MRI scanners are particularly well suited to imaging non-bony body parts or soft tissuesThey differ from computed tomography (CT) in that they do not use the potentially harmful ionising radiation of x-rays. The brain, spinal cord, and nerves, as well as muscles, ligaments, and tendons, are much more clearly seen with MRI than with regular x-rays and CT; as a result, MRI is frequently used to image knee and shoulder injuries.
MRI can distinguish between white and grey matter in the brain and can also be used to diagnose aneurysms and tumours. Because MRI does not use x-rays or other radiation, it is the preferred imaging modality when frequent imaging is required for diagnosis or therapy, particularly in the brain. MRI, on the other hand, is more expensive than x-ray imaging or CT scanning.
Although MRI does not use ionising radiation like x-ray or CT imaging, it does employ a strong magnetic field. The magnetic field extends beyond the machine and exerts extremely powerful forces on objects made of iron, certain steels, and other magnetizable materials; it is powerful enough to fling a wheelchair across the room. Prior to having an MR scan, patients should notify their doctors if they have any type of medical or implant.
When having an MRI scan, the following factors should be considered:
Pacemakers, vagus nerve stimulators, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, loop recorders, insulin pumps, cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, and capsules from capsule endoscopy should not be used in an MRI machine.
Noise—loud noises such as clicking and beeping, as well as sound intensities of up to 120 decibels in certain MR scanners, may necessitate special ear protection.
Nerve Stimulation—a twitching sensation can occur as a result of the MRI's rapidly switched fields.