What is an MRI scan?
MRI (Magnetic
Resonance Imaging) scanning is a medical investigation that uses an
exceptionally strong magnet and radio frequency waves to generate image of your
body.
Why would I need an
MRI scan?
An MRI scan is
one of the most sophisticated diagnostic tools available to help a referring
clinician understand the cause of your particular health issue.
What can be
diagnosed by an MRI scan?
By scanning the
relevant sector(s) of a patient’s body, an MRI scan can help to diagnose the
following:
- most ailments of the brain, including tumours and dementias.
- sports injuries.
- musculoskeletal problems.
- most spinal conditions/injuries.
- vascular abnormalities.
- female pelvic problems.
- prostate problems.
- some gastrointestinal tract conditions.
- certain ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions.
- soft tissue and bone pathology/conditions.
Who can’t have an
MRI scan?
Due to the
powerful magnetic force involved in producing an MRI scan, certain individuals
will not be scanned. You must not have an MRI scan if you have:
- a cardiac (heart) pacemaker.
- certain clips in your head from brain operations, i.e. aneurysm clips.
- acochlear (ear) implant.
- ametallic foreign body in your eye.
- had surgery in the last 8 weeks.
- aprogrammable shunt for hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain).
- if you are pregnant.
