in this article:
- What is MRI scan?
- Uses of MRI Scan
- Where to find MRI scan centers in Enugu state, South east of Nigeria
- How does the MRI scan work?
- Preparations and precautions before taking an MRI scan
- How is MRI scan done?
What is MRI scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging – MRI is a type of radiological or imaging scan that uses strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate three dimensional detailed images of organs, tissues, and other structures inside the body. It is non invasive and painless. Unlike X-ray and Computed tomography (CT) it does not use ionizing radiations (radiations that may damage cell DNAs) and unlike Positron emission tomography (PET) scans it does not use a radiotracer.
We have discussed MRI scan in this article under the following subheadings. You can jump to your desired subheading.
Uses of MRI scan
MRI has aided extensively, the diagnosis of diseases.
- It is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of cancers.
- It is very important for detecting cancers that are hard to detect using Computed tomography (CT) scans such as prostate cancer, uterine cancer, and certain liver cancers. These cancers are usually invisible or very hard to detect on a CT scan.
- Metastases (spreading of cancer) to the bone and brain also show up better on an MRI.
- MRI scan is used for disease detection unrelated to cancer, these include injuries to soft tissue or joints, and injury or disease of internal organs including the brain, heart, and digestive organs.
Where to find MRI scan center in Enugu state, South east of Nigeria?
- Memfys hospital: Memfys hospital is a leading center for radiology and medical imaging in Nigeria.
- The hospital offers MRI imaging for head, brain, neck, breast, abdomen, pelvis prostate evaluation, spine, musculoskeletal, joints – hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and angiography (blood vessel x-ray) in patients suffering from kidney impairment without need for contrast.
- Location: Plot 13 Kilometer 2, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu. The nearest land mark is Penoks Filling Station Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.
- Contact phone number: +2348067157635
- They have two MRI scanners in operation: the General Electric Signa Explorer 16 Channel 1.5 Tesla MRI system and the Basda BTI 0.35 Tesla MRI system.
- Their staff capacity is remarkable as they have a team of qualified radiographers and radiologists who perform, supervise, and produce the reports of the scans.
- They offer a 24 hours service.
- Conquest Medical Imaging Ltd: Conquest medical imaging Ltd is another leading radiology and medical imaging center in Enugu state.
- Location: 18 Abakaliki Road GRA, Enugu. The nearest landmark is All Saints Anglican Church, GRA Enugu.
- Contact phone number: +2347034066198
- They have a great team of qualified radiologists and radiographers who perform and report the results of the scan.
- They are open from Monday to Saturday.
How does the MRI scan work?
MRI employs the principle of measuring the time lapse and energy released when protons change directions of alignment in a magnetic field.
The body cells and tissues are made up water which in turn is made up of hydrogen atoms. The excitation and alignment of protons of these hydrogen atoms in a magnetic field is used for these MRI scan measurements.
MRI scanners use powerful magnets which produce a strong magnetic field that forces protons of the hydrogen atoms of body cells and tissues to align with that magnetic field by rotating the protons to some degrees on its axis. When a radio frequency current is then pulsed through the patient, the protons are stimulated and pulled to rotate either 90 or 180 degrees on its axis away from the initial alignment with the magnetic field. When the radio frequency field is turned off, the protons rotate to realign with the magnetic field, the MRI sensors are able to detect the energy released as this happens. The time (how quickly) it takes for the protons to realign with the magnetic field as well as the amount of energy released during the realignment changes depending on the environment and chemical nature of the molecules. Based on these magnetic properties, physicians are able to tell the difference between various types of tissues
The MRI images are generated in slices which can be viewed on computers or printed on radiographic films. The strength of the magnetic field differs for each grade of MRI scanner and the higher the strength, measured in Tesla the better the quality of images generated. MRI scans can produce 3Dimensional images of the organs and body structures allowing for them to be viewed from different angles.
Preparations and precautions before taking an MRI scan
MRI scan involves an exposure to strong magnetic energy, therefore, everyone who is undergoing a scan must remove all external metal objects worn on the body. Persons with metals parts in the internal parts of the body such as metal bone plates, pacemaker etc. are not to perform an MRI scan as it is dangerous and will lead to accidents on exposure to the magnetic field.
An external contrast medium may be given. Patients who have some degrees of renal impairments are not to use these medium. Report to your physician to determine if you will be required to take the contrast.
How is MRI scan done?
The patient is often made to change into a hospital gown and remove all metal objects, then made to lay still on the scanner bed.
The bed is gently rolled into the scanning machine, which looks like a doughnut, by the radiographer or radiologist from an adjoining room. The radiographer or radiologist will communicate with the patient either through a microphone or communication system across the room. The scanner may make some noise as it spins and the patient may be given ear plugs to reduce the noise.
It is best to lay very still and follow the instructions of the operator in other to obtain the best images.
Browse our directory to find facilities that offer other specialty healthcare services.
This post will be updated periodically with new information on scanning centers in Enugu state, Nigeria.
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