Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Roll # PH-25(B)U/21
submitted to
Mam Yasmin

Department Of Physics
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar

January 2, 2024
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1. What is MRI?
MRI is a medical test that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to cre-
ate detailed pictures of the inside of your body, showing organs, bones,
muscles, and blood vessels. Unlike X-rays, it doesn’t use radiation. These
images help doctors diagnose and plan treatments without invasive pro-
cedures.

2. How does an MRI scan work

MRI Machine Basics:

ˆ Large, tube-shaped machine.
ˆ Creates a strong magnetic field and sends radio waves to the body.

How it Works:
ˆ Magnetic field aligns body atoms.
ˆ Radio waves move atoms, and when turned off, atoms return to orig-
inal position.
ˆ Returning signals are used to create body images on a monitor.

Advantages over CT:

ˆ Better for studying soft tissues.
ˆ Differentiates between various soft tissues and normal vs. abnormal
tissues.
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Safety:
ˆ No ionizing radiation used, making it safe.

Additional MRI Uses:

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA):
ˆ Evaluates blood flow in arteries.
ˆ Detects brain aneurysms and vascular malformations.

Functional MRI (fMRI):

ˆ Determines brain regions for specific functions like speech or memory.
ˆ Helps plan treatments for brain disorders.

Applications:
ˆ Used instead of CT for soft tissue studies.
ˆ No radiation exposure risk.
ˆ Evolving technologies like MRA and fMRI provide detailed insights
into blood flow and brain functions.

3. How do I prepare for an MRI proce-

dure

Preparation for MRI Exam:

Eat/Drink:
You may eat, drink, and take medications as usual for most MRI exams.
Specific instructions for certain specialty MRI exams will be provided by
Johns Hopkins Medical Imaging when you schedule your exam.

Clothing:
Remove all clothing, including underwear, and secure personal belongings.
Take off piercings, leave jewelry, and valuables at home.
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What to Expect:
Imaging occurs inside a large, open-ended tube. Lie still for quality images.
Earplugs are required due to the MRI machine’s loud noise.

Allergy:
Some MRI exams use IV contrast. If you’ve had an allergic reaction,
consult your ordering physician for a prescription to be taken 24, 12, and
two hours before the examination.

Anti-Anxiety Medication:
For claustrophobia, get a prescription from your ordering physician. Bring
the prescription on the appointment day, and have someone drive you
home.

Strong Magnetic Environment:

Inform your doctor before the appointment if you have metal in your body.
Provide detailed information about the type and location to determine
MRI eligibility. Undisclosed metal may lead to delays, rescheduling, or
cancellation of the study.

Other Preparations:
Based on your medical condition, additional preparations may be required
by your healthcare provider.

Appointment Notification:
When making an appointment, inform your doctor if any of the following
apply to you.

Important Information for MRI

4. ˆ If you have a pacemaker or have had heart valves replaced.
ˆ If you have any type of implantable pump, such as an insulin pump.
ˆ If you have vessel coils, filters, stents, or clips.
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ˆ If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

ˆ If you have ever had a bullet wound.
ˆ If you have ever worked with metal (e.g., as a metal grinder or
welder).
ˆ If you have metallic fragments anywhere in the body.
ˆ If you are not able to lie down for 30 to 60 minutes.