By Dr Nav Ijaz BMBS, MRCP UK, MRCGP, Chief Clinical Officer myGP Clinic
Most of the time we doctors have focused on treating disease after symptoms appear. Recently there has been a growing shift toward preventing illness earlier and identifying problems long before they become serious.
This approach is sometimes called Medicine 3.0 and it focuses on proactive care rather than reactive treatment. Imaging technology such as MRI scanning, is starting to play an important role in that shift.
What is an MRI scan and how does it work?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is a type of medical scan that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce very detailed images of the inside of the body. Unlike X rays or CT scans, MRI does not use radiation.
Inside the scanner there is a strong magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with hydrogen atoms in the body. Since the human body is largely made of water, it contains a huge number of hydrogen atoms. The MRI machine detects those responses and the result is a very clear view of structures such as the brain, spine, joints, muscles and many internal organs.
Why MRI is useful in preventative medicine?
Preventative medicine is about identifying disease earlier, ideally before symptoms develop. MRI is particularly helpful here because it can detect subtle structural changes that might not yet be causing symptoms.
For example MRI can identify early joint wear and tear, spinal disc problems, certain neurological conditions and tissue abnormalities at a stage when treatment options are often simpler and more effective. In some cases it can reveal findings that allow lifestyle changes or monitoring rather than waiting until a condition becomes advanced.
Within a primary care setting this can be particularly powerful. Traditionally patients might wait weeks or months for referral based imaging. Having MRI available within the clinic (such as the one at the myGP antrobus site) allows faster investigation when concerns arise and helps clinicians make better informed decisions earlier.
Some limitations and drawbacks
While MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool, it is not perfect and it is important to recognise its limitations.
One issue is that MRI can sometimes identify incidental findings. These are abnormalities that may never cause symptoms or problems but once detected they can lead to further investigations and anxiety. This is why it is important to discuss scans with your doctor.
It is important to note that certain types of metal implants, pacemakers or other electronic devices can be affected by the magnetic field. Patients are always screened carefully before entering the scanner to make sure it is safe for them.
The scan itself is painless but for some the scanner can feel enclosed. To combat this the scanner at our site is shorter to avoid the claustrophobic feeling. Most scans take between 20 and 45 minutes depending on what is being examined.
Finally, not everyone needs an MRI. Sometimes ultrasound, X ray or clinical assessment alone provides the necessary answer. Incidentally, we also offer the former at myGP clinic.
Primary care MRI
We at myGP clinic recognise the shift to preventative medicine and as such have introduced onsite ultrasound and MRI at our Antrobus clinic. Rather than going to hospital, our members can come to a less daunting, more comfortable location to have their scans.
For patients this means fewer delays between consultation and investigation. For our doctors it means better information to guide early intervention and preventative strategies.
Preventative medicine is not about scanning everyone for everything. It is about using the right tools at the right time
MRI scanning is one of those tools and its presence within myGP clinic represents an important step toward a more proactive model of healthcare.
