MRI
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, represents a revolutionary form of imaging. A combination of a very powerful magnetic field (10,000 times stronger than that of the earth) and pulses of radiofrequency energy are used to produce exquisitely detailed images of soft tissues. This is particularly useful for imaging the brain, the spine and joints as well as imaging of blood vessels.
The Radiologists of the Kent & Sussex Radiology Group have vast experience of MR imaging at the forefront of modern technology, using state of the art scanners at the Nuffield Hospital, the BUPA Hospital Fordcombe, and Pembury Hospital. Second opinions can also be requested for MR scans performed elsewhere.
We have very close links with local orthopaedic surgeons, local physicians and local surgeons, enabling us to offer high quality opinions specifically tailored to the patient’s clinical problems.
- MRI of the brain:
- MRI is one of the most sensitive forms of examination in dealing with strokes and some longstanding disorders of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis s well as brain tumours. It is also very good at looking at the pituitary gland and the pathways of the visual and auditory (hearing) nerves.
- Musculoskeletal MRI:
- Because of the exquisite definition of soft tissue structures such as muscles and tendons, MRI is often the most sensitive imaging modality to look at the body’s major joints and soft tissues. It is very widely used to diagnose problems within the knee (such as meniscal tears and ligament tears), problems within the back such as disc herniations, and other sports injuries. It can also be used to look for tiny occult fractures which are not visible on plain x-rays.
