Do I need an MRI?
What Is an MRI and Why Do You Need It?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the body’s organs and structures. Unlike CAT scans or X-rays, MRI doesn’t use radiation.
MRI is used to:
- Provide clear images of body parts that can’t be seen as well with an X-ray, CAT scan, or ultrasound. MRI is particularly helpful for diagnosing problems with the eyes, ears, heart, and circulatory system, as well as problems in joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
- Detect a variety of conditions, including problems of the brain, spinal cord, skeleton, chest, lungs, abdomen, pelvis, wrists, hands, ankles, and feet.
- Identify infections and inflammatory conditions or to rule out problems such as tumors.
