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MRI Scan Center - Kingsport, TN

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Kingsport, Tennessee

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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 Kingsport

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Kingsport Hospitals *

HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital
113 Cassell Dr
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423)246-7240

Indian Path Medical Center
2000 Brookside Dr
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423)857-7000

Indian Path Pavilion
2300 Pavilion Dr
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423)857-5500

Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center
130 W Ravine St
Kingsport, TN 37662
(423)224-4000

Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital
2511 Wesley St
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423)952-1700

Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center
1 Medical Park Blvd
Bristol, TN 37620
(423)844-1121

North Side Hospital
401 Princeton Rd
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423)854-5600

Johnson City Medical Center
400 N State of Franklin Rd
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423)431-6111

Johnson City Specialty Hospital
203 E Watauga Ave
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423)434-1400

James H Quillen VA Medical Center
Corner of Lamont & Veterans Way
Mountain Home, TN 37684
(423)926-1171

Woodridge Hospital
403 State of Franklin Rd
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423)928-7111

Sycamore Shoals Hospital
1501 W Elk Ave
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423)542-1300

Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital
1990 Holton Ave E
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
(276)523-3111

Norton Community Hospital
100 15th St NW
Norton, VA 24273
(276)679-9600

Wellmont Hawkins County Memorial Hospital
851 Locust St
Rogersville, TN 37857
(423)921-7000

Mountain View Regional Medical Center
Third St NE
Norton, VA 24273
(276)679-9100

Laughlin Memorial Hospital
1420 Tusculum Blvd
Greeneville, TN 37745
(423)787-5000

Unicoi County Memorial Hospital
100 Greenway Cir
Erwin, TN 37650
(423)743-3141

Lee Regional Medical Center
1800 W Morgan Ave
Pennington Gap, VA 24277
(276)546-1440

Takoma Regional
401 Takoma Ave
Greeneville, TN 37743
(423)639-3151

Johnston Memorial Hospital
351 Court St NE
Abingdon, VA 24210
(276)676-7000

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