MRI DORSAL LUMBER SPINE

MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine Overview

An MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine is a specialized diagnostic imaging test that provides detailed images of the dorsal (thoracic) and lumbar regions of your spine – essentially your mid and lower back. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we use this advanced technology to help diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting your vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, and the nerves that branch out from these areas. The core purpose of an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine is to create highly detailed pictures that can reveal abnormalities or injuries causing symptoms like back pain, numbness, or weakness. Importantly, this is a non-invasive imaging procedure, meaning it doesn't involve any surgical incisions, and it does not use ionizing radiation, making it a very safe option for detailed spinal assessment. Understanding this procedure can help alleviate any concerns and prepare you for your appointment.

What is an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine?

An MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine, often referred to as a thoracolumbar spine MRI, utilizes sophisticated technology to peer inside your body without any radiation. "MRI" stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The procedure uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a sophisticated computer system to generate highly detailed, cross-sectional images (often called "slices") of both the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower-back) regions of your spine.

The key strength of an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine lies in its exceptional ability to visualize soft tissues. While X-rays are good for bones, an MRI excels at showing:

• Intervertebral discs: The cushions between your vertebrae.
• Spinal cord: The main bundle of nerves running through your spine.
• Nerves: The nerves as they exit the spinal canal.
• Ligaments and muscles: The supportive tissues around the spine.
• Vertebrae: The bones of the spine, including details about bone marrow.

This comprehensive view allows radiologists and your referring doctor to accurately assess various spinal conditions.

Types of MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine

There are different approaches and techniques used within an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine scan to provide the most diagnostic information:

With or Without Contrast

• MRI without contrast: This is often the standard initial approach and provides excellent detail for many spinal conditions, such as disc herniations and spinal stenosis.
• MRI with contrast: In certain situations, an intravenous (IV) contrast agent, most commonly gadolinium-based, may be injected into a vein in your arm. This contrast material helps to highlight specific structures or abnormalities, making them more visible on the images. Contrast is often used to:
  • Enhance the visualization of inflammation (e.g., in cases of discitis or arthritis).
  • Better define infections or abscesses.
  • Characterize tumors (both benign and malignant).
  • Assess blood vessels.
  • Evaluate post-surgical changes, such as scar tissue versus recurrent disc herniation. Your doctor will determine if contrast is necessary based on your specific clinical situation.

Specific Imaging Sequences

Radiologists use various "sequences" during an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine. These are different settings for the magnetic fields and radio waves that highlight different tissue characteristics. Common sequences include:

• T1-weighted images: Provide good anatomical detail, especially of fatty tissues and bone marrow.
• T2-weighted images: Excellent for showing fluid-filled structures and areas of inflammation or edema (swelling). Discs and the spinal fluid are typically bright on T2 images.
• STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery): A sequence particularly good at detecting bone marrow edema, subtle fractures, or inflammation.
• Sagittal views: Side-view "slices" of the spine.
• Axial views: Cross-sectional "slices," like looking down the spine from top to bottom.
• Coronal views: Front-to-back "slices." The combination of these sequences provides a comprehensive spinal imaging technique for a thorough thoracic spine conditions diagnosis and lumbar spine disorders assessment.

When a radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics reviews your MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine images, they meticulously examine numerous structures and features. This detailed assessment helps answer the crucial question: "What does combined dorsal and lumbar MRI show?" Key parameters include:

Vertebral bodies

• Alignment: Checking for any slippage (spondylolisthesis) or abnormal curvature.
• Height: Assessing for compression fractures or loss of vertebral body height.
• Fractures: Identifying acute or chronic fractures.
• Bone marrow signal: Looking for changes that could indicate tumors, edema (swelling due to injury or inflammation), infection (osteomyelitis), or degenerative changes.

Intervertebral discs (in both thoracic and lumbar regions)

• Height and hydration: Well-hydrated discs appear bright on T2-weighted images. Loss of height and hydration are signs of degeneration.
• Disc bulges, protrusions, extrusions, herniations: These terms describe varying degrees of disc pathology identification where disc material extends beyond its normal confines, potentially pressing on nerves or the spinal cord.
• Annular tears: Tears in the outer fibrous ring of the disc.

Spinal canal

• Dimensions: Measuring the space available for the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Stenosis: Identifying any narrowing of the central canal or the passages where nerves exit (foraminal stenosis).
• Effect on the thecal sac: The sac containing the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Spinal cord

• Size and shape: Ensuring it appears normal.
• Signal characteristics: Looking for any abnormal signals that could indicate inflammation (myelitis), ischemia (lack of blood flow), tumors, or compression.
• Compression: Identifying any pressure on the spinal cord.

Nerve roots

• Impingement or compression: Evaluating if nerve roots are being pinched as they exit the spinal canal, often leading to radiculopathy evaluation.

Facet joints

• Arthritis (arthropathy): Looking for degenerative changes in these small joints at the back of the spine.
• Fluid or cysts: Identifying synovitis or facet joint cysts.

Paravertebral soft tissues

• Muscles and ligaments: Assessing for injury, inflammation, or atrophy.
• Collections: Looking for abnormal fluid collections like an abscess (infection) or hematoma (blood clot).

Conus medullaris and cauda equina

• The (conus medullaris) is the tapered end of the spinal cord, usually around the L1-L2 vertebral level. The cauda equina is the bundle of nerve roots that extends downwards from the conus. These are carefully assessed for any abnormalities, especially in cases of suspected neurological deficit spine scan requirements.

This thorough examination allows for a comprehensive back pain investigation and accurate diagnosis.

There are many compelling reasons why your doctor might order an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine. It is a powerful tool for investigating a variety of symptoms and conditions affecting your mid and lower back.

Symptoms prompting the test often include

• Chronic or acute severe mid-back and/or low-back pain that has not responded to conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medication.
• Pain radiating from the back into the chest wall, abdomen, buttocks, or down one or both legs (sciatica).
• Neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling (paresthesia), or weakness in the legs, feet, or groin area.
• Changes in bowel or bladder function, such as incontinence or difficulty urinating. These can be "red flag" symptoms indicating a serious condition like cauda equina syndrome, which requires urgent evaluation.
• Suspected spinal trauma, such as vertebral fractures or significant ligamentous injury, often after an accident or fall involving the mid-back MRI or lower-back MRI regions.
• Signs of spinal infection, which might include fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, and localized tenderness over the spine.
• Symptoms suggestive of a spinal tumor, such as persistent night pain, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer elsewhere in the body.

Specific conditions to investigate with an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine include

• Herniated or bulging intervertebral discs across multiple levels of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve root canals.
• Spondylolisthesis: Forward slippage of one vertebra over another.
• Vertebral fractures: Caused by trauma, osteoporosis, or underlying pathology like tumors.
• Primary or metastatic spinal tumors: Tumors originating in the spine or spreading from other body parts.
• Spinal infections: Such as discitis (infection of the disc) or osteomyelitis (infection of the bone).
• Inflammatory conditions: Including ankylosing spondylitis or transverse myelitis, especially when affecting the thoracolumbar spine.
• Evaluation of scoliosis or kyphosis: Detailed assessment of spinal curvature and its impact on neural structures.
• Congenital abnormalities: Birth defects affecting the formation or structure of the thoracic and lumbar spine.

An MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine is often the gold standard for evaluating these complex spinal issues.

When and Who Needs to Take an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine?

Your doctor may recommend an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine if you are experiencing symptoms that suggest a problem in your mid or lower back, especially when symptoms span both regions or are not clearly localized. Common indications include:

• Persistent or severe mid-back and/or lower back pain that hasn't improved with conservative treatments.
• Pain that radiates from your back into your chest, abdomen, or down your legs (often known as sciatica).
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations in your legs, feet, or groin area.
• Symptoms suggesting nerve compression or issues with the spinal cord affecting both the thoracic and lumbar areas.
• Following significant trauma or injury to the back that could affect multiple spinal levels.
• To evaluate congenital (present at birth) spinal conditions.
• When a comprehensive view of the mid to lower spine is necessary to rule out or confirm suspected pathologies.

Patient groups who often benefit from this comprehensive vertebral column imaging test include:

• Individuals whose symptoms are diffuse and not clearly pointing to a single, isolated spinal segment.
• Patients with a history of back surgery who are experiencing new or worsening symptoms.
• Those with suspected inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis that can affect the entire thoracolumbar region.
• Individuals being evaluated for scoliosis or kyphosis (abnormal spinal curvatures).

Understanding "what does combined dorsal and lumbar MRI show" is key here; the scan is ordered when symptoms point to potential issues across this larger spinal area, such as disc problems at multiple levels, widespread stenosis, or conditions specifically affecting the junction between the thoracic and lumbar spine.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Opting for an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine at Cadabams Diagnostics offers numerous benefits in diagnosing and managing conditions of the mid and lower back:

• Unsurpassed Diagnostic Accuracy: MRI provides exceptionally detailed, multi-planar images of your spinal anatomy and any existing pathology. It is particularly superior for visualizing soft tissues like intervertebral discs, the spinal cord, nerves, ligaments, and muscles, which are not well seen on X-rays.
• Comprehensive Evaluation (Benefit of Thoracolumbar MRI Scan): This specific scan assesses a large segment of your spine – both the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower-back) regions – simultaneously. This is invaluable when symptoms are diffuse, unclear in origin, or when there's a need to rule out problems at multiple levels or conditions affecting the thoracolumbar junction. This comprehensive back pain investigation is a key benefit of thoracolumbar MRI scan.
• Precise Problem Pinpointing: The high resolution of MRI images helps radiologists accurately identify the precise location, size, and nature of spinal problems. This is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
• Guidance for Treatment Planning: The detailed information from an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine is essential for guiding treatment decisions. It helps surgeons plan procedures meticulously and aids in targeting non-surgical treatments like epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks with greater accuracy.
• Non-invasive and No Ionizing Radiation: Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. This makes it a safer option, especially if repeated examinations are needed to monitor a condition over time.
• Monitoring Disease Progression or Treatment Response: MRI can monitor changes in a known spinal condition, assess treatment effectiveness (surgical or non-surgical), or detect any recurrence of problems.
• Early Detection: In some cases, MRI can detect subtle abnormalities before they cause significant symptoms or become apparent on other imaging tests, potentially allowing for earlier intervention.

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine

An MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine is instrumental in diagnosing a wide array of conditions affecting the mid and lower back, including but not limited to:

Discogenic disorders

• Herniated discs (also known as slipped or ruptured discs) in the thoracic and/or lumbar regions.
• Bulging discs.
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD), characterized by loss of disc height and hydration.
• Annular tears.

Spinal stenosis

• Central canal stenosis (narrowing of the main spinal canal).
• Foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the openings where nerve roots exit).
• Lateral recess stenosis.

Spondyloarthropathies and Degenerative Conditions

• Ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine).
• Osteoarthritis of the spine (facet joint arthritis, spondylosis).
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage).

Spinal trauma

• Vertebral fractures (compression, burst, Chance fractures).
• Ligamentous injuries (sprains or tears).
• Spinal cord contusion or injury.
• Traumatic disc herniations.

Neoplastic conditions (Tumors)

• Primary bone tumors (e.g., osteoid osteoma, hemangioma).
• Metastatic disease to the spine (cancer that has spread from another part of the body).
• Spinal cord tumors (e.g., ependymoma, astrocytoma).
• Nerve sheath tumors (e.g., schwannoma, neurofibroma).

Infectious processes

• Discitis (infection of an intervertebral disc).
• Osteomyelitis (infection of a vertebral bone).
• Epidural abscess (collection of pus in the space around the spinal cord).

Inflammatory conditions

• Transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord).
• Arachnoiditis (inflammation of the membranes covering the spinal cord).

Congenital abnormalities

• Conditions like spina bifida occulta, tethered cord syndrome (if symptoms involve the lower extent of the scan), or vertebral segmentation anomalies affecting the dorsal and lumbar spine.

