MRI Reports Explained
Brain, spine, knee, shoulder or abdominal MRI — decode the impression, findings, and every technical term in your radiology report.
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Get a plain-English explanation in minutes.
HIPAA-aligned. Auto-deleted in 48 hours. First report free.
What is a mri?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses a strong magnet and radio waves — no radiation — to produce highly detailed images of soft tissue: brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, discs, and organs.
MRI reports are written by radiologists for other doctors and are packed with dense medical terminology. A single line like 'mild disc bulge with no significant thecal sac compression' can sound alarming but often means something very ordinary. Understanding what your MRI actually says removes fear and helps you plan your next step.
What we explain in your report
The 'Impression' section — the radiologist's bottom-line summary
Every finding in plain English (disc bulge, protrusion, edema, lesion, effusion, etc.)
What is age-related and expected vs. what actually needs attention
Severity: mild, moderate, or severe — and what that typically means
Which findings usually warrant a specialist referral
How your MRI compares to a previous scan if you have one
Common terms you'll see
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Impression | The radiologist's summary of the most important findings. |
| T1 / T2 weighted | Different MRI sequences that highlight fat, water, or inflammation differently. |
| Hyperintensity | A bright spot on the image — can be normal, inflammation, or a lesion depending on location. |
| Disc bulge / protrusion | The cushion between two vertebrae is pushing out slightly — very common with age. |
| Thecal sac | The membrane sac around your spinal cord and nerves. |
| Edema | Fluid buildup — usually a sign of inflammation or recent injury. |
| Lesion | Any area that looks different from normal tissue — not automatically cancer. |
Frequently asked questions
My MRI mentions a 'lesion' — should I panic?▾
No. 'Lesion' simply means an area that looks different from surrounding tissue. Most lesions are benign — cysts, old injuries, or normal variants. We explain what type your radiologist is describing.
Can you explain both brain and spine MRIs?▾
Yes. Brain, spine (cervical/thoracic/lumbar), joints, abdominal and pelvic MRIs are all supported.
Do I need to upload the images too?▾
No — just the written radiology report (PDF or photo). The images themselves stay with your imaging center.
Is this a second opinion?▾
No. It's a plain-English translation. For a formal second opinion, we can help you identify which specialist to consult.
Private, secure, doctor-reviewed
Every explanation is grounded in international medical guidelines (WHO, NCCN, ACC/AHA, RSNA, AAD, AAO) and reviewed by our clinical advisory panel. Your report is encrypted end-to-end, auto-deleted after 48 hours, and never used to train third-party models. HIPAA / GDPR / PDPL aligned; BAA available.
Your first report is free