This article will elaborate on a cervical spine MRI, its purpose and procedure. We will also discuss the cost and best MRI centre in Delhi.
What is a Cervical Spine MRI?
Cervical spine MRI is a non-invasive painless procedure that produces clear images of the cervical spine. A cervical spine MRI detects any abnormalities like cervical spine cancer, tumours, infections, fractures, birth defects, bulging discs etc. The cervical spine consists of the first seven vertebrae of the spine. Seven vertebrae are marked as C1 to C7, these are connected to the back of the bone by the facet joints. Cervical vertebrae provide support for the weight of the head, surround and protect the spinal cord and allow a wide range of head motions.
MRI is the short form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create images of the body. MRI does not use radiation for scanning which is why it is preferred body scan by healthcare experts. This technique is also very sensitive for scanning compared to CT (computed tomography) scans or X-rays. MRI scans can be done with or without using the contrast. Healthcare experts can suggest contrast MRI scans if they need enhanced-quality images for diagnostic purposes.
What is Cervical Spine MRI With Contrast?
Cervical spine MRI uses gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) to show abnormalities. Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that alters the magnetic properties of water molecules present nearby which helps to enhance the quality of scanned images. It is better to go for the scan under the guidance of a healthcare expert as the contrast can have mild to severe side effects of the contrast, but severe reactions happen very rarely.
Cervical Spine MRI is Used to Show?
Cervical spine MRI provides detailed images of the upper side of the spine and associated tissues. The cervical spine MRI will detect the following abnormalities:
- To diagnose the tumours in cervical bones or soft tissues.
- To diagnose the bulging discs and herniated discs.
- To diagnose the spinal birth defects or abnormalities.
- To diagnose the infection of the cervical spine.
- To diagnose the injury or fractures in the cervical spine.
- To diagnose the abnormal curvature of the spine.
- To detect the arthritis of the cervical spine.
- To detect or diagnose disk inflammation (diskitis). etc.
When to Go for a Cervical Spine MRI Scan?
A person can go for a cervical spine MRI if the person has severe neck, shoulder and arm pain with leg numbness or weakness. Also if the healthcare provider suspects any abnormality related to the cervical spine like cancers, tumours, blockage of infections, discs, arthritis, bulging in the cervical vertebrae etc. Healthcare providers also use cervical spine MRI scans before surgeries to better prepare for the surgery. They also use these scans to ensure that healing from the previous surgery is going well.
What to Do Before Going for a Cervical Spine MRI Scan?
Before going for the cervical spine MRI scan, a patient needs to consult a healthcare expert as he may suggest some conditions before going for the test. Tell your healthcare provider if you have body implants. MRI uses strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause the heating and possible movement of metal objects inside the body. These implants can cause health and safety issues, so it is important to consult a healthcare expert before going for an MRI.
Besides these, the patient is also advised to keep all the jewellery, watches, or any wearing metal at home or remove them before the MRI scan. These can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and cause burns or injuries with harmful projections. Items that can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and have to be discussed before going for MRI are pacemakers, implants, nerve stimulators, metal fragments, jewellery, pins, cell phones, electronic watches etc. Healthcare providers should be aware if the patient is pregnant and fears closed narrow spaces.
What is the Procedure for a Cervical Spine MRI Scan?
The procedure involves the patient to lie on the bench, which glides into the MRI scanning machine. In the case of patients using contrast dye, patients will be allowed to wait for almost 1 hour after the administration of the drug. Dye is used to get perfect and clearer images of the body parts. Patient will be completely safe in the machine and the process can take 30 to 60 minutes.
What is the Cost of a Cervical Spine MRI Scan in Delhi?
The cost of cervical spine MRI scans in Delhi depends on the area, healthcare facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for cervical spine MRI scan screening tests as they provide the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available. (Click to know Discounts)
How to Choose the Best Cervical Spine MRI Scan Centre in Delhi?
You can choose the best cervical spine MRI scan centre in Delhi by checking the details about the centre like Government accreditations, the latest machinery, technical staff and previous expertise in the field.
Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic?
Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24x7x365-day facility. The quality is backed by NABH and NABL accreditations. The centre provides free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity of available discounts and book an appointment.
What is the Treatment After a Cervical Spine MRI Scan?
MRI scans for the cervical spines detect various abnormalities like tumours, cancers, infections, disk bulging, spine birth defects, abnormality in curvature of the spine etc. Different abnormalities have different treatments as per the diagnosis. Healthcare experts can suggest treatment only after analysis of the condition reported in the MRI.
Conclusion
Cervical spines are the upper part consisting of 7 vertebrae (C1-C7). The cervical spine helps balance the weight of the head, helps in head movements and protects the spinal cord. A cervical spine MRI is the diagnostic tool to detect any abnormality related to the cervical spine like cancers, tumours, fractures, injuries, birth defects, curvature problems etc. Choose the MRI centre carefully before going for the scan. You can check the government accreditations, technical staff and previous expertise in the field before choosing any MRI centre. MRI can use contrast or not depending on need or suggested by healthcare experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq’s)
What does a cervical spine MRI scan mean?
Cervical spine MRI scan is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging non-invasive medical diagnostic tool for the detection of disorders and diseases related to the cervical spines.
What is the most common disease of the cervical spine?
Cervical spondylosis is the most common disease of the cervical spine.
What do cervical spine MRI scans show?
Cervical spine MRI scan shows tumours, cancers, inflammation, infections, disks, birth defects of the spine etc.
What is the difference between an MRI scan and a PET scan?
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves while PET scans use radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities.
Which among CT and MRI scans is better for the cervical spine scan?
Some small or emerging abnormalities can go undetected in X-ray and CT scans, but MRI can detect the abnormalities at the early stage.
When to go for a cervical spine MRI scan?
Patients should not avoid any symptoms related to cervical spine abnormalities or disorders, like neck or shoulder pain and go for regular screening to avoid any delay in diagnosis and treatment. (Click for screening)
What are the risks associated with cervical spine MRI scans?
There are almost no risks associated with cervical spine MRI when conducted in the presence of a healthcare technician and at a good facility with proper guidelines and protocols.
How long does a cervical spine MRI scan take?
Cervical spine MRI scans can take around 30 to 60 minutes. Timing can also depend on the type of MRI like whether taking contrast or not for MRI.
Is the MRI painful?
MRI is a painless non-invasive procedure, but some patients may feel uncomfortable if they have claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces).
What is the cost of a cervical spine MRI scan?
Cost depends on the area and the healthcare facility provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for discounts and the best facility or call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 for price confirmation. (Book Now)
What is the treatment after the cervical spine MRI scan?
Cervical spine treatment depends on the condition diagnosed after the MRI. Treatment can only be suggested after the healthcare expert analyses the report because MRI detects wide range of abnormalities like cancers, tumours, inflammation, infection, blockage etc.
Is MRI good for cervical spine scanning?
MRI cervical spine is a good MRI scanning tool as it can detect early abnormalities in the cervical spine.
What are the side effects of MRI?
MRI is safe but in some rare cases, patients may feel side effects like rash, nausea and vomiting.
What is the best scan for cervical spine pain?
MRI and CT scans are the best and non-invasive scans for cervical spine pain, which can show any abnormality related to pain.
How to find cervical spine scanning centre nearby?
You can type cervical spine MRI scan near me in Google search for the nearest centres available or click here for consultation.
