Working of MRI
Human body mainly consists of water which is nothing but hydrogen atoms. The nucleus of this atom is used most often to perform MRI scanning in the following manner. The patient is made to lie inside a large, tube shaped magnet where radio waves which are 10,000 to 30,000 times stronger than the earth’s magnetic field are sent through the body of the patient. This disturbs the atoms of the body, causing the nuclei to drift in different positions. They transmit signals when they move back into their own positions. These are picked up by the scanner and converted into pictures by using a computer.

What can MRI show?
Use of MRI scanners enables us to take pictures of almost all the body tissues. Tissues like bones turn out dark when they have least number of hydrogen atoms and tissues such as fatty tissues turn bright when they have most number of atoms. To get the details regarding different types of tissues we should change the time of the radio wave pulses. The technique is most useful in the case of examining the spinal cord and brain, as MRI also shows clear pictures of body parts that are surrounded by bone tissues. It is the best technique in case of finding tumors and also whether it has spread to any nearby brain tissues. The heart and the large blood vessels in the surroundings can also be shown. Due to this, it is possible to find any heart defects that might be building up since childhood. This type of method can also be used to examine the spine, joints and sometimes the soft parts of the body like the kidneys and liver.

Examples of MRI scans
To see which parts of the brain are active when the patient is doing different things, MRI scans are used. Few examples showing different stimuli are:

• Love
• Pain
• Fear
• Smell
• Joy

MRI scans vs. CT scan
Most people often get confused with MRI and CT or CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) Scans but both are quite different.

MRI Scan	CT Scan
MRI scan uses radio waves and magnets to produce images used for diagnosis. Unlike CT it doesn’t use any X-rays. The patient is slid into a large donut shaped magnetic tube to collect the images which are processed by a computer.	It is a special kind of X-ray where the patient is made to lie down and slid into a large, circular tube which then rolls around the patient to collect images processed by a computer.
Coming to the production of images they are produced when computer sends radio wave throughout the patient’s body in order to obtain signals through atoms in the body’s cells. An antenna collects the details and transfers them to the computer. Although similar to CT images they are clearer when it comes to the soft tissues of the body.	In CT scans Iodine-based agents are sometimes used. The tumors are seen n the resulting images as these substances get absorbed by the abnormal tissues.
These types of scan tests are most useful for imaging of soft tissues of body. They can produce pictures related to cranial pain, joints, including fingers and toes, sensory and neutral parts of the body, tumors in brain, etc.	These types of scan tests are most commonly used for the imaging of the bones, chest, abdomen, skull and the pelvis.
Takes more time when compared to CT scan (30 mins).	Takes less time when compared to MRI scan (5mins).
Costlier when compared to CT.	Not as costly as MRI.

Based on our medical history and symptoms the doctors will be able to advise the correct exam.

MRI vs. Ultrasound

MRI scans	Ultrasound
Often the doctors use MRI to detect diseases related to spine, bones and brain. It is a type of radiology technique which uses magnetic field and radio waves to produce images through a computer.	In Ultrasound devices called as transducers are used to send sound waves through the body of the patient in order to produce images of their organs. It is the type of technique used in cases of identifying the conditions of the nervous and digestive system.

Stop worrying and like your MRI scan
One can make MRI scanning a more patient friendly diagnostic experience by reducing their anxiety both before and during the scan. Lack of attention from the MRI technician, wrong information and unfamiliarity with the procedure are the reasons for the cause of anxiety. To overcome these issues one can visit the MRI center even before appointed scan schedule. Usually the centers run on somewhat tight schedules but a visit during the morning can help to meet up with the technician and come to know about the procedure in advance. Trying to get comfortable with the technician who is going to deal with scanning may bear you from any stress. There is a continuous two-way communication with the MRI operator and also one will be constantly watched, on a patient monitoring system. Also one may not be able to see the camera and the microphone but they are there.

The noises made by the MRI are very unfamiliar and loud. Most modern MRI systems have stereo systems, so one can also carry their favorite CD with them to enjoy through the comfortable ear phones. If this is ones first MRI they can bring a friend or a relative along with them, as having someone beside, might be comforting rather than staying isolated in a machine. As one is already familiar with the staff, the machine and the facility, on the day of the examination they may be as comfortable as possible. Before starting with the tests the patients are checked for any metal objects as they may be causing serious troubles during MRI scanning. Also the technicians make sure that the patients do not have any implants. Once the patient is Okayed for the test, the scanning begins. One is reminded constantly not to move and to remain still as moving might cause distorted images and the entire test has to be repeated. Relax and don’t move as the more you move the longer it takes. Take some consolation to know the fact that it would have taken an hour to perform the same test 15 years ago, but now it is nothing more than half an hour.

MRI Scanning is non-invasive that is it does not require puncturing of the skin. So, taken necessary precautions and following the instructions given by the MRI operator one can nervelessly get their tests done.