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

MRI Scans

Also called: Magnetic resonance imaging, NMR, Nuclear magnetic resonance

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

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Specifics

Videos and Tutorials

Statistics and Research

Clinical Trials

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

Reference Desk

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Children

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

Women

Patient Handouts

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.