Vascular malformations

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or dural arteriovenous fistulas affecting the spinal cord imaging (less common, but can be identified).

A timely MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine can be crucial for accurate diagnosis and subsequent effective management of these conditions.

Proper preparation helps ensure your MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine scan goes smoothly and yields the best possible images. Here’s what you generally need to know about MRI dorsal lumbar spine cost and preparation (focusing on preparation here, cost is in the FAQs):

Specific Instructions from Cadabams Diagnostics

• Diet: Generally, no specific dietary restrictions are needed for an MRI scan without contrast. If your scan involves an intravenous contrast agent, you may be asked to fast for 2-4 hours beforehand or follow specific instructions given by Cadabams Diagnostics. Always confirm with our staff when scheduling your appointment.
• Medications: Continue taking your regular medications as prescribed by your doctor unless specifically advised otherwise. It's important to inform the MRI technologist and our staff about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without any metal fasteners, such as zippers, snaps, buttons, or underwire bras. Items with metal can interfere with the MRI machine and may need to be removed. You will likely be asked to change into a hospital gown provided by Cadabams Diagnostics to ensure no metallic items are present.

What to Remove Before the Scan

All metallic objects must be removed before entering the MRI scan room. This includes:

• Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, watches)
• Hearing aids
• Dentures (if they contain metal and are removable)
• Hairpins, barrettes, or other metallic hair accessories
• Body piercings (if made of ferromagnetic material; discuss with staff if unsure or unable to remove)
• Eyeglasses
• Wallets, credit cards (magnetic strips can be erased), coins, keys. Secure lockers are usually provided for your valuables.

Information to Provide to Cadabams Diagnostics Staff

It is crucial to inform us about any of the following for your safety:

• Any history of metal implants: This includes pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), cochlear implants, drug infusion pumps, neurostimulators, aneurysm clips, stents, artificial heart valves, joint replacements (hip, knee, etc.), surgical screws, plates, or rods. Please bring any implant cards you may have.
• Possibility of pregnancy: If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, please inform our staff. MRI is generally avoided in the first trimester unless absolutely necessary.
• History of kidney problems, kidney disease, or diabetes: Especially important if a contrast agent is planned.
• Allergies: Inform us of any known allergies, particularly if you've had a previous reaction to MRI contrast agents (gadolinium) or iodine.
• Any previous surgeries: Especially spinal surgery or any surgery involving implants.
• Claustrophobia or significant anxiety about enclosed spaces.
• Any history of metal fragments in your body, especially in your eyes (e.g., from welding or metalwork injury). An X-ray may be needed to check for this before your MRI.

Following these preparation guidelines will help ensure a safe and effective MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine exam.

Pre-requisites

Before you can undergo an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine at Cadabams Diagnostics, a few pre-requisites are typically required:

Doctor's Referral

In most cases, a referral from your doctor (e.g., general practitioner, orthopedist, neurologist, rheumatologist) is necessary. The referral should specify the area to be scanned (Dorsal Lumbar Spine) and provide clinical indications or the reason for the scan. This helps the radiologist tailor the examination to your needs.

MRI Safety Screening Form

You will be asked to complete a detailed MRI safety screening questionnaire. This form helps identify any potential contraindications or safety concerns related to metallic implants, medical history, or other factors. Please answer questions accurately and thoroughly.

Kidney Function Test (e.g., eGFR/Creatinine)

If an intravenous contrast agent (gadolinium) is anticipated for your MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine, a recent kidney function test may be required. This is particularly important for patients over a certain age (e.g., 60), those with a history of kidney disease, diabetes, or hypertension. The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) or creatinine level helps ensure it's safe to administer the contrast.

Previous Relevant Imaging Studies

If you have had previous X-rays, CT scans, or prior MRI scans of your spine, it is helpful to bring these images and reports with you to your appointment. Comparing new findings with previous studies can provide valuable diagnostic information.

Information on Implants

If you have any surgical implants, please bring any information cards or details about the make and model if possible.

Meeting these pre-requisites ensures the MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine is appropriate for you and can be performed safely and effectively.

