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MRI Scans
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/mriscans.html

MRI Scans

Also called: Magnetic resonance imaging, NMR, Nuclear magnetic resonance
On this page

Basics

  • Summary
  • Start Here

Learn More

  • Related Issues
  • Specifics

See, Play and Learn

  • Videos and Tutorials

Research

  • Clinical Trials
  • Journal Articles

Resources

  • Reference Desk
  • Find an Expert

For You

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Summary

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside your body. Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to tumors. MRIs are very useful for examining the brain and spinal cord.

During the scan, you lie on a table that slides inside a tunnel-shaped machine. Doing the scan can take a long time, and you must stay still. The scan is painless. The MRI machine makes a lot of noise. The technician may offer you earplugs.

Before you get a scan, tell your doctor if you :

  • Are pregnant
  • Have pieces of metal in your body. You might have metal in your body if you have a shrapnel or bullet injury or if you are a welder.
  • Have metal or electronic devices in your body, such as a cardiac pacemaker or a metal artificial joint

Start Here

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) (Food and Drug Administration)

Related Issues

  • Contrast Materials Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • MRI: Is Gadolinium Safe for People with Kidney Problems? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish

Specifics

  • Body MRI Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Breast MRI (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Chest MRI Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America)
  • Functional MRI (fMRI) (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Heart Tests From the National Institutes of Health (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) Also in Spanish
  • Knee MRI (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Magnetic Resonance (MR) Defecography (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • MR Angiography (MRA) Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • MR Enterography (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • MRCP (MR Cholangiopancreatography) Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Musculoskeletal MRI (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Pelvic Floor MRI (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Prostate MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Shoulder MRI (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Spine MRI (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
  • Tests for Lung Disease From the National Institutes of Health (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) Also in Spanish
  • Urography (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish

Videos and Tutorials

  • Getting an MRI (For Kids) Video (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
  • Your Radiologist Explains Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America)

Clinical Trials

  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Magnetic Resonance Imaging From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

  • Article: MRI-based measurement of inner ear fluids reveals increased endolymph volume variability...
  • Article: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation targeted with MRI based neuro-navigation in major...
  • Article: Comparison of supplemental breast cancer imaging techniques-interim results from the BRAID...
  • MRI Scans -- see more articles

Reference Desk

  • RadiologyInfo: Glossary of Terms (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish

Find an Expert

  • Food and Drug Administration
  • RadiologyInfo (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish

Children

  • Keeping Kids Still during Exams (American Society of Radiologic Technologists) - PDF - In English and Spanish
  • Pediatric MRI Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish

Women

  • MRI Safety during Pregnancy Video (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish

Patient Handouts

  • Abdominal MRI scan (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Arm MRI scan (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Chest MRI (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Head MRI (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Heart MRI (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Leg MRI scan (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Lumbar MRI scan (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • MRI and low back pain (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
  • Pelvis MRI scan (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

Topic Image

MRI Scans

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

  • Abdominal MRI scan
  • Arm MRI scan
  • Breast MRI scan
  • Cervical MRI scan
  • Chest MRI
  • Head MRI
  • Heart MRI
  • Knee MRI scan
  • Leg MRI scan
  • Lumbar MRI scan
  • Magnetic resonance angiography
  • MRI
  • MRI and low back pain
  • Pelvis MRI scan
  • Shoulder MRI scan

Related Health Topics

  • Diagnostic Imaging

Other Languages

Find health information in languages other than English on MRI Scans

Disclaimers

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

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