MRI explained: How does it work?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been part of routine medical practice for years. The big tubes produce fascinating images. But how exactly does it work?

[metalheadm]

Just came back from an MRI totally amazed by the experience, the level of technology and infrastructure it involves. As an electronic engineer I find this machine fascinating!!

[oliverlok]

Watching this while in the waiting room for an MRI lol

Quick edit: Thank you all for the support and asking into my situation. I’m feeling a lot better and after my second operation. It’s going good. I have not had any symptoms since the operation about 10 days ago and should be the last one. Love you all!

[abigailoberhauser]

To the people watching this before an MRI: it's alot louder than you think and none of the noises have a pattern

[cloudsdrinkwater]

Literally just back from an MRI and was fascinated by the experience.
For anyone having it done, try to distract yourself by visualising or thinking of something you really enjoy. For me, with the head piece on, it reminded me of the halo from a Formula 1 car so I just visualised driving Silverstone circuit 🤣

[willstanley]

I had my first MRI about 2 years ago, to get a look at a damaged hip. The doc asked when I saw him the next time what I had thought of it. I told, 'the sound effects alone were worth the trip!' It was fascinating how it all worked.

[imahmud]

Took my baby daughter to a MRI scan yesterday. I was fascinated to see such a large machine and wanted to know more about it and how it functions.

[SpinUpDownUnder]

we image by detecting intrinsic signals that can be generated by the net behaviour of hydrogen nuclei. Not water as such. and when the aligned nuclear magnetic moments are disturbed by the excitation pulse we create a temporary detectable net magnetizaton rotating at a specific frequency. The spins do return rapidly to their previous alignment, but not as rapidly as the detectable signal decays away. We do not record the energy of the spins returning to their previous alignment. This is not a simple excitation and release event like we might use in a mercury vapour light etc.| so not like you say at 1:03. Coils not antennas usually.
The explanations of the equipment are better. But I've never installed one in a basement :)

[sovi]

I just got out of having my MRI and this is so fascinating
The machine was also the one made by y'all
It's a very nice looking machine

[LianRodriguezTorres]

It was so loud and scary but i just started to sing in my head High School Musical songs to stay calm.

[willyonuorah]

MRI exam is fascinating but takes longer time than just x-rays. My first experience with the noise wasn't pleasant. But if the examiner places the earpads well like my subsequent experiences, it's cool. The technology is fascinating and discovery gave a big leap to medical diagnosis especially as the process is noninvasive.

[karvavods]

I (14) am having 2 MRI's this month! Excited!!

[nadine]

getting my first MRI tomorrow morning, I’ve had multiple CT scans and x-rays done but this is will be my first. I’m aware it’s going to be loud but hopefully the earplugs work

[vj.joseph]

We can hear the higher magnetic fields at close quarters. Very interesting observation.

[stephenmead]

Went thru one today. Interesting noises. Very comfortable.

[TheBeezleInc]

Doesn't really explain how the image is produced.

[TheLadyaec]

The paper didn't tell me about that chest plate. I was allowed to do mine without it (bc the unmentioned face cage for my brain was trouble enough), but it would've probably blocked the unbareable knocking vibrations through my unmonitored tachy heart. I believe that combo IS dangerous. Imagine putting a hard knocking vibrating tool up to your arythmic heart for an hr (which the hospital knows from past vitals and ekgs). It's not just a sound, sounds are vibration. Especially if you're there for a neurological referral (I don't think they could see that my scolded movement was spasms and not voluntary). That and the cold triggered shaking which scared them when they pulled me out.

These kinds need some protocols for certain conditions. I believe they should be able to see and hear you inside, and let you know so. A pull out between two scans must be used to not surpass 20 mins caged at a time. If vibration pausing whilst in is able, do so based on heart and breathing activity. Do a 1minute inserted comfort test for the patient to find their comfort position and determine whether they want their eyes open or closed, pull out sit up one last time, then begin. Sitting up also helps me under dental anestheic.

[bathory]

To me, it was like being at a robot rock concert where they played varying notes. Except that one robot, he played the same note over and over! The noise is not too terrible; the holding still is. Just close your eyes and breathe. In 25-ish minutes, you're done!

[shanekawallace-graham]

I am to do a MRI scan for my lumbar spine. After watching this video I am a little concerned, because I have horrible migraines that are sometimes triggered by sound and light. 😔

[incechizen]

Just had my MRI done yesterday. I was on the machine for 3 long hours 😭 The noise was tolerable but staying still during the whole procedure wasn't. My body went numb that the nurse staff had to massage me so I could stand up after I was done. Great technology tho! The reading takes 2-3 days and I'm hoping nothing serious comes out on the result.

[randomgirl-ljxi]

I have these regularly for a long time (45min) you can make good electronic music from the noises and have a nap