Learn About MRI

Learn About MRI

 
WHAT IS AN MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.  MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to make detailed images of your body.  It involves no radiation, and is very safe.  
 
WHY AM I GETTING AN MRI?
Your doctor asked you to get an MRI to get a close look at a part of your body, to try to get an accurate diagnosis.
 
WHO READS MY MRI?
Only board-certified radiologists are qualified to read MRI.  A radiologist is a medical doctor who did 5 years of extra training to learn to read radiology studies.  At BLMI, our medical director and lead radiologist did an extra year of MRI training, and has years of experience in reading MRI.
 
WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF MRI?
BRAIN
MRIs of the head are used to detect abnormalities in the brain, including inflammation, bleeding, stroke, tumors, and other processes.
 
BREAST
Breast MRI is a very sensitive test, often used in patients with known breast cancer, with strong family history, dense breasts, breast implants, or with inconclusive tests.
 
BONES AND JOINTS 
MRIs are used to look at bones, ligaments and tendons and cartilage.  MRI is a very detailed way to look at the inner structures of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, hand, foot, hip, and almost any other bone or joint.
 
SPINE
MRI of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine is the most accurate way to evaluate for disc bulges.  It also helps us evaluate other changes in the spine.
 
BLOOD VESSELS
MRIs are used to look at blood vessels often using a contrast material to find aneurysms, blocked blood vessels, or torn linings.
 
ABDOMEN
MRIs of the abdomen area examine the kidneys, bladder, liver, spleen, adrenal glands, pancreas and gallbladder.  
 
PELVIS 
MRIs of the pelvis are used to examine the uterus and ovaries in women and the prostate in men.
 
WHAT IS MRI CONTRAST?
MRI contrast, or Gadolinium, can be injected into the veins to allow the radiologist to see some of the blood vessels and organs in more detail.  
 
WHAT TYPES OF MRI DO YOU OFFER?
There are common MRI exams that we do:
MRI Brain (MRI Head)--- MRI of the brain is often used to evaluate headaches or other neurological problems including stroke, bleeding, and tumors.
MRI Cervical Spine-- MRI of the cervical spine is used to evaluate the part of the spine in the neck for disc bulges and other causes of pain.
MRI Thoracic Spine-- MRI of the thoacic spine is used to evaluate the part of the spine in the mid back for disc bulges and other causes of pain.
MRI Lumbar Spine-- MRI of the lumbar spine is used to evaluate the part of the spine in the low back for disc bulges and other causes of pain.
MRI Neck-- MRI of the neck can be used to evaluate lymph nodes, blood vessels, and other structures in the neck.
 
MRI Shoulder-- MRI of the shoulder is often used to look for rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, fractures, or arthritis.
MRI Elbow-- MRI of the elbow is often used to look for elbow ligament and bone injuries, as well as biceps tears or fractures.
MRI Wrist-- MRI of the wrist is often used to look for fractures, ligament tears, and tendon injuries, or arthritis.
MRI Hand-- MRI of the hand is often used to look for athritis, fractures, and ligament injuries.
MRI Hip-- MRI of the hip is often used to look for fractures, bone abnormalities, tendon injuries, and labral tears.
MRI Knee-- MRI of the knee looks for injuries to the meniscus, ligaments (such as ACL or MCL), and bones, or for arthritis.
MRI Ankle-- MRI of the ankle looks for injuries, arthritis, fractures, and other causes of pain.
MRI Foot-- MRI of the foot looks for injuries, arthritis, fractures, and other causes of pain.
MRI Arm-- MRI of the arm looks for injuries, arthritis, fractures, and other causes of pain.
MRI Leg-- MRI of the leg looks for injuries, arthritis, fractures, and other causes of pain.
 
MRI Abdomen-- MRI of the abdomen looks at the liver, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, and kidneys, or other organs.
MRI Pelvis-- MRI of the pelvis can be used to look at the female uterus and ovaries, male prostate, or other organs.