• Published on: Sep 27, 2021
  • 6 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding MRI Scan, Benefits, Diagnosis, Sideeffects

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Understanding MRI Scan?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It's a diagnostic procedure that provides detailed pictures of the inside of the body using a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer.

An MRI uses very strong magnetic fields to align all nuclear spins. It then sends an RF pulse that flips tissue's natural polarization bias in different axes which refocuses protons magnetically along pre-determined axes of alignment. By flipping their inherent spin orientation during the readout process, scientists are able to create images presenting how molecules are oriented within living tissue or at specific points in time after an event has occurred. This technique is known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because it causes nuclei atoms to respond with varying intensity to externally applied electromagnetic fields following established.

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a radiology procedure that uses powerful magnets to create various images of the inside area of the body. It is important to know that MRIs are preferred in people with metal implants. We use MRIs to help diagnose things like cancer, spinal stenosis, joint pain, and more! We can also use MRI for many different types of chiropractic treatments such as pregnancy-related treatments, lower back pain relief therapy services. The MRI scanner or Magnetic Resonance Imaging device is a large and complicated medical machine that will allow the doctor to perform an in-depth scan of our internal organs.

An MRI scans your body by generating electromagnetic signals from a powerful magnet. Then it uses them to look for differences in the patterns of the energy emitted by different types of tissue. An image is produced using a computer program, which can highlight certain types of tissue because they respond differently to the scanned magnets' magnetic fields. This includes muscles, cartilage, fat, and bones - but not fluids or other tissues such as nerves or bowel contents. An MRI scan generates a three-dimensional image of the inside of the body. The patient lies on a parenthesis-shaped, hollow steel or lead magnet called an electromagnet while scanning coils are arranged around them. When the person is in the middle of it all, computer-controlled radio waves are used to create images.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-quality two-dimensional diagnostic images of internal organs and soft tissues within living subjects noninvasively. ?1; 

An MRI scan is a sequence of images that are taken from different angles around the body to produce a detailed internal picture or to look for abnormalities. MRI machines, often called "big magnets" because they create strong magnetic fields might also be used in imaging situations where X-rays can't provide sufficient detail, such as in the case of pregnant women and certain types of cancer patients.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a combination of radio waves and magnetic fields to take pictures through the body. MR scans use magnetism, radio waves and strong electromagnetic fields together to produce good quality images of the structures in your body that may or may not be visible externally. MRI scanners create detailed two-dimensional electronic images in slices from many different angles: like cutting a loaf of bread into thin, cross-sectional slices for examination. The machine creates images by using powerful magnetic fields which align the spinning nuclei atoms inside cells with one another temporarily into ferromagnetic alignment with its own axis perpendicularly - this then enables researchers to "see" what these nuclei are doing without needing contrast agents.

Essentially an MRI Scan is a medical imaging technique that uses the magnetic properties of radio waves to generate images of body structures. Often, MRI investigations are used to diagnose diseases including cancers, vascular lesions, bone abnormalities, and spinal disorders. It can also have applications in other areas such as prenatal care for pregnant women. MRIs use no ionizing radiation, but physicians should be aware that there are some risks associated with exposure to very large electromagnetic or radiofrequency fields, which include heating of tissue and induction currents in metal implants.

MRI scan is the layman's word for Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan. It allows us to see or measure different types of tissues in the human body like bone, tendon, cartilage, fat and other soft tissues (muscle). There are different parts of an MRI scan that assess different parts of the body; these include axial images (bone) coronal images (middle section) sagittal images (top view), 3D images, and more complex scans like cine sequence or gradient echo imaging to study joints. We choose what type of image we want by changing settings on the machine.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used to obtain images of the body's internal organs. It does this by using powerful magnets and pulsed electromagnetic fields, which interact with atomic nuclei in your body. For an MRI exam, you lie on a table that slides into a long narrow tunnel-like scanning magnet that surrounds most of your body. This procedure is painless and lasts less than 30 minutes...

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI scanners are large, doughnut-shaped magnets with computers in the middle that allow us to take pictures of things inside the body without cutting them open. MRI is very good at looking at brain disorders, torn ligaments and can even see bones that are under your muscles. It's also great for heart problems etc.

Miniature radio transmitters positioned just outside it generates radio waves that penetrate your body tissues creating an image of their structure within seconds. Then a computer digitizes all this information so it can be viewed on a monitor or printed out on film. “No harmful radiation is being used"* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is done when non-invasive imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, are not helpful in showing the organs inside your body.

