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MRI Scan Center - Fond du Lac, WI

WebMD Physician Directory

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

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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 Fond du Lac

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Fond du Lac Hospitals *

Agnesian Healthcare St Agnes Hospital
430 E Division St
Fond Du Lac, WI 54935
(920)929-2300

Winnebago Mental Health Institute
1300 South Dr
Winnebago, WI 54985
(920)235-4910

Waupun Memorial Hospital
620 W Brown St
Waupun, WI 53963
(920)324-5581

Mercy Medical Center
500 S Oakwood Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54904
(920)223-2000

Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh
855 N Westhaven Dr
Oshkosh, WI 54904
(920)456-6000

Ripon Medical Center
933 Newbury St
Ripon, WI 54971
(920)748-3101

Calumet Medical Center
614 Memorial Dr
Chilton, WI 53014
(920)849-2386

St Joseph's Hospital
3200 Pleasant Valley Rd
West Bend, WI 53095
(262)334-5533

Berlin Memorial Hospital
225 Memorial Dr
Berlin, WI 54923
(920)361-1313

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Fox Valley
130 Second St
Neenah, WI 54956
(920)969-7900

Theda Clark Medical Center
130 Second St
Neenah, WI 54956
(920)729-3100

Beaver Dam Community Hospital
707 S University Ave
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
(920)887-7181

Aurora Medical Center Hartford
1032 E Sumner St
Hartford, WI 53027
(262)673-2300

St Elizabeth Hospital
1506 S Oneida St
Appleton, WI 54915
(920)738-2000

St Nicholas Hospital
3100 Superior Ave
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920)459-8300

Appleton Medical Center
1818 N Meade St
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)731-4101

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