MRI CERVICAL / CERVICO-DORSAL SPINE WITH CONTRAST
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About The Test
MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine Overview
An MRI exam of the cervical and cervico-dorsal spine is done to obtain detailed images of the neck and upper back.
This is done using a powerful magnet and radio waves. The procedure is done to assess damage to the spinal cord, nerves, or soft tissue of the cervical and upper thoracic regions.
What is MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine?
An MRI is an exam that uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to take pictures. For the cervical and cervico-dorsal spine, the area of focus is the neck and the region from the base of the skull to the upper thoracic spine.
The MRI machine generates a magnetic field that aligns hydrogen atoms within the body. These atoms are then disturbed by radio waves which cause them to emit signals as they shift back to their original position.
The emitted signals are used to create pictures of the internal structures.
Types of MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine
There are different types of MRI tests that can examine the cervical spine and cervico-dorsal area, including the following:
- Conventional MRI: This is the most widely performed MRI test.
- Contrast-enhanced MRI: This test employs a contrast agent (gadolinium) which enhances some regions of the spine.
- Functional MRI (fMRI): This test detects blood flow changes in the brain and spinal cord.
- Magnetic Resonance Myelography (MRM): This test employs a contrast agent to enhance the visibility of the spinal cord and other neural structures.
List of Parameters
List of Parameters Considered During the MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine
The MRI procedure evaluates the following parameters:
- Spinal cord and nerve root structures
- The Verte volatile body and disk structures
- Soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments and tendons
- One or more lesions forming in and around the spinal cord
Why This Test
Reasons for Taking an MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine
It is usually ordered to be performed on patients with the following conditions:
- Bulging or herniated disks leading to significant pain and disability.
- Spondylitis changes leading to spinal stenosis.
- Spondylosis with myelopathy low and high cervical subtypes.
- Spinal cord injuries and trauma
- Any primary or secondary form of cancer in the vertebral spine.
- Multiple sclerosis or other forms of polyneuropathies like ALS.
When and Who Needs to Take an MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine?
There are certain conditions, signs, or symptoms that would necessitate a healthcare professional recommending a patient for an MRI of the cervical and cervico-dorsal spine.
- Pain or stiffness in the neck.
- Pain or stiffness in the upper part of the back.
- Tingling, weakness, or numbness in the arm or hand.
- Injuries to the neck or upper part of the back.
- Herniated disks or spinal stenosis or spondylosis.
- Patients diagnosed with cancer or having probable cancer in the vertebra column.
- Patients having neurological problems like multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
The advantages of the MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine are as follows:
- Detailed imagined structures of the cervical spine region.
- No invasive procedure.
- Can enable diagnosis of a wide range of diseases affecting the spinal cord, nerves, and soft tissues.
- Save as a reference for devising and evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention.
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Cervical/Cervico-Dorsal Spine
These include:
- Bulging or herniated disks.
- Spondylolisthesis.
- Bulging disks or spinal stenosis.
- Spondylosis with myelopathy.
- Any injury or trauma of the spinal cord.
- Neurological Problems such as Multiple Sclerosis or ALS.
Preparing for test
Before the test is performed, the patients have to:
- Come in 30 minutes earlier than scheduled to allow time for paperwork.
- Take off glasses, jewelry, and any clothing items containing metal zippers or buttons.
- Change into clothing that does not have metal zippers or buttons.
- Report any medical devices or implants to the technician.
Mandatory Conditions:
- If sedation is planned, the patient has to fast for 4-6 hours before the test.
- Patients should stop taking medication that could alter the outcome of the test.
Most Suitable Time to Carry Out the Test:
The procedure can be done any time, but it is best to schedule the exam when the patient is most comfortable and can stay motionless.
Who Should Undergo the Test?
Usually, the test is performed on patients who have pathological symptoms or conditions of the cervical and the upper dorsal vertebrae. Certain patients with medical implants or devices may not be candidates for the test.
What Steps to Follow When Taking the Test
Depending on the nature of the MRI scan, it may take anywhere from half an hour to one hour to complete. The steps involved are:
- The patient is placed on the MRI machine’s detachable table that will glide into the MRI machine.
- Using pads or straps, the patient is strapped into position to minimize movement.
- The technician runs the machine and captures images of the cervical and cervico-dorsal spine.
- The patient may be instructed to stay still or move to get clear images.
- After the test, the patient may leave.
General Cautions Before Taking the Test
Remember to tell the technician any pertinent medical information regarding your health conditions or allergies. For example, are you suffering from:
- Claustrophobia, fear of enclosed spaces.
- Allergy to the contrast agent used, gadolinium.
- Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) in people with advanced kidney failure.
- Any health implants or devices that can be affected by MRI machine.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Condition/Findings | Description | Interpretation |
---|---|---|
Herniated Disk | A herniated disk is a condition where the soft, gel-like centre of the disk bulges out through a tear in the outer, tougher layer. | May indicate nerve compression or irritation. |
Spinal Stenosis | A narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. | May indicate pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands. |
Spondylosis | A condition where the spinal discs degenerate, leading to wear and tear on the surrounding vertebrae. | May indicate chronic back pain or stiffness |
FAQs
What conditions can an MRI cervico dorsal spine scan diagnose?
An MRI cervico dorsal spine scan helps diagnose various conditions affecting the neck and upper back, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, nerve compression, spinal cord injuries, tumours, infections, and inflammation related to arthritis. It provides detailed images crucial for accurate diagnosis.
How long does a cervico dorsal spine mri take at your Bangalore center?
The actual scanning time for a cervico dorsal spine MRI typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes. Please allow extra time for preparation before the scan and any necessary procedures immediately after, especially if contrast dye is used for your mri spine dorsal imaging.
Is the mri cervical dorsal spine procedure painful?
The MRI scan itself is painless. You will lie still on a table that slides into the MRI machine. Some patients may feel mild discomfort from having to remain still for an extended period, or anxiety due to the enclosed space (claustrophobia). Let us know if you have concerns.
Do I need contrast dye for my cervico-dorsal spine MRI?
Whether contrast dye is needed for your cervico-dorsal spine MRI depends on what your doctor is looking for. Contrast helps highlight certain abnormalities like inflammation or tumors. Your referring physician or our radiologist will determine if it's necessary for your specific case.
How should I prepare for an MRI cervico dorsal spine scan?
Generally, no special preparation is needed. You can usually eat and drink normally and take your medications unless told otherwise. However, you will need to remove all metal objects. We will provide specific instructions when you book your cervico dorsal spine mri in Bangalore