Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 1

What is an MRI?

Answer 1

Imaging the central nervous system

Does not use ionising radiation

Question 2

How does MRI work?

Answer 2

1. Body tissues become magnetized- alligning proton and hydrogen atoms
2. Radiofrequency coil (RF) emits pulses of radiowaves - atoms become disorientated
3. Atoms emit small radiowaves as they return to theor normal alignment
4. Emitted radiowaves detected by the RF coil and transformed into image

Question 3

Patient Prep

Answer 3

• GA used
• Collars, leads and other metallic objects removed
• Only trained staff can use the MRI

Question 4

Advanatges

Answer 4

• bETTER FOR SOFT TISSUE SCANS
• uSES MAGNETISM AND RADIO ENERGY
• pLANES: TRAnsverse, sagittal, oblique, dorsal

Question 5

Disadvnatges

Answer 5

• Less sensitive to calcified tissues

-High purchase and running costs

• Animal must be anaesthetised