Types of MRI Scans: What Each One Is Used For
Updated: 4 days ago
There are many types of MRI scans, and each one is set up to look at a certain part of the body or answer a certain medical question. Common types include brain, spine, joint, abdominal, pelvic, breast, cardiac, and blood vessel MRIs. This guide explains the main types, what each one is used for, and how your doctor decides which one you need.
How MRI scans differ from each other
Every MRI uses the same basic tools: a strong magnet, radio waves, and a computer. What changes from one type to the next is the body part being scanned, the coil placed around that area, and the settings the technologist uses. Some exams also use contrast dye, given through an IV, to make certain tissues or blood vessels stand out.
Your doctor's order tells the imaging team which type of MRI to do. If you want a refresher on the basics, read what is an MRI?
Brain MRI
A brain MRI makes detailed pictures of the brain and brainstem. Doctors may order one to look into:
Headaches that are frequent, severe, or unusual
Seizures
Stroke or blood vessel problems
Brain tumors or cysts
Multiple sclerosis and similar conditions
Head injuries
Learn the words you may see on your report in our guide to brain MRI terms.
Spine MRI
A spine MRI can focus on the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine). It is often used for:
Herniated or bulging discs
Spinal stenosis, or narrowing around the nerves
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal tumors or infections
Planning for spine surgery and checking how things look afterward
Our complete guide to spine MRIs goes into more detail.
Musculoskeletal (joint and muscle) MRI
This type of MRI looks at bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It is common for sports injuries, accidents, and ongoing joint pain. Doctors may use it to check:
Ligament and tendon tears, such as in the knee, shoulder, or ankle
Meniscus and cartilage damage
Muscle injuries
Arthritis and other joint changes
Bone infections and some bone tumors
See when to get an MRI for knee pain for one common example.
Abdominal MRI
An abdominal MRI looks at organs in the belly. It may be used to check the:
Liver, including scarring and growths
Pancreas
Kidneys and adrenal glands
Blood vessels in the abdomen
Bowel, for conditions such as Crohn's disease
MRCP (bile duct and pancreas MRI)
MRCP stands for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. It is a special type of abdominal MRI that focuses on the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct. Doctors may order it to look for gallstones in the ducts, blockages, inflammation, or growths.
Pelvic MRI
A pelvic MRI shows the organs in the lower belly, such as the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs. In women, it may be used for fibroids, ovarian cysts, and other conditions. In men, it may be used to look at the prostate and nearby tissue.
Prostate MRI
A prostate MRI focuses on the prostate gland. Doctors may use it to look for prostate cancer and see how far it may have spread, to check an enlarged prostate, to help guide a biopsy, or to follow a known condition over time. Learn more in how to read a prostate MRI.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI is usually done along with mammograms, not instead of them. It may be used to:
Screen people at higher risk of breast cancer
Take a closer look at something found on a mammogram or ultrasound
See how far a known cancer extends within the breast
Check how a tumor is responding to treatment
Check breast implants for leaks or ruptures
Cardiac (heart) MRI
A cardiac MRI shows the heart's structure and how well it pumps. It may be used to look at heart muscle damage, heart valve problems, heart defects present from birth, and inflammation of the heart muscle or the sac around the heart.
Blood vessel MRI: MRA and MRV
MR angiography (MRA): looks at arteries. It can help find aneurysms, narrowed arteries, such as in the neck, and other blood vessel problems.
MR venography (MRV): looks at veins. It can help find blood clots, blockages, and other vein problems.
Whole-body MRI
A whole-body MRI scans many areas of the body in one visit. Doctors may use it in certain medical situations, such as checking whether a cancer has spread or following people with some inherited conditions. Some people also choose a full body MRI as an elective screening. Screening has benefits and limits, so it's worth reading our beginner's guide to full body MRI screening before you decide.
Functional MRI (fMRI)
A functional MRI tracks changes in blood flow in the brain while a person does simple tasks, such as moving a hand or speaking. It is used to map which areas of the brain control certain functions. Doctors may use it to plan brain surgery so they can avoid important areas. It is also widely used in research.
Other specialized MRI types
Fetal MRI: used during some pregnancies to get a closer look at the developing baby when an ultrasound doesn't give enough detail. Learn more about MRI safety during pregnancy.
Interventional MRI: used during certain procedures, such as some biopsies, to help guide a needle or device in real time.
These are usually done in hospitals or specialty centers.
Quick reference: MRI types at a glance
MRI type | What it looks at |
Brain | Brain and brainstem |
Spine | Neck, mid-back, or lower back, plus spinal cord and nerves |
Musculoskeletal | Joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones |
Abdominal / MRCP | Liver, pancreas, kidneys, bile ducts |
Pelvic / Prostate | Bladder, reproductive organs, prostate |
Breast | Breast tissue and implants |
Cardiac | Heart structure and function |
MRA / MRV | Arteries / veins |
Whole-body | Many body areas in one visit |
Frequently asked questions
Is an MRI scan safe?
For most people, yes. MRI does not use ionizing radiation. The main safety concern is metal, so tell your doctor and the MRI team about any implants, devices, or metal in your body.
How long does an MRI scan take?
It depends on the type of MRI and the body part. Some exams are quick, and others take longer, especially when contrast is used. See how long an MRI scan takes.
Do I need to prepare for my MRI?
For most MRIs, you can eat and take your usual medicines. Some exams, such as certain abdominal MRIs, have special instructions. Follow what your doctor or imaging center tells you.
What happens during an MRI?
You lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. The machine makes loud tapping and knocking sounds, so you'll get earplugs or headphones. You need to stay still while the pictures are taken.
Which type of MRI do I need?
Your doctor decides based on your symptoms, health history, and what they need to see. The order they send tells the imaging team exactly which scan to do.
Related reading
Schedule an MRI at Millenium MRI
Millenium MRI has centers in Ocala, Largo, and Tamarac, Florida, and in North Little Rock, Springdale, Jonesboro, and Marion, Arkansas. Our scans are performed by ARRT-certified technologists and read by board-certified radiologists, and results are usually sent to your referring doctor within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available. We accept most insurance plans, workers' compensation, personal injury cases, and self-pay. Call your nearest center or request an appointment online.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific situation.
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