Magnetresonanssitutkimus

Magnetresonanssitutkimus, commonly referred to as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in English, is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. It relies on the property of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer to produce images of the body's organs and tissues.

The basic principle behind MRI involves the alignment of hydrogen atoms in the body's water molecules with an external magnetic field. When these atoms are exposed to a radiofrequency pulse, they absorb energy and their magnetic orientation changes. As they return to their original state, they release this energy as radiofrequency signals, which are detected by the MRI machine and used to construct an image.

MRI is particularly valuable in medical diagnostics due to its ability to provide high-resolution images of soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and internal organs. It is non-invasive, does not use ionizing radiation, and can be used to detect a wide range of medical conditions, including tumors, strokes, and neurological disorders. However, MRI is not suitable for all patients, as it requires the patient to remain still during the scan and may not be safe for individuals with certain types of metal implants or pacemakers.

The development of MRI technology has significantly advanced over the years, with improvements in image quality, scan times, and the ability to perform functional MRI (fMRI), which can map brain activity. MRI is a cornerstone of modern medical imaging and continues to be a vital tool in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions.