MRI scan MRI
Uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, NOT X-rays. Gives the clearest soft-tissue detail.
What it can show
Brain and spinal cord, discs, ligaments, joint cartilage, muscle, liver, pelvis.
What it cannot show
Poor for fine bone cortex detail and small calcifications. Not the choice when an answer is needed within minutes.
This is the half people skip. A normal result answers one question, not every question.
Tell the staff before you start
Pacemaker · cochlear implant · aneurysm clip · metal fragments in the body, especially the eye · past metalwork or welding job · very large tattoos · pregnancy.
Also bring the full list of every medicine and supplement you take. Things bought without a prescription belong on that list too.