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Proper diagnosis is the first step in any treatment process. It enables medical practitioners to study the patient's symptoms and determine the nature of their illness before developing a treatment plan. Thus, doctors usually consult with their patients, study their medical history, administer lab medical tests, and rely on radiography to assess their condition before proceeding. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an example of radiography scanning used to view the patient's internal body parts and organs to provide the doctors with a vivid understanding of the patient's underlying problem. An MRI scan uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields that produce detailed images of the patient's body. The MRI scan is usually short, with the imaging length depending on the patient's body parts to be examined and the number of images required. Here are a few common conditions that require an MRI scan:

Heart Damage

The first condition that warrants an MRI scan is heart damage. MRI scans allow doctors to determine the patient's heart size, blood flow, size of the major blood vessels, the heart valves, and the chambers. All these elements are integral to determining the patient's heart damage severity. Furthermore, MRI scans allow doctors to monitor and assess the conditions of the heart's surrounding structures, such as the pericardium. Getting a clear image of the heart helps the doctors formulate a good treatment option. Thus, patients with heart conditions should expect an MRI scan when seeking medical attention.

Tumors

MRI scans are also ideal for detecting tumors. Tumors are abnormal solid tissue masses that form in the body when the cells divide themselves and fail to die. They can either be malignant or benign. Thus, oncologists rely on MRI scans to determine the tumor's location, size, and whether or not it is cancerous. Getting an MRI scan as early as possible is essential to help doctors detect malignant tumors at their onset before recommending the best treatment plan. 

Sports Injuries

Another vital use of MRI scans is in imaging and assessing sports injuries. Doctors use MRI scans to determine the extent and type of injury before prescribing the necessary treatment. The MRI scan enables doctors to get a clear and complete image of the patient's musculoskeletal structures, including the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This helps doctors decide if the patient needs surgery, medicine, rehabilitation, or a combination of these approaches for the best outcome. Thus, people with joint damage, muscle injuries, head injuries, sprains, and fractures should expect an MRI scan during their treatment.