This technology enables physicians to detect developing diseases or abnormalities earlier than ever before. Basically, MRI involves a powerful but harmless magnetic field and radiowaves like the kind that transmit FM music. The combination of radiowaves and magnetic field produces very clear images of body structures such as the brain, the spine, and other vital organs. By looking for abnormalities in structure, the epilepsy team can infer whether there may be seizure producing areas in or adjacent to the regions of structural change. The MRI unit looks like a large box with an open-ended tunnel running through the middle.
Many different kinds are in use, but they all work in the same way.
The patient will be asked to lie on a comfortable, padded table that is gently moved into the opening of the magnet where the scanning is performed. The data from the scan is fed into computers which compose very clear pictures that the physician will use to make a diagnosis. The patient should allow about two hours for the MRI exam, although most scans take an hour or less. Unless the patient's doctor indicates otherwise, the patient can eat normally the day of the exam. The patient should not wear any makeup, since some brands contain metallic components.