MRI Scan — Procedure Guide, Recovery & Risks | MyMedicPlus

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses powerful magnets and radiofrequency waves to generate detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues, joints, the brain, spinal cord, and organs without any ionising radiation.

Indicated for brain and spinal cord pathology, musculoskeletal injuries, cardiac assessment, abdominal organ characterisation, pelvic assessment, breast cancer staging, and evaluation of soft tissue tumours.

The patient lies on a movable table entering a cylindrical magnet bore. A radiofrequency coil is placed over the body region. Gadolinium contrast is injected intravenously in approximately 50% of scans. The scan takes 20–90 minutes.

No recovery is required. Gadolinium contrast is renally cleared within 24 hours. Patients may return to normal activities immediately. Claustrophobia is managed with open MRI, wide-bore scanners, or pre-procedure anxiolytics.

MRI is safe with no ionising radiation. Risks include gadolinium reactions (0.1%), nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in severe renal failure, and device heating or displacement in patients with metallic implants or pacemakers.

MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast to CT and X-ray, with sensitivity of 85–95% for musculoskeletal pathology, over 95% for brain lesions, and high accuracy for spinal cord pathology without radiation burden.