MRI Scanning

MRI stands for ‘Magnetic Resonance Imaging’. It is an imaging technique using a strong magnetic field to produce high-quality pictures of the internal structure and function of your body. It is very useful for looking at soft tissue structures, such as muscles and ligaments.

MRI scanning is used for Neuro-imaging; cognitive neurochemistry; cognitive control; self-control. Behaviour analysis; experimental psychopathology (e.g., fear conditioning and avoidance learning); gambling. Medical imaging research; MSK, Soft tissue scanning, refining surgical techniques and medical applications and devices. Special interest in DWI, Spectroscopy and DTI are underway in the unit as an area of R&D.

For more information you can find a guide to MRI Scanning What is an MRI Scan?.

A guide to MRI Prostate Scans can be found What is an MRI scan - Prostate scan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is fast becoming the "Gold Standard" imaging technique for a great many ailments. In fact, it might be better to ask "what doesn't MRI scan," as the answer to this is simply that we don't scan lung fields very well. MRI scanning is particularly useful for brain imaging, spinal imaging, and imaging of the joints and muscles, as well as the various organs contained within the abdomen and pelvis. For example, MRI is particularly good for looking at the gall bladder, liver, prostate, and endometrium. MRI is also especially useful for sports injuries of any kind.

MRI uses radio frequencies and magnetic fields to obtain images, whereas CT is an X-ray based technology that uses a limited amount of radiation to obtain images. If you have had a chest or knee x-ray, then the machine used to obtain that image is a cousin of the CT scanner. Traditionally the term CAT scan was commonly used, which stood for Computer Aided Tomography. However, the "A" has been dropped and today we simply say CT or "Computed Tomography," sounds complicated, but in fact, the word tomogram is simply a fancy way of saying "moving x-ray.

MRI may look intimidating, but actually it is more often than not a very simple procedure where the only thing that will be asked of you is to lay as still as possible. Depending on what we are being asked to scan, you may have to lay with your head either away from or close to the scanner, and there will usually be one of our cameras that the radiographer will need to place on your body in the region of where we are scanning. Again, depending on what we are scanning, there may be some breath hold instructions to follow, or there may even be the need for an injection of MRI contrast medium. The Radiographer will do everything that they can to put you at ease and make you as comfortable as possible. 

Also, because MRI uses very strong magnetic fields there will be a safety questionnaire to complete beforehand, it is always advisable to bring any information you may have about any surgery you may have previously had, e.g. hospitals will often give their patients a "device information card" for anything they have implanted/used. Ideally, the radiographer will need information relating to the make, model, and manufacturer of any implant you may have. A common misconception about MRI is that you can't have a scan if you have had a hip replacement or something similar. This is often not true, and bringing along any information you may have might well mean that the Radiographer can safely allow you into the scan room for your scan. 

The Radiographer will always be more than happy to answer any questions you may have at any point during your scan.

If we have booked your appointment by post, then it is important to complete the safety questionnaire ahead of time and bring it with you. It is also important to try and arrive a few minutes early for your appointment. Please remove all jewellery, hair extensions, and piercings. Please do your very best to wear clothes that are free of belts, zips, clips, tags, or metal of any kind. Sports bras are fine, but please make sure they don't have any hooks and eyes at the back, or underwire in the cups. 

We have hospital gowns and private changing facilities in the department, so please don't worry if you forget or don't have clothes that are free of metal. In this case, the radiographer will simply ask you to change. We also have secure lockers for any belongings you need to bring with you.

Please DO NOT have any tattoos done immediately before your scan, if you do then the Radiographer may well have to decline to scan you, and you will have to come back for another appointment. It is also a good idea to have any sub-dermal piercings professionally removed ahead of your scan.

There is no "typical" scan time, with the length of time in the scanner very much depending on what we are being asked to scan and what images the Radiologist (Dr) wants the Radiographer to obtain. However, as an example, a scan of the lower back might take in the region of 15-20 minutes, a scan of the whole spine 45-50 minutes, and a knee scan around 20 minutes.

As MRI does not use x-rays, we can accept referrals for MRI from any state registered Healthcare Professional. This includes your GP or any Dr you may have seen in a clinic, but it also includes any Physiotherapist, Chiropractor,  or Osteopath you may have seen on a private basis. MRI is used as a very good way of helping these professionals understand what is causing your symptoms so that they can plan an appropriate course of treatment or rehab that will help alleviate your symptoms as soon as possible.