What is the Full Form of MRI in Medical

MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a non-invasive image processing technique that generates three-dimensional images. It is often used in the identification, diagnosis, and monitoring of illnesses and their treatments. MRI is a modern technology that excites and detects changes in the axis of rotation of ions found in water that are present in living tissues of the human body.

How does it work?

Powerful magnets are used in MRI to create a strong magnetic field that compels body ions to align with it. The patient is pulsed with a radiofrequency current, which makes the electrons get excited and spin out of balance. This leads them to struggle against the magnetic field's lift. The energy released by charged particles when they align with the magnetic flux can be monitored by MRI detectors even when the electromagnetic field is shut off. The surroundings and the chemical interactions between the molecules affect how much energy is produced and how long it takes for the charged particles to align with the magnetic field. Depending on these magnetic properties, doctors can distinguish between various types of tissues.

A patient is positioned inside a superconducting magnet to achieve an MRI image and should remain very still throughout the imaging process to prevent blurring the image. Some agents usually containing the element Gadolinium may be injected intravenously i.e. in the veins of a patient just before or during an MRI to speed up the rate at which charged particles realign with the magnetic field as a result image brightens as the ions readjust faster.

Where is it used?

MRI scanners are particularly appropriate for imaging the body's internal organs or surrounding tissues. They are clearly different from ultrasound imaging because they do not employ the harmful ionizing radiation of X-rays. MRI can scan the brain, spinal cord, and nerves significantly more clearly than standard X-rays and CT scans, as well as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. MRI is extensively used to examine knee and shoulder injuries.

MRI can distinguish between white and gray matter within the brain and can also be used to diagnose haemorrhages and tumours. MRI does not use X-rays or other radiation, therefore is the widely imaging technique when imaging is required for diagnostic tests or therapy, especially for the brain.

MRI, in contrast, is more costly than X-ray or Computerized tomography (CT Scan). MRI is used to examine brain structures and decide which areas of the brain are active and take in more oxygen during cognitive tasks. It is used to provide more understanding of multiple brain regions and may also provide a standard for evaluating the neurological status and neurosurgical risk.

Risks associated with MRI

Things to be kept in mind before doing MRI Scan:

• People who have implants, especially those containing iron, such as artificial hearts, nervous system stimulators, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, hearing impairment, central nervous system stimulators, and capsules from capsule endoscopy, should not go into an MRI scanner.
• It is advised to wear special ear protection gear where there is a loud noise that, as the sound intensity of up to 120 decibels in some MRI scanners can be harmful.
• Rapidly changing MRI fields can cause temporary nerve stimulation, which causes a twitchy feeling.
• Patients who are on dialysis because of severe kidney failure are at risk of developing nephrotic syndrome systemic fibrosis, a rare but serious condition that may be set on by the use of specific gadolinium-containing pharmaceuticals like gadodiamide and many others. Despite the absence of a confirmed causative relationship, current standards recommend that gadolinium agents only be given to dialysis patients when considered required and that dialysis be started as soon as possible after the scanning to remove the chemical from the body as soon as possible.
• It is advised to avoid MRI scans during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when the foetus organs are developing and contrast chemicals, when used, could enter the foetal bloodstream.
• Individuals who suffer from even minor claustrophobia might find it difficult to withstand long scan intervals within the machine. The patients are given tools to control their discomfort through orientation with the equipment and procedure, image processing techniques, relaxation, and anaesthesia. Closing or covering the eyes, activating a panic button, watching a video or movie, or music listening is additional coping strategies.