What does an MRI scan examine?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, my friend hasn't been feeling well recently, and the doctor recommended an MRI scan. I'd like to ask on his behalf, what can an MRI generally detect?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed internal images of the body. MRI can examine various body structures and organs, including but not limited to the brain, spinal cord, joints, muscles, blood vessels, and internal organs.
In brain examinations, MRI can detect brain tumors, cerebral hemorrhage, brain injuries, cerebrovascular diseases, and multiple neurological disorders. MRI can clearly visualize spinal cord compression, intervertebral disc herniation, articular cartilage injuries, and joint inflammation.
In addition, MRI plays an important role in evaluating cardiac and vascular structures, function, and blood flow. MRI also helps physicians detect various pathological changes such as tumors, inflammation, bleeding, infection, and degenerative diseases, providing critical information for early disease detection, accurate diagnosis, and treatment planning. Compared with X-ray and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it safer for patients.
However, because it relies on magnetic fields, patients with metallic implants inside their bodies may not be able to undergo MRI examinations.
