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 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.
It can look at, and evaluate several different areas inside your body, including:
- 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?
While non-contrast MRI scans are often the standard and initial imaging method, there are instances when finer details are required and contrast becomes necessary, particularly when assessing conditions such as tumors, infections, or inflammation. In these cases, a contrast agent is injected into your body to help make specific areas or tissues more visible on the images.
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:
Injury or disease of organs
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
Sprains and strains
ACL injuries
Meniscal tears
Achilles tendon ruptures
Rotator cuff tears
Joint 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 behaviour
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, utilize 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.
What is the difference between a screening and diagnostic MRI?
As individuals increasingly take charge of their health, Screening MRI is gaining popularity as a proactive approach to healthcare, so what's the difference?
Screening MRI is a preventive measure used to detect potential health issues before symptoms appear, particularly in individuals at high risk for certain diseases. It's part of a routine check-up for early detection, aiming to catch diseases like cancer at an early, more treatable stage.
Diagnostic MRI, on the other hand, is used to diagnose or provide more information about a condition when there are already symptoms present or following abnormal results from other tests.
Is MRI safe?
MRI is generally considered very safe for most people, including children and pregnant women, as it uses magnetic fields and radio waves rather than radiation. While the strong magnetic field doesn't cause any harm to the body, it can interact with certain medical devices, like pacemakers, cochlear implants, and some metal surgical clips. This interaction can affect the function of these devices or lead to image distortions, like artifacts (bright or dark spots), and reduced clarity of the structures being scanned.
Many devices are MRI compatible, and most individuals who have metal implants can safely undergo an MRI, but there are a few exceptions. Please call us if you have any implanted devices before scheduling your scan.
Find more answers to FAQ's.
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.
For your safety
It's important to inform us if any of the following apply to you:
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
For your information
Children and scanning procedures
We recommend our scanning services for children aged 12 and above. While MRI procedures are safe for all children, the clarity of the images largely depends on the child's ability to remain still during the entire scan.
For children under the age of 12 whom a parent believes can stay still, we are happy to conduct the scan. However, please note that if the images are blurry due to movement, we will not perform a rescan. The accuracy and readability of the MRI results rely on the child's ability to remain motionless during the procedure.
Note: We do not offer sedation at our facility.
Having someone by your side
- You're welcome to bring a friend or family member with you during your scan. Please note that they will undergo the same screening process as the patients to ensure safety for all. Following the screening, they can accompany you in the room for added comfort and support.
How much does an MRI cost?
Preparing for imaging
Find out how to prepare for your scan, what to expect during the process, and all the relevant steps and guidelines.