Best Time to Take the MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine

The "best time" to take an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine depends on clinical urgency and scheduling availability.

Scheduled Appointment

Most MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine scans are performed on an outpatient basis and are scheduled by appointment. You can contact Cadabams Diagnostics or use our online booking system [Link to: Appointment Booking Page] to arrange a convenient time.

Urgent Basis

In critical situations, an MRI may be performed on an urgent or emergency basis. This is typically for patients with:

• Acute cauda equina syndrome (symptoms like severe low back pain, saddle anesthesia, bowel/bladder dysfunction, leg weakness).
• Suspected acute spinal cord compression with rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.
• Significant trauma where rapid, detailed spinal assessment is crucial.

Timing Relative to Symptoms

Ideally, an MRI is performed when symptoms are present to help guide the diagnostic process. However, the exact timing is determined by your referring doctor based on your condition and the information they seek from the scan.

Consideration for Claustrophobia/Anxiety

If you require sedation due to claustrophobia, the timing must coordinate with sedation arrangements, and you need someone to drive you home.

At Cadabams Diagnostics, we aim to accommodate urgent requests and offer flexible scheduling for routine MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine exams.

Eligibility

Most individuals can safely undergo an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine. However, there are certain conditions that may make a person ineligible (contraindications) or require special precautions.

Who Can Safely Have the Test

• The vast majority of patients, including children and the elderly, can safely receive an MRI.
• Patients with most types of surgical hardware (e.g., hip/knee replacements, spinal fusion hardware made of titanium or non-ferromagnetic materials) are usually safe, but it's essential to declare all implants.

Absolute Contraindications (MRI is generally NOT performed)

These are situations where MRI is usually unsafe due to strong magnetic fields:

• Certain non-MRI compatible implanted electronic devices:
  • Many older models of pacemakers (though newer models are MRI-conditional).
  • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) (similar to pacemakers, some newer models are MRI-conditional).
  • Some older cochlear implants.
  • Certain types of neurostimulators (e.g., for pain management or deep brain stimulation) unless specifically MRI-conditional.
  • Certain drug infusion pumps.
• Specific ferromagnetic intracranial aneurysm clips: Older aneurysm clips made of ferromagnetic materials pose a risk of movement or dislodgement. Newer clips are often non-ferromagnetic and MRI-safe.
• Metallic foreign bodies in or near the eyes or other critical locations: Small metal fragments (e.g., from welding or shrapnel injury) that could move and cause damage.

Relative Contraindications (Require Careful Assessment/Management by Cadabams Diagnostics)

These are situations where MRI may still be possible but needs careful evaluation and potential special procedures:

• Pregnancy: MRI is generally avoided during the first trimester unless the benefits clearly outweigh risks. If MRI is essential, it's usually performed without contrast. Always inform staff if you're pregnant.
• Severe Claustrophobia: While not a safety risk, extreme anxiety can prevent a successful scan. Options include open MRI (if available and suitable for diagnostic needs), sedation prescribed by your doctor, or psychological support techniques.
• Certain metallic foreign bodies near less critical organs.
• Patients unable to lie still: (e.g., due to severe pain, involuntary movements, or cognitive impairment). Sedation might be an option.
• Tattoos with ferromagnetic ink or large surface area: Some older tattoo inks contain metallic EFX. Though rare, there have been reports of skin heating or irritation. Inform the technologist about any large or dark tattoos.
• Patients with severe kidney disease: If contrast is being considered, kidney function must be assessed due to the risk of NSF.

At Cadabams Diagnostics, every patient undergoes a thorough safety screening before an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine to ensure eligibility and safety.

Procedure for Taking an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine

Understanding the step-by-step procedure for MRI mid and lower back can help you feel more prepared and at ease on the day of your MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine scan at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Arrival & Check-in

• Arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics a little before your scheduled appointment time to allow for check-in and any necessary paperwork.
• You'll confirm your appointment details and complete or review the MRI safety screening questionnaire.

