Running head: MRI SCANNING

The Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Proper Scanning Technique

Brittany Beveridge

University of Kentucky
MRI SCANNING 2

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imagining is the procedure of using magnetic field and pulses of radio

waves to create pictures of organs and structures inside the body. An MRI is the most frequently

used scanning device in the medical field. They give doctors more information about the

structure in our body and show problems that cannot be seen by other devices. In this paper, I

plan to show the impact MRI have on the medical field. I will do this by explaining the benefits

of an MRI and recommend patients to choose this type of scanning for when they need testing

done. Patients will see the impact MRI have not only on their bodies, but in the medical field as

well.
MRI SCANNING 3

The Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Proper Scanning Technique

In the medical field, there are many procedures that doctors perform. The most common

procedure is the process of scanning the patients body. One device that is used is called

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, also known as an MRI. An MRI allows doctors to further look

inside of the human body and gather information about an organ or structure that is infected.

Although there are many other devices that replicate the actions of an MRI like, CT scans and X-

rays, these other devices are much weaker in developing an imagine and have many risk factors

to the patients body. I believe that MRIs are the most efficient way to scan a patients body due

to high popularity and demand, along with the superior benefits they offer patients.

Benefits of MRI

Hospital trips are never appealing to patients and family members. Doctors are always

striving to cure the patients needs and ensure them that they are in a safe place. When it comes

to taking the patients in for an MRI scan, doctors can always ensure the safety of their patients.

MRI scans do not use radiation whereas CT scans do. It is proven that the effective radiation

dose from CT ranges from 2 to 10 mSv, which is about the same as the average person receives

from background radiation in 3 to 5 years (Beissner, & Baudrexel, 2014, para 3). With the use

of no radiation, patients will not have to worry about developing cancer from the scan. Also,

while patients are laying in the machine, they will not have to feel like they are being trapped.

MRIs are made so that the magnet does not completely surround you and an open MRI is useful

for people who are claustrophobic or obese (WebMD, n.d., para 4). These are just a few benefits

that will ensure the patient of their safety and give them relief in an uncomfortable situation.

Figure 1 shows how much space the patient gets and the size of the machine.
MRI SCANNING 4

Figure 1. NHS Choices. ( 2015, July). MRI scan. Retrieved from

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/MRI-scan/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Other benefits of Magnetic Resonance Imaging include scanning areas of the body that

other devices cannot. The images taken of the head, chest, spine, and extremities are extremely

detailed with information that other devices are unable to produce. One area of the body that is

commonly scanned is the brain. Doctors have used a Functional MRI that allows you to see

which parts of your brain are active when you perform different tasks or feel certain emotions

and sensations (Beissner, & Baudrexel, 2014, para 5). A study done from Stanford University

(2014), provides information stating that when they used these machines to scan the patients

brains they found 158 of 174 total tumors. These high quality devices allow doctors to explore

and discover the different parts of the brain and the infections that may arise. The technology has

given the medical field a huge advantage in discovering tumors and cancers before they become

extremely dangerous to the patient.

Popularity of using an MRI

The popularity of magnetic resonance imaging around the world is increasing by the year.

Figure 2 shows the number of units certain countries had in 2009.

MRI SCANNING 5

Figure 2. OECD iLibrary. (2011). Healh at a glance 2011: OECD indicators. Retrieved from

http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/health_glance-2011-en/04/02/index.html?

itemId=/content/chapter/health_glance-2011-30-en

As we can see in 2009, the Unites States had 25.9 units per million populations. In 2015, that

number grew to 38.96 units per million populations (The Statistic Portal, 2015, para 1). The

evidence shows how demanding these machines are becoming each year. The efficiency of an

MRIs is persuading hospitals around the world to use these machines. Some key factors that lead

to the increase in demand are aging population and increased awareness of new MR

capabilities (Nyanue, 2014, para 5). By popular demand, MRIs are the finest piece of

technology doctors can use to scan their patients.

Rebuttal

Although many doctors use MRIs to scan their patients, there are a few who disagree

with this decision. Some physicians argue that a CT scan, a special X-ray tests that produce
MRI SCANNING 6

cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays and a computer, are the most adequate way to

scan the human body. Doctors argue that CT is much faster than MRI, making it the study of

choice in cases of trauma and other acute neurological emergencies (Hess, 2012, para 2). In

cases of trauma it would be better to use a CT scan. However, in a normal situation, speed is not

what is truly important. The detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal

body structures (Pedicelli, n.d., para 3) are exceptional compared to a CT scan image. The

details give doctors more information, leading to a better diagnosis.

Conclusion

It is now clear to see that MRIs are the proper way to scan patients. The benefits alone

can persuade a patient to choose this type of scanning. Doctors can ensure the safety of their

patients due to the lack of radiation and can provide adequate evidence of a more detailed

diagnoses. The popular use of this technology is increasing by the year. Some doctors may think

otherwise, but MRI are overall the finest scanning device hospitals have. I believe that MRIs are

changing the medical field every day due to their incredible imaging of the human body.

Hospitals should broadcast the significance of the use of a MRI scan so not only patients, but

doctors see how efficient MRI scanning is.

MRI SCANNING 7

References

Beissner, F., & Baudrexel, S. (2014, February 28). Investigating the human brainstem with

structural and functional MRI. Frontiers. Retrieved from

http://www.diffen.com/difference/CT_Scan_vs_MRI

Hess, C. (2012, April 11). Exploring the brain: is CT or MRI better for brain imagining? UCSF

Medical Center. Retrieved from https://radiology.ucsf.edu/blog/neuroradiology/exploring-

the-brain-is-ct-or-mri-better-for-brain-imaging

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016, August 9). Overview-MRI. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/details/how-you-prepare/ppc-20235719

Medical Center. Retrieved from https://radiology.ucsf.edu/blog/neuroradiology/exploring-the-

brain-is-ct-or-mri-better-for-brain-imaging

Nyanue, W. (2014, May 1). MRI Technology: Rebounding Market, Increasing Popularity.

Imaging Technology News. Retrieved from https://www.itnonline.com/article/mri-

technology-rebounding-market-increasing-popularity

Pedicelli, G. (n.d.) What is the difference between CT and a MRI? Wooster Community Hospital.

Retrieved from https://www.woosterhospital.org/article/%5Bterm-raw%5D/q-what-

difference-between-ct-and-mri

The Statistics Portal. (2015, April). MRI units density by country 2015 | Statistic. Retrieved from

https://www.statista.com/statistics/282401/density-of-magnetic-resonance-imaging-units-

by-country/

WebMD. (n.d.) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/a-

to-z-guides/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri#1
MRI SCANNING 8

Wheller, C. (2014, February 18). Cancer detection with MRI as effective as Pet-Ct scan, but with

zero radiation risks. Medical Daily. Retrieved from http://www.medicaldaily.com/cancer-

detection-mri-effective-pet-ct-scan-zero-radiation-risks-269528