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Vital Role of Government
Hospitals in Bahrain’s
Healthcare System
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has evolved into one of the most powerful non-invasive techniques in diagnostic imaging. The MRI examination represents a new way of looking at disease processes without the use of radiation.
Instead, magnetic resonance is used to provide images, which provide excellent anatomical detail and reflect changes in tissue chemistry. During the exam, the patient lies on a table in a strong magnetic field while a computer collects the information used to create images.
MRI employs the magnetism of the hydrogen nucleus, the proton, and its interaction with external magnetic and electromagnetic fields. It produces cross-sectional pictures like computed tomography, without the use of any harmful ionizing radiation. MRI images are due to differential proton densities of the tissues in a layer of the body under study. MRI is a diagnostic imaging technology that uses a strong magnet and radiofrequency waves to produce pictures or "images" of internal organs and structures. Because MRI allows us to see inside the body from any angle with great clarity, it gives us a wealth of information more quickly and in many cases, more economically than past tests and exploratory surgeries
MRI is the preferred method of imaging the brain to detect the presence of ischemia, inflammation, demyelination, tumors and congenital anomalies. Due to the excellent tissue contrast of MR, MRI provides better tissue contrast compared to CT scan.
Other applications include: spinal, musculoskeletal, abdominal, pelvic and breast imaging.
Pre-procedure Instructions/Preparation
MR technologists must know if the patient has a pacemaker, surgical clips, prosthesis, metal implants or any other metal objects in the body. Some implants (e.g., a pacemaker) may be affected by an MR examination. The MRI staff will then determine whether or not the patient should proceed with the MR examination.
Any metallic material that might be affected or attracted by the powerful magnet used for MR imaging should be left at home or given to the MR staff for safekeeping. This list includes coins, keys, bobby pins, credit cards, pocketknives, Hearing aids, dentures, watches, hair wigs or hairpieces, artificial eyes, glasses, jewellery, earrings, etc. Patients should also be certain that they are reasonably clean from any eye make-up or as a result of working around metal finishing or grinding equipment. Contrast material may be given by intravenous injection, but generally there are no dietary restrictions and all medications may be taken without interference.
Procedure
For MR imaging, the patient is placed in a strong magnetic field, which causes the nuclear magnetism of protons of hydrogen atoms to become aligned. A hydrogen atom contains a single proton in its nucleus and is the most abundant element in the body. As it has a strong magnetic component, it is the ideal choice for imaging.
Preparations
It is advisable to exclude women during the first three months of pregnancy.
Empty bladder before examination.
Precautions
- Patients with cardiac pacemakers, artificial heart valves, aneurysm clips in the brain, surgicals, implants, prosthetic devices cannot be scanned unless the implants are MRI-compatible. Scanning is generally avoided in pregnancy (during the first trimester).
Location
Two MRI units
Ground Floor
Located Close to GH Administration Office
Telephone Number
17285054 (Ext.: 5054)
MRI Appointment Office
17285873 (Ext.: 5873)
MRI No 1
17285871 (Ext.: 5871)
Available Staff
Consultant Radiologists
Dr. Amina Mohamed
Timing
7:00 am – 2:00 pm (on weekdays Sunday - Thursday)
+24 Hours (Radiologists & Radiographer on-call)
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