What is a MRI Machine and How Does it Work?

“Let’s get you an MRI,” is a phrase that patients in hospital sometimes hear - but frankly, it’s more common in TV and films than in real-life hospital speech. There, you are much more likely to hear “We’re going to arrange an MRI scan for you.”  However you hear it, that acronym raises questions. These questions are often not asked because patients may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or reluctant to interrupt medical professionals, particularly in stressful or unfamiliar environments. Or they already know.

However, here are the questions that should be asked if you don't! First, what does MRI stand for? Next, what the hell does the MRI machine actually do. And finally, if you are that kind of patient – how does it work?

Fear not – all your questions are answered in this animated short film, courtesy of the Science Museum in London.  One commenter said about this video: “The freaking best explanation on YouTube, wish it was a lil longer but its the best so far 100%”.  So, there you have it (the rest of the comments are also very positive).