MRI Scan | Primescan Radiology
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of soft tissue such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments and organs. It involves no ionising radiation and is often the best test for complex or unclear problems.
- Brain: headaches, seizures, stroke, tumours, infections, multiple sclerosis, dementia work-up, pituitary, MRI angiography (MRA)
- Spine: cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine for back pain, disc prolapse, nerve compression and spinal cord disease
- Joints: knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, wrist, elbow, foot, including ligament, meniscus, cartilage and tendon injuries
- Abdomen: liver, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, MRCP for the bile ducts
What to expect
The scan is painless, but you must lie very still. The machine makes loud knocking and buzzing sounds, and you will feel it is a close space. You will have a call button in your hand and can ask to stop at any time. Most MRI scans take 20–45 minutes, and some longer.