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MRI Scan Center - Janesville, WI

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Janesville, 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 Janesville

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Janesville Hospitals *

Mercy Health System
1000 Mineral Point Ave
Janesville, WI 53547
(608)756-6000

Beloit Memorial Hospital
1969 W Hart Rd
Beloit, WI 53511
(608)364-5011

Edgerton Hospital and Health Services
313 Stoughton Rd
Edgerton, WI 53534
(608)884-3441

Stoughton Hospital
900 Ridge St
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608)873-6611

Fort Memorial Hospital
611 Sherman Ave E
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
(920)568-5000

Singer Mental Health Center
4402 N Main St
Rockford, IL 61103
(815)987-7096

Rockford Memorial Hospital
2400 N Rockton Ave
Rockford, IL 61103
(815)971-5000

Mercy Harvard Hospital
901 Grant St
Harvard, IL 60033
(815)943-5431

Aurora Lakeland Medical Center
W3985 County Rd NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262)741-2000

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
5666 E State St
Rockford, IL 61108
(815)226-2000

SwedishAmerican Health System
1401 E State St
Rockford, IL 61104
(815)968-4400

Van Matre HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital
950 S Mulford Rd
Rockford, IL 61108
(815)381-8500

Monroe Clinic & Hospital
515 22nd Ave
Monroe, WI 53566
(608)324-1000

St Marys Hospital Medical Center
700 S Park St
Madison, WI 53715
(608)251-6100

Meriter Hospital
202 S Park St
Madison, WI 53715
(608)267-6000

University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics
600 Highland Ave
Madison, WI 53792
(608)263-6400

William S Middleton Memorial VA Hospital
2500 Overlook Terr
Madison, WI 53705
(608)256-1901

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