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From the National Institutes of HealthNational Institutes of Health
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MRI Scans

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

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 electronic devices in your body, such as a cardiac pacemaker
 
 
 

  • Start Here

    • MRI(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
    • MRIInteractive Tutorial(Patient Education Institute)
    • Also available in Spanish
 

 

 
 
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Illustration of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the abdomen

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MRI Scans - Multiple Languages