Magnetic Resonance Imaging
What is MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), is an imaging technique that creates detailed, high-definition images of the inside of the body. It uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce these pictures which are then analyzed by a radiologist. An MRI scan is a non-invasive and painless procedure.
Unlike X-rays and CT (Computed Tomography), MRI does not use radiation. This makes it a particularly safe choice for imaging soft tissues and organs like the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and heart. The absence of radiation means that you can establish a baseline with an initial scan and then have repeated scans to monitor progress or changes over time. This can be done without worry of the cumulative effects of radiation, offering a significant advantage in both safety and long-term patient care.
What is MRA?
MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography), is a type of MRI scan that is specialized in visualizing blood vessels. Using the same magnetic fields and radio waves as a traditional MRI, it creates detailed images of arteries and veins. This method allows for a simple approach to identifying irregularities or issues within the blood vessels. It's a common choice for examining the condition of the vascular system.
What is MRA?
MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography), is a type of MRI scan that is specialized in visualizing blood vessels. Using the same magnetic fields and radio waves as a traditional MRI, it creates detailed images of arteries and veins. This method allows for a simple approach to identifying irregularities or issues within the blood vessels. It's a common choice for examining the condition of the vascular system.
What does an MRI look at?
MRI excels at imaging soft tissues, such as organs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels and bone structures in the body.
- The spine and spinal cord
- The brain and surrounding nerve tissues
- Organs in your chest and abdomen
- Pelvic organs
- Blood vessels
- Lymph nodes
- Skeletal system
View our available scans to find what best suits your situation.
MRI with or without contrast?
MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography), is a type of MRI scan that is specialized in visualizing blood vessels. Using the same magnetic fields and radio waves as a traditional MRI, it creates detailed images of arteries and veins. This method allows for a simple approach to identifying irregularities or issues within the blood vessels. It's a common choice for examining the condition of the vascular system.
While rare, some patients can have an allergic reaction to the contrast, so it should only be used when a doctor thinks it's necessary for the patient's medical condition.
Note: Imago MRI only performs scans without contrast. If you need a scan with contrast don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'd be happy to help you find a suitable facility that can provide this service.
What conditions can MRI help identify?
An MRI is exceptional at establishing a baseline, as it offers incredibly detailed images of the body's structures and tissues, enabling precise comparisons over time and assisting in identifying any changes or abnormalities at their earliest stages.
MRI can help identify a wide range of symptoms and medical conditions including, but not limited to:
Organ injury or disease
Brain conditions: Strokes, tumors, bleeding, inflammation, or infections.
Heart issues: Damage from heart attacks, congenital heart defects, or heart disease.
Reproductive organ conditions: Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis.
Digestive organ diseases: Cirrhosis or liver tumors, pancreatic conditions like pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease.
Spinal injury or disease
Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Spinal cord Injuries
Spinal tumors
Spinal infections
Degenerative disc disease
Soft tissue or bone injury
Torn or detached ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage such as:
- Sprains and strains
- ACL injuries
- Meniscal tears
- Achilles tendon ruptures
- Rotator cuff tearsJoint injury or abnormalities
Nerve compression
Cartilage loss
Bone bruises
Stress fractures
Unexplained symptoms
Constant or severe headaches
Persistent back or neck pain
Dizziness or problems with balance
Trouble hearing or ringing in the ears
Changes in vision or double vision
Unexplained weakness or numbness
Difficulty with speech or swallowing
Memory problems or changes in behavior
Seizures without a known cause
Unusual lumps or growths
What is the difference between MRI and CT?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are both advanced tools for internal imaging. An MRI uses the power of magnets and radio waves to create in-depth images and is unparalleled in visualizing soft tissues, including the brain, muscles, and ligaments. It can also detect subtle bone injuries like bruises or stress fractures that are often undetectable with other methods.
CT scans, on the other hand, use X-rays to efficiently visualize dense bone structures, making them ideal for diagnosing complex fractures and assessing alignment. Additionally, they provide rapid and clear images of internal organs, especially the lungs, making them indispensable in time-sensitive diagnostic situations.
One of the key differences is that MRI doesn't use radiation, making it a safer choice for repeated use.
MRI Safety Checklist
You have a medical device such as a pacemaker, cochlear implants, neurostimulators
You have metal implants, such as joint replacements, plates, screws, or pins
You have vessel coils, filters, stents, or clips
You have metallic foreign objects in your body, such as shrapnel or bullet fragments
You have a body piercing
You have tattoos or permanent makeup
You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
You are claustrophobic
You are unable to lie down for more than 30 minutes
How much does an MRI cost?
For information on pricing and payment methods, please see our scan offerings and packages.
see our pricesPreparing for imaging
Find out how to prepare for your scan, what to expect during the process, and all the relevant steps and guidelines.
what to expect
