MRI NECK WITHOUT CONTRAST
Also Known As
Lab Test
₹8500
1K+ people booked this test
🎖️
SENIOR
FLAT 10% OFF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
👪
FAMILY
ADD A FAMILY MEMBER FOR 20% DISCOUNT
Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
60
Mins Home Collection
1M
Happy Customers
4.9
Google Rating
5
Certified Labs
About The Test
- What the scan examines
- Cervical vertebrae alignment
- Intervertebral discs, spinal cord
- Nerve roots, blood vessels and neck muscles
- Key differences: with vs without contrast
- Without contrast: no iodine injection, shorter exam time, safe for kidney-sensitive patients.
- With contrast: adds dye to highlight inflammation, tumours or infection but carries allergy and kidney risks.
List of Parameters
- Vertebral alignment & marrow signal – checks for fractures or infection
- Disc height, bulge, herniation – pinpoints causes of pain or weakness
- Spinal cord & nerve root impingement – maps compression sites
- Soft-tissue masses / lymph nodes – screens for abscesses or tumours
Why This Test
- Accurate nerve compression mapping before physiotherapy or surgery
- Pre-surgical baseline imaging to plan minimally invasive approaches
- Monitor degenerative changes over months or years without extra radiation
When to Take Test
Your physician will often order this scan if you have:
- Persistent neck pain or stiffness
- Numbness/tingling radiating to arms or hands
- Post-trauma clearance after whiplash or sports injury
- Arthritis follow-up to monitor degenerative changes
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Zero radiation, completely non-invasive
- Same-day appointments & digital report within 2 hrs
- Insurance & cashless approval – we handle paperwork for you
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Neck Without Contrast
- Cervical spondylosis & disc herniation
- Spinal stenosis and ligament sprain
- Occult fractures, cord contusions
Preparing for test
- Instructions
- Remove all metal—jewellery, belts, hairpins
- Fasting not required
- Prerequisites
- Bring prior X-ray or CT reports if available
- Best time
- Morning slots for shorter wait times
- Eligibility
- Adults, children >5 years, not suitable for pregnant women
Procedure for Taking a MRI Neck Without Contrast
- Change into cotton gown (locker provided for valuables).
- Lie supine; neck coil is gently placed around your head & shoulders.
- 15-minute scan – you’ll hear rhythmic thumping; noise-cancelling earphones supplied.
- Panic button in your hand—squeeze anytime to pause.
- Done! Walk out and receive digital films + radiologist report within 2 hours.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Declare any implants, tattoos with metallic ink, or claustrophobia history at booking.
- Sedation (light oral or IV) available on request; arrange a driver if you opt for sedation.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Structure Imaged | Description of Normal Appearance | Potential Abnormal Findings & General Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Disc herniation | Disc material bulging into canal | May explain arm pain/weakness |
| Spinal stenosis | Narrowing of canal | Risk of myelopathy |
| Bone marrow oedema | Bright signal in vertebra | Possible fracture or infection |
| Cord contusion | High signal in cord | May indicate trauma or demyelination |
| Facet Joints | Smooth cartilage, maintained joint space, no abnormal fluid or enlargement. | Facet arthropathy, joint effusion, synovial cysts, hypertrophy. May cause neck/back pain or contribute to nerve compression in adjacent foramina. |
| Spinal Canal | Sufficient space for the cord and CSF, no narrowing. | Spinal stenosis due to disc protrusion, ligament thickening, or osteophytes. Severe stenosis can cause myelopathy (cord dysfunction). |
| Ligaments (e.g., Ligamentum Flavum, PLL) | Normal thickness and signal. | Hypertrophy, ossification (OPLL), or tears. These changes can narrow the spinal canal or foramina, contributing to symptoms like pain, weakness, or numbness. |
| Paravertebral Soft Tissues | Normal muscle volume, signal, and no masses or fluid collections. | Muscle atrophy, inflammatory edema, abscess, tumor, or enlarged lymph nodes. May indicate infection, inflammation, or neoplastic processes. |
Risks & Limitations
- Contraindications
- Cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implants, certain aneurysm clips
- Limitations
- Small or subtle tumours, infections, or active inflammation may still require a contrast study for full evaluation.
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
About 15 minutes, including positioning.
Is the test painful?
No. You simply lie still; no needles or injections.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Yes, unless you requested sedation.
What if I feel claustrophobic?
We offer wide-bore 70 cm MRI & music of your choice; mild sedation on request.
How soon will I get results?
Digital report and images within 2 hours of scan completion.
What's the difference between a plain MRI and one without contrast?
These terms are often used interchangeably. A plain MRI neck scan refers to an MRI of the neck performed without the injection of any contrast material, just like an MRI Neck Without Contrast.