Common Uses

MRI scans provide detailed images of any part of the body. They are commonly used to look at the brain and spinal cord and to investigate injuries to bones and joints.

MRI scans reveal detailed information about the brain. They can show abnormal tissue that occurs if someone has multiple sclerosis (MS). They are used to investigate the brain following a stroke, to see if brain tissues have suffered a lack of oxygen. MRI scans can be used to measure changes in blood flow in the brain during specific tasks. This provides valuable information about how the brain works.

The MRI scan is also able to show both the heart and the large blood vessels in the surrounding tissue. This is useful for diagnosing heart defects, as well as changes in the thickness of the muscles around the heart following a heart attack.

MRI scans can be used to examine the joints, particularly for common sports injuries affecting the knee, shoulder, elbow or wrist. The soft parts of the body such as the liver, kidneys and spleen can also be looked at using this procedure. An injection of contrast dye may be used to make the pictures clearer.

MRI scans provide a more detailed view of the body than CT scans. This makes them particularly effective in looking for tumours. They can show how deeply a tumour has grown into body tissue and whether it has spread. After surgical treatment, MRI scans may also be used to check whether tissue left behind is part of the original tumour or not.

Sample Images

Please click here to view sample MRI images.