An MRI scan may be used to diagnose degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The ability to produce highly detailed images of brain structures has also made it one of the most researched medical imaging techniques. Frequently there is a need for MRI scanning when relocating bone joints, assessing developmental abnormalities in children, determining brain injury after an accident or stroke, diagnosing herniated discs and tumors, cancer screenings. MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to learn about the inside of the body without surgery. Sometimes MRIs are used as part of a diagnostic toolbox that also includes X-rays, computed tomography scans (CTs), blood tests, and physical examinations. The results from those other evaluations can help determine if an MRI would be helpful for a diagnosis or treatment decision. For example, CT uses a different type of radiation to create images than does MRI scanning. Brain CT helps doctors assess things like bleeding inside the skull following

There's no requirement for an MRI scan. You can get one if you believe it will help your diagnosis. Your doctor would decide which radiologic study might be appropriate for you. Some conditions - like cancerous tumors - are understandable where imaging is considered to possibly provide information that guides management decisions, or simply to exclude possible causes of symptoms (since many benign causes involve changes in the same region). Additionally, contrast-enhanced CT scans and MRIs are helpful in making specific diagnoses once lesions have been found on physical examination; for example, they're often used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

MRI scan is most often done to assess the causes of major abdominal pains, bowel blockages, headaches, bleeding in the brain, problems with joints and muscles, tumors of unusual size on an X-ray or CT scan. MRI Scans are also very helpful for looking into problems that involve the abdomen or pelvic region. Conditions that produce changes in bowel habits or appetite can be readily diagnosed with an MRI. There are some cancerous tumors of certain types that are more easily seen with an MRI than any other type of imaging method because they do not show up well on x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.

MRI scans are usually required to tackle the following issues:

1) Hodgkin's Lymphoma

2) Brain Tumors

3) Cervical Spinal Cord Diseases

4) Frq-siissiiancy of Nerves, Muscles Or Joints

5) Sometimes Chest Disease, Liver Disease etc.

6) Carcinoma - To Find Out Whether The Cancer Has Spread.

An MRI Scan is used to look for abnormalities with structures inside the head, which can diagnose many different conditions. It may be used to detect tumors; blood clots that cause strokes; swollen or damaged brain tissue; infection of the covering around the brain (meningitis); wear and tear of the cartilage in your joints, like osteoporosis; deterioration of bones (osteoarthritis) The most common application is medical imaging of brains. MRI gives more detailed, higher resolution images than CT scanning because MRI employs both strong magnetic fields and radio waves. Images are produced by combining radiofrequency pulses with magnetism to produce signals on long hoses routed through an entire body.

MRI is examining what's going on inside your body by putting you in a big magnet, then only use the MRI scan to show us. During an MRI scan, you are placed within a large scanner called "the bore" which uses magnets and radio waves to line up the atomic particles in the body so they can be analyzed. Your doctor will recommend an MRI when there's something abnormal or unclear about your symptoms or an injury. An MRI talks more about soft tissues than X-rays do because X-rays pass through the skin easily but don't penetrate beyond muscle tissue; MRIs go deep into all organs of the body including breast tissue.

Catch it early while the tumor is still small and end up with a much better prognosis. As tumors grow, they disrupt normal tissue and cause cells to release chemical signals that attract blood vessels (angiogenesis or neovascularization) which can make it difficult to capture clear images. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,350 patients in America will die from lung cancer this year. The best way to save your life is by catching it early while the tumor is still small and end up with a much better prognosis. So, if you were just told you have late-stage lung cancer, understand that there's no chance for success without chemotherapy/radiation therapy combined because of the already advanced size of your tumor.

MRIs are used to diagnose abnormalities in fetal brain development, to study how trauma affects the brains of individuals with suspected head injuries, and for locating tumors or other health problems that might not show up on an X-ray or CT scan. MRI is often done before any surgery involving the brain. It's also recommended after a concussion. MRIs have come in very handy when it comes to diagnosing patients who have had strokes." They are also occasionally used in the emergency room setting when doctors need help placing an intravenous line where they can't find one by palpation alone." Conditions diagnosed with MRI include many types of pain in different parts of the body, blindness/visual disturbances, lesions found during workups for other conditions.

MRIs are not recommended for patients who have Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), cerebral malaria, or viral encephalitis because the magnetic field can make them worse. Patients should also decline MRIs if they've had cancer within six months, MRI contrast dye exposure within six weeks, an implanted defibrillator, or pacemaker.

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Secondmedic Lunch & Learns: How Combining Skill Building and Health Education Transforms Workplace Wellness

Corporate wellness is no longer limited to annual health checkups or fitness challenges. Modern organisations recognise that sustained employee wellbeing requires continuous learning, awareness and engagement. Secondmedic Lunch & Learns are designed around this philosophy, bringing together skill development and health education in a format that is practical, engaging and easy to implement.

By using informal lunchtime sessions, organisations create a safe, relaxed environment where employees can learn, ask questions and apply knowledge immediately.

