Radiating Hope: Radiology Department Blog

Search

Quick Facts: MRI

Post Date: August 14, 2019
Quick Facts: MRI

As stated in our Cincinnati Children’s Radiology website, MRI is a way to take pictures of the body using a large powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer. The computer generates detailed pictures of your body and each picture looks like a slice taken through your body. One of the differences from a CT scan is that it doesn’t use radiation (x-rays).



Here are some other quick facts about MRI that you may not know:

  • As stated earlier, an MRI scan does not use radiation or x-ray to take a picture of your body
  • An MRI usually generates more detail than CT
  • The scans may take a lot longer than a CT
  • The MRI machine is always on
    • It is a very long, time-consuming process if the machine needs to be shut down (30-60 minutes)
    • In emergency situations, the machine can be quickly turned off, but only when someone’s life is in danger and it’s expensive
  • Our MRI machines put patients in a narrow tunnel
    • Some patients who are not used to close confinement may get anxious or claustrophobic
      • In this case, patients are sedated or wear specialized goggles to watch movies if they need to stay awake and responsive during the exam
  • The MRI machine makes loud weird noises as it takes a picture

These are some quick facts about MRI. Having an MRI exam is one of the most powerful tools our radiologists can use in order to diagnose our patients.

Avatar photo

About the author: Glenn Miñano

Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.