B1.24 The role and considerations of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning in the detection and monitoring of trauma and injury.

Question 1

How does an MRI work?

Answer 1

Water molecules behave like tiny magnets that line up in the magnetic field of the MRI scanner.

Short bursts of radio waves knock the protons out of alignment.

When the radio waves are switched of, the protons become aligned again.

Proteins send out radio signals that are picked up by the scanner.

Signals indicate the exact location of protons within the body and this creates the image.

Question 2

What should we consider before giving a patient an MRI scan?

Answer 2

We should consider there patient history to understand if the patient has any magnetic materials within their body.

Question 3

Give some examples of these magnetic materials.

Answer 3

Pacemaker
Metal places, wires, screws
IUD, coil
Cochlear implants, drug pumps
Artificial joints e.g. hip replacements
Bullets or shrapnel
Tattoos or permanent makeup as some tattoos contain traces of metal.