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MRI Scan Center - Elk Grove, CA

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Elk Grove, California

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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 Elk Grove

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Elk Grove Hospitals *

Methodist Hospital of Sacramento
7500 Hospital Dr
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916)423-3000

Sierra Vista Hospital
8001 Bruceville Rd
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916)423-2000

Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center
6600 Bruceville Rd
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916)688-2000

Sutter Center for Psychiatry
7700 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916)386-3000

Shriners Hospital Northern California
2425 Stockton Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916)453-2000

UC Davis Medical Center
2315 Stockton Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916)734-2011

Sutter Memorial Hospital
5151 F St
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916)454-3333

Mercy General Hospital
4001 J St
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916)453-4545

Sacramento VA Medical Center
10535 Hospital Way
Mather, CA 95655
(916)843-7000

Sutter General Hospital
2801 L St
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916)454-2222

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center
2025 Morse Ave
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916)973-5000

Heritage Oaks Hospital
4250 Auburn Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95841
(916)489-3336

Mercy San Juan Hospital
6501 Coyle Ave
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916)537-5000

Lodi Memorial Hospital West
800 S Lower Sacramento Rd
Lodi, CA 95242
(209)334-3411

Lodi Memorial Hospital
975 S Fairmont Ave
Lodi, CA 95240
(209)334-3411

Mercy Hospital of Folsom
1650 Creekside Dr
Folsom, CA 95630
(916)983-7400

Kindred Hospital Sacramento
223 Fargo Way
Folsom, CA 95630
(916)351-9151

Sutter Davis Hospital
2000 Sutter Pl
Davis, CA 95616
(530)756-6440

Sutter Roseville Medical Center
One Medical Plz
Roseville, CA 95661
(916)781-1000

Woodland Healthcare
1325 Cottonwood St
Woodland, CA 95695
(530)662-3961

St Joseph's Behavioral Health Center
2510 N California St
Stockton, CA 95204
(209)948-2100

St Joseph's Medical Center
1800 N California St
Stockton, CA 95204
(209)943-2000

Dameron Hospital
525 W Acacia St
Stockton, CA 95203
(209)944-5550

VacaValley Hospital
1000 Nut Tree Rd
Vacaville, CA 95687
(707)446-4000

Sutter Amador Hospital
200 Mission Blvd
Jackson, CA 95642
(209)223-7500

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