Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a viable and non-invasive way for physicians to visualize inside the body without operating. MRI is better than CT scans or X-rays because there is no radiation; MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to develop images of organs, tissues, bones and other internal structures. This article discusses when is MRI appropriate because many patients would have potentially undergone multiple MRI tests over a period of time and in some cases MRI is the safest option.
When is MRI appropriate? Not every joint ache or pain is indicated for or needs to be evaluated with advanced imaging. That is why simple tests and evaluations with X-rays, or a physical examination, are adequate to assess the more common minor injuries or incidental findings. There are times when it is appropriate for your physician to recommend an MRI.
When MRI is likely to be recommended?
Ongoing or Unexplained Pain: If you have chronic headaches, back pain, or joint pain that doesn’t get better with dosed rest, medications or physical therapy, an MRI can help to show if there are underlying causes of that pain, such as herniated discs or tumors, fibroid soft tissue injuries, or osteoarthritis.
Suspected Internal Injury or Conditions: MRI’s overall use of assessing the brain, spinal cord, heart, and other solid internal organs is valuable. MRI can show underlying issues such as tumors, aneurysms, strokes, infections, and even blood vessel or soft tissue abnormalities.
Follow-Up on Chronic, Degenerative Diseases: In chronic progression of diseases like arthritis, or more actively degenerative disease like multiple sclerosis, MRI follow-up can be useful to medical providers to assess if current treatments are working or if the disease is actively worsening.
Instead of Other Types of Imaging: When X-rays or CT scans are done and you still don’t have enough information, or if the scan shows the images are less than acceptable, MRI can provide clearer, higher-quality images of more soft tissue structures, like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Situations When MRI May Be Appropriate
Chronic Pain: If you have chronic headaches, back pain, or joint pain that is not improving after attempting dosed rest, medications or physical therapy, then MRI can evaluate if there are underlying causes of any pain you are having, like herniated discs or tumors, fibroid soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis.
Serious Internal Injuries or Infections: The overall use of MRI in assessing the brain and spinal cord, heart, and even other solid internal organs, is very useful. It can indicate underlying issues like tumors, aneurysms and strokes, infections, or even blood vessels or soft tissue abnormalities.
Follow Up of Chronic, Degenerative Disease: In cases of chronic progression in diseases like arthritis, or more actively degenerative disease, such as multiple sclerosis, MRI can provide medical providers with useful follow-up to evaluate if current treatments are effective, or if the degeneration of the disease is worsening.
As an Alternative to Other Imaging: When X-rays or CT scans have provided no better information than diagnosis, it may be useful to seek an alternative to the following imaging techniques. An MRI provides clearer, higher quality images of a variety of soft tissue structures such as ligaments, tendons and cartilage–clearly important structures for defining health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When do doctors recommend MRI?
MRI has the ability to identify evidence of joint injuries from traumatic and ergonomic sources, such as cartiňlage or ligament tears. Disk issues in the spine. Bone infections
Q. Is there a better scan than MRI?
Generally, CT scans are better at spatial resolution, while MRI’s are better at contrast resolution.
Q. Who should avoid MRI?
People with pacemakers, certain implanted electronic devices, certain aneurysm clips, certain metals implants, are often advised against an MRI. Pregnant women should not undergo MRI, as there is little known if MRI will affect a fetus.
Q. Is there an alternative to an MRI scan?
Yes, there are many different alternatives to MRI, depending on the medical issue involved. Some alternatives are CT scans, X-rays, ultrasound, and maybe blood tests, or biopsy.
Q. What MRI Cannot detect?
MRI does a great job imaging soft tissues and internal organs, but it has its weaknesses. MRI is less valuable in imaging bone and bone marrow, as well as in imaging certain types of malignancies, such as lung cancers or cancers of the mediastinum.
