An MRI is a diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes radio waves to display extremely detailed images of the body's tissues and organs. Magnetic resonance imaging is more commonly known as an MRI and is a non-invasive diagnostic tool or procedure that may aid in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of a myriad of conditions and disease processes.
MRI technology uses radio waves in combination with computer imaging systems to create and view images or "slices" of the human body. Organs, tissues, your brain or your heart may be scanned using MRI technology to detect changes in structure.
An MRI usually takes less than an hour, but this depends on the body part/s being scanned. In some cases, your doctor or the MRI technician will need to redo the images or test depending on desired results. Length of time is also determined by what your doctor is trying to diagnose. You may need to answer questions while you're in the MRI machine, or you may be asked to perform small motor movements.