 

What Are Lunch & Learn Sessions?

Lunch & Learn sessions are short, focused learning programs conducted during lunch hours.

They:

  • minimise disruption to work

  • encourage voluntary participation

  • promote informal learning

Secondmedic enhances this format by integrating health education with essential workplace skills.

 

Why Combine Skill Development with Health Education?

Health and performance are deeply interconnected.

Employees who understand:

  • stress management

  • nutrition

  • ergonomics

  • mental wellbeing

are better equipped to:

  • focus

  • collaborate

  • perform consistently

NITI Aayog workforce reports highlight that health literacy directly influences productivity and engagement.

 

The Growing Need for Workplace Health Education in India

India faces a rising burden of lifestyle diseases.

According to ICMR and NFHS-5:

  • a large portion of the working population has undiagnosed risk factors

  • stress and sedentary behaviour are increasing

  • health awareness remains low despite access to information

Workplaces offer the ideal platform for preventive health education.

 

How Secondmedic Lunch & Learns Are Structured

Secondmedic Lunch & Learns follow a structured yet flexible format:

  • short expert-led presentations

  • interactive discussions

  • real-life case examples

  • practical takeaways

Sessions are designed to be concise, engaging and actionable.

 

Health Topics Commonly Covered

Health education topics include:

  • preventive health and early detection

  • stress and mental wellbeing

  • nutrition for working professionals

  • sleep health and fatigue management

  • posture and ergonomic safety

These topics address everyday challenges faced by employees.

 

Skill-Focused Learning Areas

Alongside health, sessions also support professional growth through:

  • communication skills

  • time and energy management

  • resilience and adaptability

  • decision-making under pressure

This dual focus enhances overall workplace capability.

 

Benefits for Employees

Improved Health Awareness

Employees learn how daily habits affect long-term health.

Practical Skill Application

Skills taught can be used immediately at work and home.

Higher Engagement

Interactive sessions increase participation and interest.

Reduced Stress

Knowledge empowers employees to manage stress better.

 

Benefits for Employers

Stronger Wellness Culture

Learning-driven wellness signals genuine organisational care.

Better Productivity

Healthy, skilled employees perform more consistently.

Reduced Absenteeism

Preventive education lowers illness-related leave.

High ROI Initiative

Lunch & Learns are cost-effective and scalable.

EY-FICCI reports show that preventive wellness programs deliver long-term savings for organisations.

Why Lunch Hours Work Best

Lunchtime sessions:

  • feel informal and relaxed

  • encourage open participation

  • avoid meeting fatigue

Employees are more receptive when learning is integrated naturally into the day.

 

Virtual and Hybrid Lunch & Learns

Secondmedic adapts sessions for:

  • in-office teams

  • remote employees

  • hybrid workplaces

This ensures consistent learning experiences across locations.

 

Role of Medical and Subject Experts

Sessions are led by:

  • doctors

  • nutritionists

  • mental health professionals

  • trained facilitators

Expert-led content ensures accuracy and trust.

 

Encouraging Behaviour Change Through Education

Information alone does not drive change.

Secondmedic focuses on:

  • practical examples

  • small habit shifts

  • realistic goal setting

Lancet behaviour change studies confirm that interactive education improves long-term adherence.

 

Measuring Impact of Lunch & Learns

Organisations often observe:

  • higher session attendance

  • improved employee feedback

  • increased health screening participation

  • better engagement scores

These metrics demonstrate sustained value.

 

Aligning Lunch & Learns with Preventive Healthcare

Lunch & Learns complement:

  • preventive health checkups

  • wellness campaigns

  • digital health initiatives

They reinforce messages and encourage proactive health decisions.

 

Customisation for Organisational Needs

Secondmedic customises sessions based on:

  • workforce demographics

  • industry-specific risks

  • organisational goals

Tailored content improves relevance and impact.

 

Long-Term Value of Continuous Learning

Wellness is not a one-time intervention.

Regular Lunch & Learns:

  • reinforce healthy behaviours

  • build long-term awareness

  • create a learning culture

WHO emphasises continuous education as a pillar of workplace health promotion.

 

Conclusion

Secondmedic Lunch & Learns represent a modern, effective approach to corporate wellness by combining skill development with health education. These sessions empower employees with knowledge that improves both personal wellbeing and professional performance. Easy to implement, cost-effective and highly engaging, Lunch & Learns help organisations build healthier, more capable and more loyal teams. When learning and wellbeing come together, workplaces thrive.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Workplace Health and Lifestyle Studies
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health and Risk Factor Data
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines
  • Lancet – Health Education and Behaviour Change Research
  • NITI Aayog – Workforce Productivity and Preventive Health Reports
  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Employee Engagement Studies

See all

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