History of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Physicians send patients for MRI’s to help them diagnose medical conditions. Do you know what an MRI is?
An MRI is a computerized map of harmless radio signals emitted by the human body. It is excellent for viewing soft tissue and seeing any defects that may be present.
In 1977 the first human scan was performed in a prototype MRI machine.
MRI works by creating a strong magnetic field, protons in the nucleus of the hydrogen atoms are magnetized.
• MRI creates a steady state of magnetism in the body
• Radio waves during the study change the steady state orientation of protons
• MRI stops the radio waves and measures the body’s electromagnetic transmission
• Signals that are transmitted are used to create images of the body by computerized axial tomography.
The rotating magnetic field was discovered by Nikola Tesla in 1882. This eventually led to the definition of the Tesla Unit which describes the strength of a magnetic field. MRI machines, which were developed almost a century later, are calibrated in Tesla Units. The stronger the magnetic field, the stronger the amount of radio signals that are given off by the body’s atoms. The stronger the radio signal will lead to a better quality of the MRI image.
Jamaica Hospital offers the most up-to-date MRI technology and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 718-206-6743.
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