Physics of Medical Scans
Image Source: BUPA
What is MRI?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. That is just a fancy way to say that the scan uses magnets to see inside your body.
Who needs it?
MRI scans can be given to anyone who is suspected of having health problems that doctors can’t see with a naked eye such as cancers or heart problems.
The scan does not emit harmful radiation, which means undertaking an MRI scan does not increase the patient's risk of developing cancers.
How does it work?
The magnets are very similar to the magnets on your fridge, but they are more than 1000 times stronger!
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Your body is made up of particles that interact with these magnets, just like how a compass needle interacts with a fridge magnet. These particles in your body move when they interact with the magnets in the scanner. The scanner can then detect these interactions and produce images. These images allow the doctors to see if there is anything wrong with your body.
Fig. 1: An example of images produced by an MRI scanner. MRI can produce very detailed images of the brain that would allow doctors to diagnose abnormalities.
(Image Source: Radiopedia)
For more information on what to expect during an MRI examination and a more detailed explanation, click here:
Hover your mouse over here to find out what a Hospital in Newcastle is doing to improve patient comfort
Because a patient must lie still during an MRI exam, which can last from 30 minutes to an hour, this proves difficult for young children. Young children may need general anaesthesia during the scan.
Fortunately, with the donations from the Northern Brainwave Appeal and Newcastle Hospital NHS Charity, the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle installed sky ceiling tiles using LED lights and patients are now able to bring their own DVD along to watch during the examination.
The hospital has successfully scanned children between the age of 4 and 10 without general anaesthesia.
Visit the Newcastle Hospital website to read more here.
(Image Source: Newcastle Hospital)