WHAT IS MRI (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING)?
MRI is a method of producing extremely detailed pictures of body tissues & organs without the need for x-rays. MRI uses radiowaves & a strong magnetic field. In a strong magnetic field the radiowaves are directed at protons, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms. The protons are first excited & then "relaxed" emitting radio signals, which can be computer processed to form an image.
MRI requires specialized equipment & expertise & allows evaluation of somebody structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods .