Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a painless and non-invasive method that doctors use for viewing the human body as well as getting anatomical and functional diagnostic information. MRI scans are beneficial in diagnosing a lot of abnormalities and diseases, from hip joint defects to cancerous tumors. Also, they are used for studying the eyes, heart, brain, and spinal cord. Depending on the area to be scanned and the number of images being taken, an MRI usually lasts 30-60 minutes. Read on to know the importance of MRI scans:
Detect and Diagnose Abnormalities Early
Some testing methods are not effective in diagnosing some conditions. But, an MRI can accurately detect a lot of diseases and abnormalities in their very early stages. Because of this, doctors can diagnose effectively and make sure the patient will get the appropriate treatment. Also, doctors can monitor treatment for conditions like tumors, heart disease, and liver disease. They will know if any changes to the size or shape of an organ, lesion, or tumor with an MRI by comparing previous MRIs to the current ones.
Moreover, MRIs offer better soft-tissue contrast than CT scans. This kind of scan can differentiate more effectively between water, fat, muscle, and other soft-tissue structures like ligaments and cartilage. It has been used to diagnose nervous system and brain issues like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord lesions. An MRI can play an important role in analyzing a sports injury or joint condition such as arthritis. It can offer information on the movement of blood through some organs and vessels, letting medical experts identify any issues with blood circulation like blockages.
Prevent Patients from Exposure to Radiation
One of the main benefits of an MRI is that patients don’t get exposed to radiation as in the case with CT scans, X-rays, and PET scans. Thus, this testing method can be safely used on people with a vulnerability to the impacts of radiation like pregnant women and babies. Also, an MRI can identify swelling and inflammation and can demonstrate both 3D and cross-sectional images of the body. So, connect with boise mri specialists today.
Identify Suspected Tumors
MRI scans can display the differences in water content and blood flow between tissues, identifying suspected tumors. Cancerous tumors form their own blood vessels, offering them a bigger blood supply than surrounding tissue, and this can be shown in an MRI scan. In some cases, a doctor may order the injection of a contrast agent into the veins of the patient to improve the clarity of the MRI scans and highlight the blood vessel concentration.
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