MRI of the brain has surpassed CT in the detection of disease processes due to its superior sensitivity and excellent presentation of contrast between various anatomical structures. Compared to CT, MR studies of the posterior fossa are more well-defined because MRI is not subject to bone artifacts that obscure lesions, particularly those in the cerebellar-pontine region.

Complex imaging planes are possible which, for example, allow direct imaging of the optic nerve and its tracts through the orbital apex and beyond the optic chiasm. MRI of the spine has long been the procedure recognized for evaluation of primary or metastatic tumors of the spinal cord.

MRI of other important anatomical structures of the spinal cord such as the nerve and nerve roots, neural foramina, ligaments and disc spaces is further enhanced by exceptional resolution and contrast without bone artifacts, which are common in CT spinal imaging.

Using orthogonal and oblique slice planes, along with various selections of tissue contrast, MR provides a highly effective altemative to X-ray myelography and the risks associated with intrathecal contrast injections.