You’ve probably heard of an MRI, but if you’ve never had one, you may wonder what it can reveal about your body. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool that provides detailed images of your internal structures.
At Brooklyn MRI, we understand you want to know details about the scan you’re receiving before scheduling an appointment. This guide explains what medical conditions and body structures an MRI can detect.
Understanding What MRI Scans Reveal About Your Body
MRI is the preferred imaging method for over 40 million procedures annually in the United States, but what does an MRI show?
MRI scans create detailed cross-sectional images using powerful magnets and radio waves. The American College of Radiology reports that MRI technology has a sensitivity of over 80% in detecting liver lesions, but MRIs do much more than this.
So, what does an MRI show through cross-sectional imaging?
- Soft tissues throughout your body
- Detailed organ function
- Inflammation and swelling
- Blood flow and vessel conditions
- Bone marrow abnormalities
What Does an MRI of the Brain Show?
MRI scans provide exceptional detail of neural structures when examining the brain. Brain MRIs use specialized techniques to examine different aspects of brain function. For example, functional MRI (fMRI) can show which parts of the brain activate during specific tasks, while diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals how water moves through brain tissue, helping identify damaged areas.
The technology can detect subtle changes in brain tissue that might indicate early-stage conditions before symptoms become apparent. An MRI of the brain can show:
- Tumors and lesions
- Signs of stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain injuries
- Blood vessel irregularities
- Brain abnormalities
Understanding What an MRI Shows in the Back
Your spinal cord and surrounding structures appear in clear detail during an MRI. Research published in the American Journal of Roentgenology shows that MRIs detect 92% of spinal infections accurately and can identify:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord compression
- Ligament injuries
- Nerve root problems
- Bone spurs
Trust Brooklyn Open MRI for Your Diagnostic Needs
Now that you know the answer to “What does an MRI show?” you can imagine its importance in medical diagnoses.
Brooklyn Open MRI provides advanced open MRI technology for your comfort and accurate results. We accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Before scheduling your scan, learn more about choosing the right imaging facility. Our doctors serve Brooklyn, New York, with state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging. Call Brooklyn Open MRI at (718) 400-6369 to schedule your MRI scan today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does an MRI Take?
Most MRI scans take 20-30 minutes, depending on the body part being examined and the information required.
Does an MRI Show Inflammation?
Yes, MRI scans can clearly show inflammation in soft tissues, joints, and organs throughout your body. When answering “What does an MRI show?” inflammation is a key identifier.
Are Open MRIs Less Effective Than Traditional MRIs?
Modern open MRI machines provide the same high-quality images as traditional closed MRIs while offering more comfort for patients.