MRI Scan
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a medical imaging technique that creates detailed images of the internal structures of the body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, which use ionizing radiation, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to generate images. During an MRI scan, the patient lies inside a large, tube-shaped machine while it captures a series of images. The magnetic field induces alignment in the hydrogen atoms present in the body’s tissues, and then radio waves disrupt this alignment. As the hydrogen atoms return to their original state, they emit signals that the machine detects and uses to create an image.
MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord, and internal organs. Doctors commonly use them to diagnose and monitor conditions such as tumors, strokes, and neurological disorders. MRI scans are generally safe and painless, although patients with certain medical conditions, such as implanted metal devices, may not be eligible for the procedure.