When a doctor needs to look inside the body, an MRI is often performed. This is a scan that reveals slices of the area of the body that is examined. It could be of the head, abdomen or lower extremities. Some scans are required to determine if there are any blood clots in the body. The MRI allows the doctor to view the organs and the tissues in a way that can give the doctor a clear picture as to whether there is a tumor or if there are any concerns that need to be addressed.
The MRI is often done to look at the brain and the spinal cord as an x-ray usually won’t give the proper results. Doctors can detect aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, any abnormalities with the eye, signs of a stroke and if there are any conditions associated with the brain and spine that could result in medications or treatments that are needed.
A functional MRI is done to determine the level of language perception that goes on in the brain. It is helpful after someone has a stroke to determine if there are areas of the brain that have been damaged. When the MRI is used on the heart and other organs, it can look at the size of the heart and the vessels to determine if there is a risk of a heart attack or if a heart attack has occurred. The doctor can see if there is any kind of inflammation in the heart or the vessels along with any blockages.
Tumors can be detected with an MRI. Imaging centers in NJ can view the size and location of the tumor, giving doctors an idea as to what can be done to shrink the tumor or remove it from the body. Common areas that are scanned include the abdomen, liver, lungs and uterus. The prostate and ovaries are also scanned to see if there are any small tumors that might be present. At times, medications might be needed before the MRI so that the doctor can get a better view of the area that is examined, especially if any leaks are suspected.
Image source: middletownimaging.com