A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. In many cases MRA can provide information that can't be obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT)...
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. Figure 1 and Figure 2 show MRAs of the normal smooth appearance of the large blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart. Figure 3 shows an MRA of a narrowed and abnormal aorta from the buildup of calcium and fat (cholesterol) in the inner lining of the...
A magnetic resonance cholangiogram (MRC) is a test that can help doctors look for problems in the belly. The image is done from outside the body. No instruments are inserted in the body. Doctors can use MRC to find gallstones before surgery to remove the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). But the test is most...
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI...
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Covers why it is done, how to prepare, and how it is done.
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures that are inside the body. During the MRI test (also called an MRI scan), you usually lie on your back on a table that is...
People who have multiple sclerosis (MS) have damaged areas, called lesions or plaques, in their brain and spinal cord. These areas can be seen using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. It uses a strong magnet and radio waves to show places inside the body. Over time, MS can cause the brain to shrink. This can be...
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the belly. Covers why it is done, how to prepare, and how it is done. Discusses results.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to make pictures of the breast. It does not use X-rays. An MRI may show problems in the breast that can't be seen on a mammogram, ultrasound, or CT scan. The MRI makes pictures that show your breast's normal structure; tissue damage or...
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the head. Covers why it is used, including helping to diagnose a stroke or blood vessel problems in the head and looking for tumors or infections.
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the knee. Covers why it is used, including to find problems like arthritis, meniscus injury, or damaged cartilage, ligaments, or tendons.
Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the shoulder. Covers why it is done, such as checking for unexplained shoulder pain or torn tendons. Discusses results.
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home.
Learn how to keep your relationship healthy when someone has a mental health condition.
Botanical names: Grifola frondosa How It Works A common denominator among some mushrooms and some herbs is the presence of complex polysaccharides in their structure. These active constituents help support immune system function and are sometimes called immunomodulators. The polysaccharides present in maitake have a...
Nutrients are substances in food that provide energy or that help your body work as it should. Nutrients are used to build and repair body tissues. The major nutrients are protein, carbohydrate, and fat. They provide the body with energy. This energy keeps your heart beating, your brain active, and your muscles working...
Major trauma is any event that can cause very serious injury, such as: A fall from more than 10 ft (3.1 m) [more than 5 ft (1.5 m) for children under 2 years and adults over 65]. A car crash in which any vehicle involved was going more than 20 miles (32 km) per hour. Any event that causes severe bleeding that you cannot...
Learn how to be an active partner in your care so you can get the most from your next doctor visit.
A birth plan lets you write down your vision of an ideal birth and share it with your support person, the hospital or birth center, and your doctor or midwife. Your birth may not go as planned. But the process of making a plan can be a great way to get everyone on the same page about what you think you'd prefer. Here...
Almost everyone wants to change or improve some part of their life. For some people, it's eating better or getting more exercise. For others, it might be quitting smoking or drinking less. But whatever the change, you have to be ready to make it. And only you know when you're ready for a change. Maybe you're ready for a...
If you think you are drinking too much alcohol and want to cut back, having a plan can help you get started. What works best for you might depend on things like how much you drink. While some people can stop drinking alcohol on their own, others need medical help to manage the physical process of withdrawal. Talk to...
You can use this list to help you plan how to help someone you care about to get treatment for alcohol use disorder. A health professional who has special training in conducting interventions (intervention specialist) with people who have alcohol use disorder can help you set up your plan. The plan should include: When...
Learn what a safety plan is and how to make and use a plan to get through a suicidal crisis.
Learn how to overcome barriers to wearing a mask.
Below are some of the most common and helpful strategies people use to get through the tough period of nicotine withdrawal. Make a list of your smoking triggers. It is wiser to avoid triggers after you have quit smoking than to tempt yourself too soon. If you cannot avoid them early on, be cautious when they are...
Discusses how to work with your doctor, how to prepare for different types of appointments, and what to do after appointments. Includes questions to ask about recommended tests and treatments.
Throughout your life you will have to make health decisions for yourself and your family. The decisions you make will influence your overall well-being as well as the quality and cost of your care. People who learn as much as they can about their choices often are more confident about the decisions they make. And in...
So you're ready to make a change that matters to you. You've planned for this change. You have your larger plan and smaller steps defined. Here are some things you can do to help you stay focused and make it easier to manage temptation, track your progress, and keep things positive and rewarding. Know what things...
Over one hundred health conditions can contribute to the body’s inability to absorb food nutrients. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Get a checkup Visit your healthcare provider to find out whether your malabsorption is the result of a treatable medical problem.
What is malabsorption syndrome? Malabsorption syndrome is the inability to absorb nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. What causes it? Causes of malabsorption syndrome may include: Diseases affecting the intestine itself, such as celiac disease. Absence or low levels of...
