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MRI is a widely used technique

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most widely used imaging techniques in the field of MS today. It has been applied to many different diseases, producing informative images of the internal structure of the body.

Many people with MS will have had an MRI examination, as it allows physicians to visualise the brain lesions that are characteristic of the disease. The technique is completely non-invasive and does not involve exposure to X-rays.

You may have wondered how MRI is able to produce images of the brain, and what these images tell the neurologist about MS. This article outlines how MRI works and then explains why the technique is an invaluable tool for investigating MS. It also describes the process of having an MRI scan.

Section 1. The basis of MRI

• Water is critically important for MRI

• MRI uses radiowaves

• Water content differs in healthy and diseased tissue

Section 2. MRI and MS

• Diagnosis

• Understanding the disease process

• Assessing the influence of treatment

Section 3. Having an MRI scan

• Looking to the future

The information on this page was last updated/verified on:

March 8, 2001

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