MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

1
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Jessica Bowers
• CIS Spring Semester 2004

2
History

• In 1971 Dr. Raymond Damadian began work on MRI
• In 1977 the first MRI was performed on a patient

3
Reasons for MRI

• Diagnosis of tumors, multiple sclerosis, and
  infections.
• Abnormal tissue shows up differently than normal
  pictures
• Diagnosis torn ligaments in the joints,
  tendonitis and injuries.
• The MRI allows you to visualize the torn and
  injured area in order to locate the damage

4
Magnets

• Magnets in MRI are between 0.5 Tesla and 2.0
  Tesla.
• There are three types of magnets used
• Resistive Magnets
• Permanent Magnets
• Superconductive Magnets

5
Safety Issues

• People with the following conditions should
  consult with a doctor prior to a MRI
• Heart problems or using a pacemaker
• Patient with aneurysm clips that are metal
• Pregnant women
• All patients should check with a doctor to see
  if MRI is right for them

6
Disadvantages

• Machine is very loud
• Claustrophobic patients may feel very
  uncomfortable
• Have to hold very still for long periods of time

7
Advantages

• Ability to image in any plane
• Has been used to detect breast cancer
• Image is accurate and detailed
• Can prevent further injuries that you may not be
  aware of

8
Summary

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging is becoming more and
  more important in the world of physical therapy
  as well as the entire health field.
• There is no telling how much more the MRI will
  evolve and what they will be able to tell us in
  the future.