Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a sophisticated medical device used to obtain highly accurate images of the human body. The device utilizes a very strong magnet to produce images, unlike most other devices used in diagnostic radiology like CT scan, which depends on potentially harmful x-rays. MRI is free from the risks of ionizing radiation and thus can be safely used for examinations of all patients including children and even pregnant women.

 The concept behind Magnetic Resonance Imaging lies in the fact that the human body consists mainly of water (and hence hydrogen atoms). When a patient is put inside a strong magnet, the hydrogen atoms, being tiny magnets themselves, will realign with the outer magnet.  If a radio frequency wave like that used in radio stations is applied and has the same frequency of hydrogen atoms it will make them resonate.  If the radio frequency wave is suddenly cut off, the activated hydrogen atoms will emit their energy - thus revealing themselves. In this way a map, a perfect anatomical picture, of the distribution of hydrogen atoms is drawn. As diseased areas in the body contain more water than normal tissues MRI is the best tool to image different disease processes.

Conventionally, the device consists of a tunnel and a moving table on which the patient lies and enters inside for examination.  There are now also open type MRIs which have openings on both sides so that the patient feels more free and so it is not associated with a feeling of tightness or claustrophobia which sometimes occurs in patients entering the tunnel of the conventional device.

MRI is used with great success for imaging of the brain (for example it shows all serious causes of headaches).  It is also good for imaging of the spine, finding all causes of back pain. It is the method of first choice to study the joints i.e. cartilage and sport injuries. It gives excellent images both for the male and female pelvis for examination of the prostate and other reproductive organs. It is a problem solving tool for some serious abdominal conditions when other tools are inconclusive. It can show the arteries inside the body without the need for catheterization. In essence it is a very powerful diagnostic tool yet it is non-invasive and harmless.