Exam Details - MRI
Available at:
DC, Chevy Chase, Park Potomac, and Fairfax
Not Available at:
Bethesda, Sterling, or Arlington
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Used To:
- Modality of Choice for examining brain, neck, and spinal cord
- Detection of musculoskeltal diseases
How:
- Large magnet that surrounds patient with radio densities
- Uses computer to produce images
Before Exam:
- Any metal is removed (E.G. Jewelry) because the magnet will attract them
- Note: Patients with pacemakers cannot have MRI's because the magnet will alter the radio frequencies in the monitor.
Details:
- Human body is made up of atoms. in the center of an atom, there are spinning particles called nuclei.
- Nuclei normally spin in different angles. When the scanner stops, the nuclei return to their original spin rotation and radio frequencies.
- Part of the scanner (the coil) works like a radio antenna and receives these frequencies.
- This data is transmitted to a computer which generates very detailed images.
Machine:
EDITED: 04/25/2019
