MRI Report Analyzer

What does an MRI report actually tell you?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) report describes what the radiologist observed in your scan — the structures examined, any abnormalities found, and their significance. Most MRI reports follow a standard structure:

• Clinical history: why the scan was requested
• Technique: how the scan was performed (contrast/no contrast, sequences used)
• Findings: what was observed in each region examined — this is the most important section
• Impression/Conclusion: the radiologist's summary of the key findings and their likely significance

The findings section uses technical medical terminology that can be difficult to interpret without a medical background. This tool reads your MRI report and explains each finding in plain language.

Common MRI findings explained

Brain MRI:

• T2/FLAIR hyperintensities — areas of increased signal, can indicate inflammation, small vessel disease, or other changes
• No acute infarct — no evidence of recent stroke
• Cerebral atrophy — some shrinkage of brain tissue, often age-related

Spine MRI:

• Disc desiccation — disc has lost some water content, a normal aging change
• Disc bulge vs herniation — bulge is a broad, symmetric outward extension; herniation is a more localized protrusion
• Foraminal narrowing — narrowing of the opening where nerve roots exit the spine
• Spondylosis — degenerative changes in the spine, common with age

Knee/Joint MRI:

• Meniscal tear — damage to the cartilage cushion in the knee
• ACL/PCL integrity — status of the anterior/posterior cruciate ligaments
• Joint effusion — fluid in the joint space
• Chondromalacia — softening of cartilage, often behind the kneecap