Magnetic Resonance Imaging Essay

Magnetic resonance imaging is a painless medical examination that is used by physicians to diagnose and treat their patients. MRI does not depend on radiation in order to construct an internal image of a body unlike x-ray examination and CT scan. It uses a powerful magnetic field and as well as radio waves with the help of a computer in order to be able to produced detailed views of a persons organs, tissues and other details about the patient’s internal body structure. Using MRI, hydrogen atoms in the body are aligned through the used of a scanner that produces a powerful magnetic field. In order to change the alignment of this magnetization, radio waves are used which also causes the hydrogen atoms to be able to create a weak radio signal that are now measurable. Additional magnetic field enables the manipulation of these signals to be able to gather enough information. A computer then generates a series of image through the use of the gathered information. These images are then compiled to produce a three-dimensional image of the person’s body. The formed images can now be seen on a computer monitor for examination and even printing. The images are analyzed by a radiologist and will give the report on the attending physician. In this case Physics and other sciences are really helpful and is really the key for the production of such method. Without our knowledge regarding magnetic fields and radio waves as well as the machineries, MRI will not be possible. Some of the uses or MRI includes the evaluation of chest organs, the abdomen and pelvis. The MRI is also used by physicians in order to diagnosed different tumors of the body and for several other medical examinations. The traditional design of Magnetic Resonance Imaging unit is a large tube that is cylindrical in shape. Circular magnets surround the cylindrical tube. The patients are then placed in a movable table and slides into the center of the magnets for the examination. Other MRI units had been designed so that the magnet does not completely surround the patient and still, there are those that are open in every side. These modifications are made for patients who does not like being in a close space. However, the traditional design still gives the best image quality. Advantages and Disadvantages of MRI One of the main benefits of using MRI for diagnosis is that it does not use radiation. Also, the images formed using this procedure is has a higher sensitivity that enables easily identification of abnormalities that are present in the body. It had also been proven that MRI plays a great role for diagnosing road range conditions such as heart disease, muscular and bone abnormalities and as well as cancer. Another advantage is that MRI does not only allow the attending physician to have a view of the internal body structure of the patient but as well as how that particular organ works. MRI also makes it possible to detect other abnormalities that may be hidden in the bone, abnormalities that may not be seen using other imaging methods. The materials that are used in MRI are also likely to produce less allergic reactions compared to the use of other imaging method such as x-rays and CT scan. As long appropriately guidelines for safety are followed, MRI poses almost no risk to most of the patients. The main risk or disadvantage of using the MRI is that the devices used that contain metal may malfunction during the MRI exam. Also if the examination uses sedatives, there could be risks because of the use of excessive sedatives. Still this risk can be minimized by the nurse by checking the vital signs of the patient.