Understanding MRI Machines
What Is An MRI?
MRI, or magnetic resonating imaging, is a non invasive method of medical imaging. It utilizes very strong magnetic fields to provide a very detailed image of the internal structure of your body. In existence for over 30 years now, MRI technology has evolved rapidly and has completely transformed the field of medical imaging.
Magnetic resonating imaging is relatively new compared to other medical imaging methods. The method that is most comparable to MRI scanning is a CT scan, or computed tomography. Similarly, a CT scan can also create detailed images of the tissue inside your body, and it will do it much quicker than an MRI. However, it has its drawbacks as well. A CT scan uses x-rays and radiation to scan your body, which are a potential hazard to your health. It also cannot take as detailed pictures of the soft tissue in your body.
An MRI machine works by using very powerful magnetic fields to align the hydrogen atoms in all the water molecules that make up your body. The strength of this magnetic field can be up to 3 teslas, which is about 60,000 times stonger than the earth’s magnetic field at its surface! A separate radio frequency electromagnetic field is then applied to excite those hydrogen atoms and slightly change their orientation. When this happens, a signal is created. Depending on the type of tissue in the body, the atoms will be excited at different rates and create different signals. These signals are detected to form a very nice picture of the inside of your body.
MRI scanners are very big machines. They are cylindrical with an opening in the middle of it for the patient to be scanned. There is a table that the patient lies down on and you have to be pushed into the center. This opening is relatively small and can be very uncomfortable for “large” individuals or people with claustrophobia.
MRI Safety
Generally speaking, there is little to worry as far as MRI side effects go. The procedure is safe and does not hurt. However, there are many precautions that must be taken beforehand to ensure that nothing goes wrong. And, there are some side effects of an MRI that you should know about, which will be discussed on this site.
More About MRI Side Effects
What Is An MRI?
MRI, or magnetic resonating imaging, is a non invasive method of medical imaging. It utilizes very strong magnetic fields to provide a very detailed image of the internal structure of your body. In existence for over 30 years now, MRI technology has evolved rapidly and has completely transformed the field of medical imaging.
Magnetic resonating imaging is relatively new compared to other medical imaging methods. The method that is most comparable to MRI scanning is a CT scan, or computed tomography. Similarly, a CT scan can also create detailed images of the tissue inside your body, and it will do it much quicker than an MRI. However, it has its drawbacks as well. A CT scan uses x-rays and radiation to scan your body, which are a potential hazard to your health. It also cannot take as detailed pictures of the soft tissue in your body.
An MRI machine works by using very powerful magnetic fields to align the hydrogen atoms in all the water molecules that make up your body. The strength of this magnetic field can be up to 3 teslas, which is about 60,000 times stonger than the earth’s magnetic field at its surface! A separate radio frequency electromagnetic field is then applied to excite those hydrogen atoms and slightly change their orientation. When this happens, a signal is created. Depending on the type of tissue in the body, the atoms will be excited at different rates and create different signals. These signals are detected to form a very nice picture of the inside of your body.
MRI scanners are very big machines. They are cylindrical with an opening in the middle of it for the patient to be scanned. There is a table that the patient lies down on and you have to be pushed into the center. This opening is relatively small and can be very uncomfortable for “large” individuals or people with claustrophobia.
MRI Safety
Generally speaking, there is little to worry as far as MRI side effects go. The procedure is safe and does not hurt. However, there are many precautions that must be taken beforehand to ensure that nothing goes wrong. And, there are some side effects of an MRI that you should know about, which will be discussed on this site.