What Are Different Types of MRI Scans? – Know the Difference

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a unique technique which uses magnetism, radio waves and a computer to manipulate properties of water molecules (mostly H+ ions) in our bodies to produce an image.

MRI_Machine
MRI-Machine

The H+ ions (protons) possess paramagnetic properties because of which they easily align themselves in a peculiar fashion in presence of a magnetic field. Once the patient is inside the scanner, radio waves and magnetic resonance (MR) together create a variable environment which alters the ‘spin’ of protons after absorption of energy. The field is then switched off during which protons return to their normal energy state, known as precession. The radio signals produced in this state are picked by scanners which finally produce an image.

Result?? A detailed picture of both the hard and soft tissues with the benefit of no harmful/non-ionizing radiations.

In routine settings, an MRI machine is a hollow cylindrical structure in which the patient has to stay for sometime (in a lying down position) till the image is taken. A magnetic strength of about 0.2-3 Tesla is applied for 90 minutes, or more.

Types of MRI:

MRI scans can be classified in a variety of ways depending on its construction, properties and applications. Here we will go through a few of them to understand their similarities and differences.

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