Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mri)

MRI is safer than X-ray because it does not use radiation. It provides more information than Computed Tomography about some head, neck and spinal disorders because the images are more detailed and have more contrast, meaning the differences between light and dark areas are stronger. Unlike CT, the images can be taken on any plane – any surface of the body seen from an angle. It is now used for imaging – taking images of – the brain and heart, and in oncology.

Contraindications, cases in which it should not be used, include patients with metallic foreign bodies in the orbits, and patients with pacemakers – electronic devices surgically implanted to regulate heartbeat. MRI is also not approved during the first trimester of pregnancy.

b) Match the two parts of the sentences. Look at text A to help you:

1. MRI provides more information than CT because …

2. MRI is not approved for use in …

3. MRI is safer than X-ray because …

4 MRI allows imaging on many planes …

1. … there is no radiation.

2. … unlike CT.

3. … of high contrast sensitivity.

4. … the first three months of pregnancy.

C. Ultrasound Scans

What are ultrasound scans?

Ultrasound scans are images of the internal organs created from sound waves. The images are produced when the sound waves are directed into the body then reflected back to a scanner that measures them.

What are ultrasound scans used for?

Ultrasound scanning is used to help monitor and diagnose conditions in many parts of the body, including the kidneys, the liver and the heart (echocardiogram).

Ultrasound scanning is not dangerous and has no side-effects, so it's safe to use during pregnancy. It's used to monitor the growth of the unborn child and to look for any abnormalities.

How does an ultrasound work?

The ultrasound scanner looks like a small paint roller. As it moves back and forth over the body, it sends sound waves through the skin and muscles.

These waves are then turned into an image that appears on a TV screen. The scan can also be copied onto paper or X-ray film.

How is an ultrasound scan performed?

The way the ultrasound scan is performed depends on the purpose of the examination. The scanner can be used externally on the skin, or through the natural openings of the body, such as the mouth or vagina.

For example, if the kidneys or liver are being examined the patient will be told to lie on their back or side on an examination table. Some special gel is spread over the skin, enabling the scan to define the organs as clearly as possible.

Does an ultrasound scan hurt?

An ultrasound scan does not hurt but the gel used for the examination can feel a bit cold.

Where are ultrasound scans performed?

The examination has traditionally taken place in hospital, with patients being referred by their GP or midwife. However, ultrasound is available in a small but growing number of doctors' surgeries.

Exercise: Make word combinations using a word from each box. Then use some of the word combinations to complete the sentences:

breathe excise experience foreign hold informed introduce local recovery

anesthetic your breath area diseased tissue discomfort in bodies consent the endoscope

1. I’m going to give you a … so that you won’t feel any pain.

2. With an MRI, it is important there are no metallic … in the eyes.

3. After an operation, patients are moved to a … to recuperate.

4. Endoscopes can be used to …

5. Before an endoscopy, the patient’s … must be obtained.