🧠 MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A powerful, non-invasive imaging test used to produce detailed images of organs, soft tissues, and internal structures.

🔍 What is it?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate high-resolution images of the inside of the body — without using X-rays.

It's particularly useful for detecting issues with soft tissues, nerves, joints, and organs, and is a key diagnostic tool in both neurology and orthopaedics.

🧪 What does it show?

• Soft tissues: muscles, ligaments, tendons
• Brain and spinal cord
• Internal organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, uterus)
• Tumours, cysts, inflammation
• Joint damage and cartilage injuries
• Blood vessels (with contrast-enhanced MRI)

🧲 No radiation is involved, making it a safer choice for certain populations (e.g., younger people, frequent imaging).

🔎 Note:

You must remain still during the scan to get clear images. Some people may find the machine noisy or feel claustrophobic — in those cases, open MRI or sedation may be offered.

❓ Why might I need it?

You may be referred for an MRI if you're experiencing:

🧠 Persistent headaches, dizziness, seizures
🦴 Joint pain, back pain, or suspected disc herniation
🦵 Sports or soft tissue injuries
🔍 Unexplained swelling or lumps
🫀 Heart conditions (via cardiac MRI)
🩸 Evaluation of blood vessels or tumours
👶 Foetal development checks (in certain cases during pregnancy)

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Brain tumours or aneurysms
• Spinal disc problems or nerve compression
• Ligament tears (e.g., ACL in the knee)
• Organ abnormalities (e.g., liver, uterus, prostate)
• Pituitary or adrenal gland issues
• Cancer staging and monitoring

🩺 How is it done?

A technician will guide you to lie flat on a motorised table that slides into the MRI scanner (a large tunnel-like machine).

Sometimes a contrast dye is injected to enhance image clarity.
🕐 Scan duration: 15–60 minutes depending on the area
👂 Earplugs or headphones are provided to reduce noise

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

💰 £350–£700 per body area
🔄 Cost may vary depending on contrast use and type of MRI (e.g., brain vs. spine vs. cardiac)

✅ Commonly Combined With:

🩻 X-ray or CT scan – for complementary structural imaging
🧪 Blood tests – to assess infection, inflammation, or tumour markers
🧠 Neurological tests – for symptoms like seizures or weakness
🔬 Biopsy – if a suspicious mass is found

📚 References:

• NHS – MRI Scan Overview
• British Institute of Radiology – Patient Information
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – Diagnostic Imaging Guidelines