What is an MRI?
An MRI scanner is a medical imaging device used for MRI. It creates images by combining magnetic fields, radio waves, and advanced image processing.
Unlike regular X-rays, MRI does not use ionizing X-ray radiation. Therefore, MRI differs from CT and regular X-rays both technically and medically.
The MRI scanner can examine many different parts of the body depending on the question and imaging protocol.
- MRI brain
- MRI back
- MRI leads
- MRI abdomen
- MRI prostate
- Full body MRI
What is an MRI used for?
MRI can be used to assess the brain, spinal cord, discs, joints, muscles, abdominal organs, pelvis and prostate.
The method can show inflammation, injuries, cysts, changes suspicious of tumors, disc changes and other structural abnormalities depending on the area.
However, it is not suitable for all questions. Sometimes a CT scan, ultrasound, blood test or other examination is more relevant.
How does the survey work in practice?
You lie on a table that is inserted into the MRI camera. During the imaging process, you will often hear distinct knocking sounds as the camera works with different image sequences.
You need to lie still for the images to be clear. The staff will monitor the examination and can communicate with you.
In some cases, contrast agents are used to make specific structures or changes more apparent.
- Safety questions before takeoff
- Metal objects are removed
- You lie still.
- Series of images are taken
- Radiologist reviews the images
Important safety issues
Because the MRI scanner has a strong magnetic field, information about implants, pacemakers, metal objects, previous surgeries, and pregnancy is important.
Not all implants can be examined in the same way. Some implants need to be checked before the examination can be carried out.
If you have acute symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately instead of booking a scheduled MRI.
Planned private MRI should not replace emergency care for sudden, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Magnetic resonance imaging compared to other methods
CT is fast and X-ray based, while ultrasound uses sound waves. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves.
This means that the methods are suited to different issues. MRI is often strong in soft tissues, the nervous system and joints, while CT can be important in emergency situations.
The right method is best chosen based on symptoms, risk, and medical issue.
What happens after the MRI scan?
After the examination, the images are reviewed by a radiologist. The results are compiled in a report describing relevant findings.
The report may show that everything looks normal, that a finding needs to be followed up, or that another examination is appropriate.
The result always needs to be put in context with symptoms and other medical information.
Limitations and next steps
MRI needs to be understood as part of a larger medical whole. Imaging diagnostics can provide important answers, but it cannot alone explain all symptoms or replace a clinical assessment.
A finding on MRI may be significant, but may also be an age-related or benign change. Similarly, a normal MRI response may need to be followed up if symptoms persist or change.
The best next step therefore depends on what the examination shows, how your symptoms develop, and whether there are risk factors, previous illnesses, or other test results to consider.
- Normal variant or incidental finding
- Findings that need to be followed up
- Supplementary sampling
- Referral or specialist assessment
- New assessment in case of deterioration