Who reads a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan?

A radiologist reads the scan and writes a report. The ordering clinician then considers that report with symptoms, examination findings, and other records.

Can Magnetic Resonance Imaging show nerve problems?

MRI can show structures around nerves, such as discs, joints, and narrowed spaces. A clinician compares those findings with the person’s symptoms and examination.

What information does an MRI referral include?

An MRI referral usually identifies the body area and the concern being assessed. Relevant symptoms and examination findings help the imaging team understand the clinical question.

Glossary

What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a medical imaging method that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures inside the body. MRI images can show soft tissues, discs, nerves, joints, and the spinal cord. Doctors use these pictures to assess possible causes of pain, injury, or reduced movement.

Quick Facts About Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Key Takeaways About Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI shows soft tissues and spinal structures in detailed images.
A doctor reviews the images with your symptoms and examination.
MRI is not the same as an X-ray or computed tomography scan.

How Magnetic Resonance Imaging Works

Two clinicians review a spinal scan on a monitor beside imaging equipment in a hospital room

Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of internal body structures. The scanner collects signals from the body and turns them into cross-sectional pictures. A radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report for the ordering clinician.

Related glossary terms: Spinal Stenosis, Lumbar Radiculopathy, Annular Tear.

MRI can show soft tissues that may be difficult to assess on plain X-rays. These tissues include discs, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and the spinal cord. Radiology reports describe visible findings and help connect the images with symptoms and examination results.

How Imaging Referrals Use MRI Results

An imaging referral identifies the body area and the clinical concern being assessed. The receiving imaging center uses that information to plan the study and send the report to the appropriate medical team. MRI findings can support decisions about further evaluation or treatment.

A person studies a spine X-ray on a desk, pointing at the image with a pen while a chart glows on a monitor behind it

From the Premier Injury Specialists team

When we arrange an MRI referral, we match the requested body area with the patient’s reported symptoms and examination findings. We review the report with the rest of the medical record, since an image alone does not explain every pain complaint. We also track the report so it can inform the next clinical step.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Practice: A Real-World Example

A person with persistent lower back pain and leg symptoms may receive an MRI referral for the lumbar spine. The images can help the medical team assess discs, nerves, and other structures connected with those symptoms.