Diagnosing brain disorders. MRI can give very detailed images of the brain. A routine MRI brain scan takes approximately 30 minutes. MRI is now routinely used in the diagnosis of many different brain disorders, including multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, strokes, dementia, vertigo, tinnitus and epilepsy.
Viewing the Spine. MRI can picture large areas of the spine. To scan the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. MRI is excellent for detecting degenerative disease in the spine. It can accurately show disc disease ('prolapsed disc' or 'slipped disc'), the level at which disk disease occurs and if a disc is compressing spinal nerves.
Analyzing the size and location of tumors. Tumors in various parts of the body can be detected and measured by MRI. Repeat MRI scans are used to show shrinking or decreases in the size of the tumor after treatment and to rule out tumor recurrence after surgery.
Evaluating joints and soft tissue. MRI is of particular use in the evaluation of tendons, ligaments and cartilage structures in and around most joints. It is excellent at evaluating muscle swelling or masses. Even subtle fractures such as scaphoid fractures can be detected by MRI. The knee is probably the most imaged by MRI (cartilage and ligament tears). MRI is also used to detect cartilage tears and soft tissue injury in the shoulder joint. MRI of hips is excellent at picking up a condition called avascular necrosis.
Assessing disorders of the eyes and ears. MRI is a diagnostic tool in the assessment of inaccessible areas like the back of the eye or inner ear.
Evaluating injuries. Torn knee ligaments or cartilages show up well on an MRI, helping your doctor decide whether or not you need surgery. MRI is also useful for injuries involving the shoulder, back or neck.
