What is an MRI scan?
An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. The receiver information is processed by a computer, and an image is produced. The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images. When are MRI scans used? An MRI scan can be used as an extremely accurate method of disease detection throughout the body. In the
In MS, an MRI* (magnetic resonance imaging) is used to take detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord. MRI scans show the amount of water in tissues. Since MS lesions have higher-than-normal water content, they appear in these detailed pictures of the central nervous system showing the areas of damage. Lesions may cause MS symptoms. How your symptoms affect you depend on where the lesions form in the brain and spinal cord. The more lesions you have, the more damage may occur. The more damage, the higher your risk of disability. *The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
