The Benefits of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
By far the most important technological invention to benefit society is magnetic resonance imaging which is also known as the MRI. No other medical test provided more detailed images of the body quicker and more accurate than the MRI. Because the information was seen more clearly, there were less possibilities to diagnose a condition incorrectly. Different MRI scans were an additional benefit to society. With machines specialized to scan certain areas of the body, the diagnosis could be more accurate. Finally, magnetic resonance imaging provided more safety for patients. Because it was safer, people were no longer worried when they needed an MRI. Although the MRI is a recent invention, it continues to evolve and benefit society.
An MRI is used to distinguish pathologic tissue from normal tissue. It allows the doctor to see internal organs, blood vessels, muscles, and joints very clearly. When an MRI takes place, the MRI machine creates a magnetic field and sends radio waves through the body. The response is measured with a computer. The computer creates an image of the inside of the body that is extremely clear. The excellent quality of MRI images can provide the best possible information if surgery is required. It also shows exactly where the abnormality is, its size, and whether it has spread. A typical MRI usually last five to twenty sequences. In other words, it lasts about thirty minutes to an hour. The MRI in today’s society is quick and accurate, however as time passes the MRI will become even more quicker and more accurate in the future.
Another reason the MRI is the most beneficial invention to society is because there are different kinds of MRI scans. By having different types of scans it allows certain scans to focus on a particular body part. Some MRI scans include the neck, the knee, and the brain. A MRI of the neck is used to look for degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc, or a pinched disc. A MRI of the knee focuses on the muscles, the ligaments, cartilage, and joint structures. A functional MRI focuses on the brain. It measures signal changes in the brain that are due to changing neural activity. As time progresses, there will be more MRI’s invented that only focus on a certain body part.
The final reason MRI’s benefit society is because they are harmless to patients. MRI’s use strong magnetic fields and non-ionizing radiation in the frequency radio wave. An MRI conatins no risks of malignancy. An MRI is also used for people who are pregnant. Since an MRI avoids the use of ionizing radiation, the fetus inside the mother is safe. MRI’s are also harmless to patients with pacemakers in their body. However, people with implants must take some precautions. Although MRI’s are mostly harmless, advances are still being made to make sure MRI’s will be completely harmless.
There are many benefits of an MRI in today’s society. An MRI is harmless, there are different types of MRI’s, and it allows for a quicker diagnosis. It is also more comprehensive than a X-ray. However, the future of the MRI is even brighter. Two improvements of the MRI will be the scanner will be a lot smaller than it is for certain parts of the body and there will be better ways to detect a stroke. The MRI of the future will have more benefits and will be better than the MRI of today’s society.
