By Jenica Cole, Peoria Imaging
Let’s Get Educated
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a painless, non-invasive imaging technique used in radiology to study the anatomy and physiology of the body. This type of technology has come a long way in a few short decades.
Did you know that the first MRI exam was performed July 3, 1977? At that time, it took almost five hours to produce one image. The original machine was named the “Indomitable” and is now owned by the Smithsonian Institution.
MRI machines use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to form images of the human body. A powerful magnetic field is created by a large electromagnet located in the outer portion of the MRI unit. The strength of the magnetic field is measured in tesla (T). A specialized coil gathers information that is generated manipulating the magnetic field and radio waves in the MRI scanner and sends this data to a computer that processes and produces the images. The final product is a 2-D or 3-D representation of the specific area of the body being examined. Unlike CT scans and X-rays, no radiation is needed to perform the MRI examination.
Some may be wondering if a patient can feel the radio waves during a procedure. The answer is no, although the examination may be noisy.
Why would your health care provider refer you for an MRI?
A patient may be referred for an MRI from a variety of different medical providers. Although other imaging studies are often ordered first, MRI is a very versatile tool and can be used to diagnose a broad range of conditions.
Orthopedists often use MRI to get answers about injuries or conditions involving the joints, bones, or muscles. Neurologists may wish to use MRI of the brain to look for stroke, tumors, infection, aneurysms, or bleeding. MRI may also be used to evaluate problems affecting vision and hearing.
MRI of the spine can be used by chiropractors and spine surgeons to look for fractures, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and tumors.
MRI may be used to help look for abnormalities in the organs and blood vessels of the abdomen and pelvis, and is often done to provide additional information about abnormalities found by CT or ultrasound examinations.
A Little More About MRI Exams
An MRI exam typically takes 30 – 45 minutes, but timing is really dependent on what body part is being examined or if multiple areas of the body are under consideration. MRI machines may vary in shape and size but they are all ultimately using the same technology to produce images of the inside of our bodies. GE Healthcare, Siemens and Philips are three companies who dominate the MRI market share.
In the U.S., MRI procedures are most prevalent for scanning the brain, head, and neck. In fact, in 2010, 8.7 million brain, head, and neck scans were performed. Extremity and spine scans are the next most common procedure types. In 2010, 7.5 million spine procedures occurred and 7.3 million extremity scans. It is estimated that the global market for MRI’s will rise to around 7.5 billion in 2015. In the U.S., there are 26.6 MRI scanners per million people.
Peoria Imaging houses two: a 1.5T Closed MRI as well as an Open MRI Unit 0.3T. The difference between the two is easy to explain. An Open MRI is built in a C shape configuration where patients have more room and are able to look out each side. A Closed or Traditional MRI is a tube where the openings are at each end. The patient lies down on a table that slides into the large tube. A Closed MRI has a significantly stronger magnet, which allows the exam to be completed more quickly and with greater image detail than in an Open MRI. Both the Open and Closed MRI systems provide similar information; however, the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of the Closed MRI is superior. Open Units are a good option for the claustrophobic individual.
Speak with your health care professional about an MRI being the right option for you.
You have a choice in selecting your radiology imaging services: MRI, CT, Ultrasound and X-ray. Peoria Imaging is conveniently located at 6708 North Knoxville Avenue in Peoria, IL. Most insurance is accepted, along with Medicare, Medicaid, and workers’ compensation claims, with competitive cash rates. Call today at 309-692-7674 for your free, no obligation price quote or to make an appointment.
Photos courtesy of Peoria Imaging