MRI CERVICAL / CERVICO-DORSAL SPINE WITH CONTRAST

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. 

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 

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 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. 

• 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: 

1. The patient is placed on the MRI machine’s detachable table that will glide into the MRI machine. 
2. Using pads or straps, the patient is strapped into position to minimize movement. 
3. The technician runs the machine and captures images of the cervical and cervico-dorsal spine. 
4. The patient may be instructed to stay still or move to get clear images. 
5. 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.