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MRI Scan Center - Longview, TX

WebMD Physician Directory

Longview, Texas

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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 Longview

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Longview Hospitals *

Good Shepherd Medical Center Longview
700 E Marshall Ave
Longview, TX 75601
(903)315-2000

Longview Regional Medical Center
2901 N 4th St
Longview, TX 75605
(903)758-1818

Laird Memorial Hospital
1612 S Henderson Blvd
Kilgore, TX 75662
(903)984-3505

East Texas Medical Center Gilmer
712 N Wood St
Gilmer, TX 75644
(903)841-7100

Marshall Regional Medical Center
811 S Washington Ave
Marshall, TX 75670
(903)927-6000

ETMC Henderson
300 Wilson St
Henderson, TX 75652
(903)657-7541

University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler
11937 US Hwy 271
Tyler, TX 75708
(903)877-3451

East Texas Medical Center Carthage
409 Cottage Rd
Carthage, TX 75633
(903)693-3841

HEALTHSOUTH Tyler Rehabilitation Hospital
3131 Troup Hwy
Tyler, TX 75701
(903)510-7000

Mother Frances Hospital Tyler
800 E Dawson St
Tyler, TX 75701
(903)593-8441

East Texas Medical Center Rehabilitation
701 Olympic Plaza Cir
Tyler, TX 75701
(903)596-3000

East Texas Medical Center Specialty Hospital
1000 S Beckham Ave
Tyler, TX 75701
(903)596-3600

East Texas Medical Center Tyler
1000 S Beckham Ave
Tyler, TX 75701
(903)597-0351

Tyler ContinueCare Hospital
800 E Dawson St
Tyler, TX 75701
(903)531-4080

Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
1814 Roseland Blvd
Tyler, TX 75701
(903)526-8754

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