MRI How does the Physics of the nucleus allow us to scan internal organs?

Contents What is MRI? How do MRI scanners work? The uses of MRI Advantages Disadvantages

MRI stands for… magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to form large images (on a computer) of tissues, organs and other structures inside the body.

What does an MRI scanner look like?

How do MRI scanners work?

What are MRI scanners used for? …detailed pictures of the brain and spinal chord …to detect abnormalities and tumours …to assess sports injuries such as torn ligaments around joints

Other tests such as X-rays do not give enough information required. Why are MRIs useful? You can create clear pictures of most parts of the body.

Advantages They do not expose you to radiation, so they can be safely used by people who may be venerable to the effects of radiation, such as babies and pregnant They are useful for showing tissue structures, such as ligaments and cartilage, and organs such as the brain, heart and eyes. They can provide information about the how the blood moves through certain organs and blood vessels, letting problems with blood circulation, such as blockages, to be identified.

Disadvantages MRI scanners are very expensive (over £1 million). This means that the number of scanners a hospital can afford is limited. If your condition is non-urgent, you may have to wait several months to have an MRI scan. People can feel claustrophobic when they’re having an MRI scan as it’s a enclosed space and loud noises are made by the magnets. MRI scanners can be affected by movement so they are unsuitable for looking at problems in the places like the mouth because coughing or swallowing can make the images that are produced unclear.