Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive, painless diagnostic procedure that utilizes a combination of a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and sophisticated computer technology to capture detailed images of the organs, bones, nerves, joints, and soft tissues.
MRI is among the most powerful diagnostic tools ever developed. It stands to reason that healthcare professionals rely on MRI scans for a vast variety of purposes.
Let’s learn about a few of the several uses of magnetic resonance imaging and where to find a first-rate MRI center in Bronx, New York.
Identifying Brain and Spinal Cord Problems
MRI is the standard tool for diagnosing problems in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), such as the following:
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Cerebral or intracranial aneurysm (abnormal dilation of an artery in the brain)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord lesions disorders
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
Checking for Abnormalities in the Internal Organs
Physicians also order MRI to assess the health of the following organs and, in some cases, monitor treatment for conditions, such as tumors, liver disease, and heart disease.
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Liver and bile ducts
- Ovaries
- Pancreas
- Prostate
- Spleen
- Uterus
An MRI can identify any changes in both the shape and size of an organ, tumor, or lesion, allowing the physician to compare prior MRI scans to current ones to evaluate whether there have been any (negative) changes.
Detecting Breast and Other Types of Cancer
MRI can be used in conjunction with mammography to identify signs of breast cancer, especially in women who either have risk factors for the disease or have dense breast tissue (this means more fibrous tissue and less fat in the breasts). Doctors also use MRI in breast biopsies to guide the instrument to the area of the abnormal growth.
MRI can effectively reveal signs of other types of cancer, even in their very early stages—when they’re highly treatable. This enables physicians to promptly administer the appropriate course of treatment and prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
Evaluating Musculoskeletal Injuries and Conditions
MRI is deemed as the optimal imaging tool in orthopedics and sports medicine, as it has the unique ability to produce high-resolution anatomy images with unparalleled tissue contrast, thereby allowing for the accurate diagnosis of a vast range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
MRI can effectively diagnose joint problems, in particular: its sensitivity and specificity make it the most accurate imaging tool available for evaluating musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis. MRI is also instrumental in diagnosing the causes of lower back pain, radiating pain, or hip/groin pain.
MRI Center in Bronx, New York
At Starling Diagnostics, we are a state-of-the-art MRI center in Bronx, New York whose MRI scanners operate at a magnetic strength of 3.0Tesla, allowing for the most detailed images and the detection of the subtlest abnormalities. Not only that, 3T MRI technology works faster than does a traditional one—cutting the procedure time in half for structures or organs that don’t require so much detail.
For more information on MRI or our other services or to schedule an MRI appointment, call us today at (718) 319-1610 or use this online form. If you are a primary physician who would like to refer a patient, please use our physician referral form.