Changing

• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown to avoid interference from metal in your clothing (zippers, snaps, underwires).
• You'll be provided with a secure place to store your personal belongings, including jewelry, watches, and electronic devices.

Technologist Explanation and Safety Check

• An MRI technologist, specially trained to perform MRI scans, will explain the procedure in detail.
• They will review your safety screening form and answer questions about claustrophobia or previous experiences.
• They'll confirm again about any metallic implants or foreign bodies.

Positioning

• You'll lie on a cushioned, motorized table that slides into the MRI scanner. Typically, you'll lie on your back for an MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine.
• A special device called a "surface coil" will be placed over or around your mid and lower back. This coil acts like an antenna to help detect signals and capture high-quality images of your spine. It's not painful.
• The technologist will ensure you're comfortable and may use pillows or supports.

Entering the Scanner

• Once positioned, the table will slide into the MRI machine. Your head may be inside or outside the tunnel depending on the scanner and area being imaged for a dorsal lumbar scan.

During the Scan

• Stay Still: It is crucial to remain as still as possible during the entire scan. Movement can blur images, requiring repeats.
• Noise: The MRI machine will produce loud sounds. Earplugs or headphones are provided.
• Communication: You can communicate with the technologist via an intercom system. You'll be given a call bell or squeeze ball.
• Scan Sequences: The scan includes multiple sequences, each lasting seconds to minutes. The technologist may inform you when a new sequence starts. You might feel slight vibrations.
• Breathing: You can breathe normally unless told to hold your breath for sequences.

Contrast Injection (if needed)

• If your MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine requires contrast, it will be administered partway through the scan.
• An IV line will be inserted into your arm or hand, usually before entering the scanner.
• The technologist will inject the contrast. You might feel a cool sensation or metallic taste, which is normal.
• Additional sequences will be performed after the injection.

Exiting the Scanner

• Once all images are acquired, the table will slide out of the machine.
• The technologist will assist you off the table.

Duration:
The entire MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine procedure, from positioning to the end of the scan, typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes. The exact duration depends on the number of sequences, whether contrast is used, and how still you can remain.

The team at Cadabams Diagnostics is dedicated to making your MRI experience comfortable and efficient.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Your safety is crucial at Cadabams Diagnostics. Before your MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine, it's vital to reiterate and disclose the following to the technologist and our staff during screening:

Pregnancy

Please confirm if you are pregnant or could be. MRI scans are generally avoided in the first trimester unless medically critical.

Metallic Implants/Devices

This is one of the most critical checks. Inform us about any metallic implants or devices, including:

• Cardiac pacemakers or ICDs
• Cochlear implants
• Aneurysm clips (especially older types in the brain)
• Stents (coronary, peripheral, etc.)
• Artificial heart valves
• Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder, etc.)
• Surgical screws, plates, rods, or wires (e.g., from spinal surgery, bone fractures)
• Implantable drug infusion pumps or neurostimulators
• Shrapnel, bullets, or other metallic foreign bodies
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) - most are MRI safe, but good to declare.
• Dental implants/fillings – usually not an issue, but disclose if extensive.

Provide any implant cards or manufacturer details if available.

Allergies

Inform staff about any known allergies, particularly:

• Previous allergic reaction to MRI contrast agents (gadolinium).
• Allergies to iodine (though different from gadolinium, mention it).
• Any other severe drug allergies.

Kidney Function

Disclose any history of kidney disease, failure, transplant, or dialysis. Important if contrast is planned for your MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine.

Claustrophobia/Anxiety

If you have severe claustrophobia or anxiety about enclosed spaces, let us know early. We can discuss options like explaining the procedure, eye masks, music, or sedation.

Recent Surgery

Inform us of any recent surgeries, especially spinal surgery or implant placement.

Inability to Lie Flat or Still

If you have a condition making it hard to lie flat or remain still (30-60 minutes), discuss it with us.

Tattoos or Permanent Makeup

Especially large, dark, or old tattoos, as some inks may contain metallic components.

Being open with this information ensures Cadabams Diagnostics can provide a safe and effective MRI Dorsal Lumbar Spine exam. If in doubt, ask our staff.