A MRI scan, is a non-invasive diagnostic test. It is a painless technique which helps visualise various body organs. Cervical spine MRI scan is typically used to focus on the neck and cervical spine soft tissue. The MRI...
A MRI scan, is a non-invasive diagnostic test. It is a painless technique which helps visualise various body organs. Cervical spine MRI scan is typically used to focus on the neck and cervical spine soft tissue. The MRI scan is a safe diagnostic imaging technique.
Unlike other imaging techniques such as x-ray or CT scans, MRI scans do not use ionising radiations which minimise the exposure of ionising radiation hence its hazards.
Why is MRI Spine or Brain Used?
MRI spine or brain MRI can be used for diagnosing and examining various conditions or injuries occurring in spinal cord such as
- Tumours
- Cancers
- Aneurysms
- Abscesses
- Abnormalities that might be congenital
- Venous malformations
- Bleeding or haemorrhages pertaining to the brain or cervical spine
- Hydrocephalus- A condition where fluid is accumulated around the brain
- Area of bleeding underneath the dura mater/the outer covering of the brain known as subdural hematoma
- Degenerative diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
- Hypoxic encephalopathy (mal functioning of the brain due to inadequacy of oxygen supply)
- Encephalomyelitis, the infection or inflammation of spinal cord or the brain
- Degeneration or herniation of the spinal cord disc
- For evaluating conditions so as to plan effective treatment plan such as in decompression of pinched nerve or spinal fusion
- To assist treatment by analysing the specific location of functional centre of the brain ( that controls speech or memory functions)
How to Prepare for an MRI Scan?
Eat/drink- You can eat or drink as you normally do unless otherwise guided by your healthcare provider. You will need to fast for 4-6 hours before a contrast based study
Clothes - You should change your clothes and wear a hospital gown that will be given by your healthcare provider. Also no metallic jewellery item such as
- Hairpins
- Bracelets
- Watches
- Earings
- Bangles
- Piercings
All these items along with other jewellery or embellishments need to be removed before entering into the scan.
What To Expect- the MRI scanner is a giant tube like machine, having both ends open. You will need to lie perfectly stable and still during the scan as any movement can produce blurry images which can interfere with proper treatment planning and prognosis.
Allergy- if you have any known allergy or have developed allergic c reaction to previous contrast based study, you should inform your doctor beforehand.
Claustrophobia- if you have a fear of closed, compact and congested spaces, you might need anti anxiety medication which your doctor will suggest.
Strong magnetic environment- the MRI scan machine uses strong magnetic fields which can interfere with certain implanted medical devices that need to be addressed to your doctor prior, such as
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Replaced heart valve
- Implantable PMP such as insulin pump
- Vessels
- Coils
- Stents
- Surgical clips
- Body piercings
- Wearable medication patch
- If you are by profession a metal grinder, welder or others that involve metal handling.
What Happens During the MRI Scan?
- Once the prep is done which involves hospital gown wearing, jewellery removable and procedure explanation, you will be asked to lie on the scan table.
- The scan table slides into the large scanner.
- If you feel uncomfortable lying on the scan table you can ask for the pillow and bed sheet.
- The technologist goes into another room to conduct the scan and monitor you from a window.
- The technologist and you will be connected through an intercom facility.
- The scanner produces certain loud noises while under operation, which can be cancelled out using headphones or earplugs.
- You might be asked to hold your breath or not to breath for a few seconds.
- If you face any difficulty breathing or anything else, you should immediately inform your technologist.
- Once the scan is done, the scan table slides out of the scanner.
What Happens After the Scan/What Are the Risks of MRI Scan?
- The MRI scan is usually safe and non radiation based hence it does not pose any radiation related risks
- If you do not inform your doctor about any implanted metal device, its function and position might get changed and affected due to the strong magnetic field produced by the MRI scanner.
- If you were administered a contrast you might feel certain allergic reactions such as hives, vomiting, nausea, headache, lightheadedness, dizziness etc. slight to moderate responses can be managed with medications, only severe allergic reactions need immediate care and hospitalisation. Although it is always safe to tell about the first allergic sign that you face immediately to monitor its progress and effects
Conclusion
An MRI scan stands as a painless, non-invasive and safe diagnostic tool. It doesn't use any ionising radiation but only strong magnets and radio waves to produce scan images of the internals of the body. These scan images can be very useful in detecting, diagnosing and treatment planning. The best diagnostic centre near you will aid ease and reliability of reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does MRI Cervical spine take?
You may wonder how much time your MRI cervical spine will take, the answer lies here. Cervical area is the neck region of the body. It is a considerably short region which takes almost 20 minutes to complete.
What is a cervical spine MRI?
The back of the neck region contains a series of spinal vertebrae which are known as cervical vertebra. When the MRI scan is done for the cervical spine region it is known as MRI cervical spine.
What does abnormal cervical spine MRI mean?
An abnormal cervical spine MRI shows certain injury or abnormalities. That helps in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Is cervical MRI painful?
The MRI scan is typically a pain free exam. Although if it involves contrast administration, you may feel a prick pain which only lasts for a few seconds. The scan table can also feel a little cold and hard to lie on although you can ask for a bed sheet.
Can MRI scan show nerve damage?
Yes, the MRI scan can effectively pinpoint the location of any damage to any part of the body. Neurological exams can also help diagnose nerve damage.
Can MRI scan show slip disk or disk herniation?
Yes the MRI scan is the best non -invasive, painless and effective way to find herniated or building disc, it can also show annular tears. Having an accuracy of 95%.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cervical Spine Damage?
If you have radiculopathy, you might feel burning or sharp pain that can travel from the neck to other parts of the body. You may also feel tingling sensation or numbness in hands, weakness in arm, hand or shoulder are also some symptoms.
