, and treat problems which in the past would have been invisible without surgery. It's a way to look inside the body without the use of X-rays. "MRI is a living autopsy" according to Dr. Robert L. Kagan, Medical Director of MRI Scan & Imaging Centers.

Why is MRI important?

MRI can lead to early detection and treatment of disease. MRI pictures are extremely precise, so precise that physicians can often get as much information from MRI as they would from looking directly at the tissue. For this reason, MRI has the potential to reduce the need of certain diagnostic surgeries. MRI uses no X-rays, and the magnetic fields MRI does use are not known to be harmful.

How does a MRI Scanner work?

The human body is composes of tiny particles called atoms. Under normal conditions, the protons inside these atoms spin randomly.

1. The Magnet creates a strong and safe magnetic field. This magnetic field causes the protons to line up together and spin in the same direction, like an army of spinning tops.
2. A Radio Frequency (RF) signal is beamed into the magnetic field, which causes the protons to move out of alignment, similar to what happens when someone hits it. When the signal stops, the protons move back to their aligned position and release energy.
3. A Radio Receiver Coil measures the energy released by the disturbed protons. The time it take the protons to return to their aligned position is also measured. These measurements provide information about the type of tissue in which the proteins are bound, as well as its condition.
4. A Computer uses this information to construct an image on a TV screen. The screen image can then be recorded so that there is a permanent copy.

What are the uses of MRI?

MRI "sees" right through bone, and clearly pictures soft tissue. MRI is especially valuable for helping to diagnosis various abnormalities and diseases including:

Brain and Nervous System Disorders

1. Multiple Sclerosis
2. Tumors
3. Hydrocephalus (abnormal fluid in the skull)
4. Stroke
5. Traumatic injuries

MRI is ideal for MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography). MRA is a procedure that allows us to view blood flow within the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. It is the ideal magnet for imaging the brain and spine, providing the most detailed functional and anatomic evaluation of the central nervous system available today.

Cancer
MRI can be used to detect cancer in some organs and tissues.

Musculoskeletal problems
MRI can detect injuries, disorders, and diseases affecting tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone marrow and many other abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system.

MRI can also be used to monitor the success of treatment and disease.

Advanced MR applications:

MRI Scan & Imaging Centers has always paid attention to the advancements in MRI technology. In addition to low-field and mid-field diagnostic MRI scanning procedures, we can use a high-field scanner to perform the following advanced MR applications: [View Sample Images]

MR Cholangiopancreatography
Breath-Hold Abdominal Imaging
CSF Flow Studies
Diffusion
Perfusion
Body MRA-MRA Run Off