An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an important medical imaging technique that provides detailed images of internal body structures. MRI technology utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create images without the need for potentially harmful ionizing radiation that is used in X-rays and CT scans.
Determining if you need an MRI scan depends on several factors. Your doctor may recommend MRI imaging for diagnosis, screening, treatment planning, or to monitor certain conditions over time. Here is an overview of some common reasons why various populations and age groups may require MRI services like PRP Imaging.
Young Children and Infants
MRI scans are sometimes needed to diagnose issues in the brains and nervous systems of young children and infants. For example, MRIs can provide clearer images to detect abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord or tumors compared to CT or ultrasound imaging. MRIs may also check for complications from premature birth.
Young Adults and Athletes
Doctors often utilize MRI scans to diagnose sports injuries, especially to soft tissues like ligaments and tendons in young athletes. MRIs provide detailed views that can determine the severity of damage to structures like the meniscus or ACL knee injuries. Young adults with severe back pain may also undergo MRI testing to pinpoint causes like herniated discs.
Middle Aged and Older Adults
In middle aged and elderly populations, physicians may order MRI scans to look for causes of chronic joint pain or to diagnose conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, concussions, spine disease, or cancer screening and staging. Tracking tumor growth and assessing artery disease over time often requires periodic MRI imaging for adults in their 40s-60s+.
People with Certain Diseases and Disorders
Individuals diagnosed with certain illnesses often require one or more MRI scan during diagnosis or management of their condition. For example, MRI is preferred for examining organs like the brain, spinal cord, liver, pancreas, breast, uterus, prostate, etc in cancer patients. MRI also aids in diagnosing multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, aneurysms, strokes, pituitary disorders, and more by allowing doctors to study soft body tissue changes over time.
Pregnant Women
While ultrasound is most common, pregnant women may undergo MRI imaging. Especially if potential fetal abnormalities show up on ultrasound or there are questions about the placental position. However, MRIs during pregnancy are usually only conducted when absolutely necessary due to the unknown effects the magnetic fields could have on the developing baby.
Prior to Surgery or Biopsy Procedures
Identifying the precise locations of tumors, abnormalities, nerves, organs, etc is vital for surgery and biopsy planning. So preoperative MRI scans are frequently performed to map out areas for surgical biopsies or tumor removals for a variety of cancers and conditions of the brain, prostate, breast, etc. The images then function as maps for the surgeons during complex operations.
People with Implanted Medical Devices
The safety of MRI scans for those with medical implants like pacemakers is controversial. The strong magnets can impact devices, though some newer models are considered “MRI-Conditional”. So anyone with an implant requires physician-evaluation to determine if MRI technology presents a risk and precautions needed for imaging. Alternate scan options like CT or ultrasound may be the safer choice.
Conclusion
While many patient populations can benefit significantly from the detailed internal bodily images that an MRI provides, doctors consider medical necessity based on symptoms and risk factors before ordering the scan. The ultimate decision depends greatly on an individual’s unique health profile and condition requiring investigation or monitoring.
