MRI (magnetic resonace imaging) uses magnetic field & radio waves, meaning that there is no exposure to X-Rays or any other damaging forms of radiation. Using an MRI scanner, it is possible to make images of almost all the tissue in the body. An MRI scan is also able to provide clear pictures of parts of the body that are surrounded by bone tissue, so the technique is useful when examining the brain & spinal cord.

An MRI scan is not suitable for the patient if they have electrical appliances, such an a ear implant, implantable cardioverter defibrillator or pacemaker, or have any metal in their body such as surgical clips. But orthopaedic metal ware, such as artificial hips or bone screws, are not normally a problem