An Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging

JCA medical Seminars hold two comprehensive five day MRI courses a year to cover the whole body, The Manchester MRI Course and The Bristol MRI Course. Both courses are ideal for students sitting their exams and for other consultants with an interest in MR imaging of the many different areas of the body.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a relatively new medical imaging method (compared to x-ray for example) used in radiology to show detailed internal structure and limited function of the body. MRI is particularly suited for neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological imaging. This is due to the high contrast it shows between the body’s different soft tissues.

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetization of (usually) hydrogen atoms in water in the body. Radio frequency (RF) fields are used to systematically alter the alignment of this magnetization, causing the hydrogen nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. This MR signal can be manipulated by additional magnetic fields to build up enough information to construct an MRI image of the body.

MRI was referred to as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) in its early development and use. But because of the general public’s negative association of the word “nuclear” with ionizing radiation exposure, the process is now referred to as MRI.

The process is also sometimes called magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) and NMRI for non-medical devices that work on the same principles.

Please see our Courses page for the programme on any of these subjects and more. Each course offers CPD points from The Royal College of Radiologists and other organisations.

Our team thoroughly researches the most requested subjects by talking to specialists in their field. The major part of our time is spent locating the most experienced speakers available to lecture for each course.

When participants depart, we intend they leave with knowledge reinforced, possibilities renewed and spirits revived.