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Frequently asked questions about magnetic resonance imaging

30. 10. 2015

For example, what is the principle of magnetic resonance? The principle of magnetic resonance involves monitoring and interpreting the signals emitted by hydrogen ions in a magnetic field. The human body is largely composed of water. Hydrogen ions are therefore present in virtually every cell. The device creates a strong magnetic field around you, which stabilizes the movement of the hydrogen ions. It then sends out selected radiofrequency pulses. These will change the behaviour of the ions and emit further pulses. These are then registered by special coils. Powerful computers convert the signal into a digital image of your internal organs. For more information, see FAQ How is an MRI scan performed? Before the actual examination, you will remove your clothing and any metal objects to a cubicle as instructed by the technician. You will be placed on a movable table and moved into the tunnel of the machine. The examination takes approximately one hour. Therefore, it is important to get into a comfortable position and relax completely. During the examination, you will usually hear unpleasant sounds reminiscent of a banging or compressor. This is a natural consequence of the machine running and is nothing to be concerned about. You will be in constant communication with the examiners throughout the examination. This is done by means of a communication device and signaling by means of a button or balloon in the palm of the hand. After all the examination cycles are completed, the technician will take you out of the tunnel and instruct you to get dressed.

Would you like to know what MRI is? Do you want to know when this examination is used? Would you like to know what the doctor finds out from the results of the examination and on what principle the machine works? The answer to these and many other questions can be found among the most frequently asked questions....

For example:

What is the principle of magnetic resonance imaging?

The principle of magnetic resonance imaging is to monitor and interpret the signals emitted by hydrogen ions in a magnetic field. The human body is largely composed of water. Hydrogen ions are therefore present in virtually every cell. The device creates a strong magnetic field around you, which stabilizes the movement of the hydrogen ions. It then sends out selected radiofrequency pulses. These will change the behaviour of the ions and emit further pulses. These are then registered by special coils. Powerful computers convert the signal into a digital image of your internal organs.
  • For more information, see the FAQs.

How is an MRI scan performed?

Before the actual examination, you will remove your clothing and any metal objects to a cubicle as instructed by the technician. You will be placed on a movable table and moved into the tunnel of the machine. The examination takes approximately one hour. Therefore, it is important to get into a comfortable position and relax completely. During the examination, you will usually hear unpleasant sounds reminiscent of a banging or compressor. This is a natural consequence of the machine running and is nothing to be concerned about. You will be in constant communication with the examiners throughout the examination. This is done by means of a communication device and signaling by means of a button or balloon in the palm of the hand. After all the examination cycles are completed, the technician will take you out of the tunnel and instruct you to get dressed.