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MRI Scan Center - Carson City, NV

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Carson City, Nevada

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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan)

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. The receiver information is processed by a computer, and an image is produced.

The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.

When are MRI scans used?

An MRI scan can be used as an extremely accurate method of disease detection throughout the body. In the head, trauma to the brain can be seen as bleeding or swelling. Other abnormalities often found include brain aneurysms, stroke, tumors of the brain, as well as tumors or inflammation of the spine.

Neurosurgeons use an MRI scan not only in defining brain anatomy but in evaluating the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma. It is also used when considering problems associated with the vertebrae or intervertebral discs of the spine. An MRI scan can evaluate the structure of the heart and aorta, where it can detect aneurysms or tears.

It provides valuable information on glands and organs within the abdomen, and accurate information about the structure of the joints, soft tissues, and bones of the body. Often, surgery can be deferred or more accurately directed after knowing the results of an MRI scan.

What are the risks of an MRI scan?/...

Recommended Reading Related to MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan)

Stroke »

What is a stroke?

Brain cell function requires a constant delivery of oxygen and glucose from the bloodstream. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms.

Blockage of an artery

  • Narrowing of the small arteries within the brain can cause a lacunar stroke, (lacune means "empty space"). Blockage of a single arteriole can affect a tiny area of brain causing that tissue to die (infarct).
  • Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the brain. There are four major blood vessels that supply the brain with blood. The anterior circulation of the brain that controls most motor  activity, sensation, thought, speech, and emotion is supplied by the carotid arteries. The posterior circulation, which supplies the brainstem and the cer...

Emergency Contact for Carson City

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Carson City Hospitals *

Sierra Surgery Hospital
1400 Medical Pkwy
Carson City, NV 89703
(775)883-1700

Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center
1600 Medical Pkwy
Carson City, NV 89703
(775)445-8000

Incline Village Community Hospital
880 Alder Ave
Incline Village, NV 89451
(775)833-4100

Renown South Meadows Medical Center
10101 Double R Blvd
Reno, NV 89521
(775)982-7000

Tahoe Pacific Hospitals Meadows
10101 Double R Blvd
Reno, NV 89521
(775)331-1044

Barton Memorial Hospital
2170 South Ave
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530)541-3420

Willow Springs Center
690 Edison Way
Reno, NV 89502
(775)858-3303

VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System
1000 Locust St
Reno, NV 89502
(775)786-7200

Renown Rehabilitation Hospital
1495 Mill St
Reno, NV 89502
(775)982-3500

Renown Regional Medical Center
1155 Mill St
Reno, NV 89502
(775)982-4100

St Mary's Regional Medical Center
235 W Sixth St
Reno, NV 89503
(775)770-3000

Tahoe Pacific Hospitals West
235 W Sixth St
Reno, NV 89503
(775)770-7980

Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services
480 Galletti Way
Sparks, NV 89431
(775)688-2001

Tahoe Forest Hospital
10121 Pine Ave
Truckee, CA 96161
(530)587-6011

West Hills Hospital
1240 E Ninth St
Reno, NV 89512
(775)323-0478

Northern Nevada Medical Center
2375 E Prater Way
Sparks, NV 89434
(775)331-7000

Carson Valley Medical Center
1107 US Highway 395 S
Gardnerville, NV 89410
(775)782-1500

South Lyon Medical Center
213 Whitacre Ave
Yerington, NV 89447
(775)463-2301

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