How do Doctors use MRI Scans?

A MRI scan is a noninvasive technique that doctors use to evaluate the organs, tissues, and skeletal system. MRI scans may be performed to provide more information about a problem observed on an CT scan, ultrasound, and X-ray. Here are some other reasons that doctors may utilize MRI scans.

• By providing extremely detailed pictures, MRI scans can be used to locate abnormalities in the brain such as aneurysms, stroke, eye/ear disorders, and tumors. The technique may also help predict the likelihood of these benign or malignant abnormal growths spreading into nearby brain tissue. Additionally, MRI scans can show bleeding as well as a loss of oxygen in the brain after a stroke.
• MRI scans are sometimes performed to evaluate the structure of the heart and aorta in order to detect heart defects that may have been prevalent since birth. After a heart attack has occurred, the technique can examine the change in thickness and movement of the muscles around the heart. MRI scans can also examine the extent of damage caused by the heart attack or disease.
• Additionally, MRI scans can assess the current function of the heart’s chambers as well as inflammation or blockages in the blood vessels.
• Many neurosurgeons use MRI scans to obtain accurate information about the structure of joints and bones including joint disorders, disk/joint abnormalities, and bone infections or tumors.
• This technique can also examine the soft parts of the body like the liver, spleen, pancreas, ovaries, prostate, uterus, kidneys, and other glands/organs.
• MRI scans are especially useful after a trauma since they can accurately depict problems related to the vertebra or intervertebral discs of the spine.
• MRI scans can also show the stands of abnormal tissue that are present when someone has multiple sclerosis.
• Along with a mammography, MRI scans may be used to detect breast cancer, especially in women who have dense breast tissue. MRI scans are particularly useful for women who may be at high risk of developing breast cancer.