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MRI Scan
A guide for patients and carers
What is MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is a scanning procedure that uses a combination of a strong magnet, radiowaves and a computer to produce very detailed pictures of your body.
How does it work?
In your body there are a lot of hydrogen atoms, mostly within water and fat. When you are in the scanner, particles within these atoms act like tiny magnets and line themselves up with the strong magnetic field of the scanner. The scanner then transmits radiowaves that knock these particles out of alignment. When the
radiowaves are switched off, the particles realign with the main magnetic field and in doing so they give out a radio signal that is picked up by the scanner. This radio signal is fed into a computer that uses it to produce pictures of your body.
What does an MRI scan show?
An MRI scan provides pictures of sections through your body. Whereas an ordinary x-ray produces very good pictures of the bones, an MRI scan can show details of the brain, muscles, nerves, cartilages and other internal organs.
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