MRI WHOLE SPINE SCREENING
Also Known As
Lab Test
₹7500
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About The Test
What the scan checks in a single session
- Alignment of all 33 vertebrae from neck to tailbone
- Inter-vertebral discs for dehydration, bulge, or herniation
- Spinal cord for signal changes or compression
- Surrounding soft tissue, ligaments, and bone marrow for hidden lesions
Advantages over separate regional MRIs
- One booking replaces three individual cervical, dorsal, and lumbar scans
- Lower overall cost (around 30 % savings)
- Consistent positioning for better comparison
- Single exposure is ideal for claustrophobic patients
List of Parameters
- Vertebral alignment & height
- Disc hydration and protrusion
- Cord signal changes (myelomalacia, plaques)
- Facet joints & ligament integrity
- Soft-tissue & marrow lesions (tumour, abscess, TB)
Why This Test
- One-stop evaluation of entire vertebral column
- Early detection of cancer, infection, or autoimmune diseases
- Pre-surgical mapping for orthopaedic or neurosurgeons
- Medico-legal documentation after trauma
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Zero radiation—safe for children and pregnant patients when essential
- Non-invasive—just lie still for 25 minutes
- Multi-planar, high-resolution images—3 mm slice thickness
- Same-day radiologist report at Cadabams Diagnostics
- Digital copy sent to your phone within 2 hours
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Whole Spine Screening
- Disc herniation & spinal stenosis
- Vertebral metastases and primary bone tumours
- Multiple sclerosis plaques in the cord
- Spinal infections (TB, bacterial abscess)
- Congenital anomalies (tethered cord, syrinx)
Preparing for test
Basic instructions
- Fasting not required—eat and drink normally
- Remove all metal objects: jewellery, belts, cards with chips
- Wear cotton clothing or change into our gown
Best time to take
- Any weekday or weekend
- During active symptoms (pain, numbness) for maximum diagnostic yield
Eligibility
- All ages—from paediatric to geriatric
- Pregnancy: discussed case-by-case; usually deferred to 2nd trimester if non-urgent
Procedure for MRI Whole Spine Screening
- Check-in at front desk with ID and doctor’s prescription
- Fill MRI safety screening form
- Change into gown and lock valuables in secure locker
- Lie supine on MRI table; coils placed around torso
- Scan duration: 22–28 minutes; headphone music available
- Optional gadolinium contrast injection if ordered (adds 5 min)
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Inform staff about any implants, tattoos, or prior spinal surgery
- Claustrophobia? Ask for oral sedation (10 mg diazepam) 30 min prior
- Kidney issues? Creatinine checked if contrast is planned
Test Results
MRI Whole Spine Screening Results and Interpretations:
| Finding / Observation | What Radiologists Look For | General Interpretation/Significance if Abnormal |
|---|---|---|
| Vertebral Alignment | Straightness, curves (scoliosis, kyphosis) | Abnormal curves can cause pain, nerve issues, and postural problems. |
| Vertebral Bodies | Bone height, signal (breaks, tumors, inflammation) | Can indicate fractures, bone lesions, signs of infection, or inflammatory changes. |
| Disc dehydration | Dark T2 signal at L4-L5 | Early degenerative change |
| Spinal Canal | The amount of space available for the spinal cord | Narrowing (stenosis) can compress the spinal cord or nerves, causing significant symptoms. |
| Spinal Cord | Its size, shape, and signal (lesions, swelling) | May reveal cysts (syrinx), tumors, inflammation (e.g., MS plaques), or cord compression. |
| Cord hyperintensity | Bright STIR at C5-C6 | Possible myelomalacia or MS plaque |
| Facet Joints | Signs of arthritis (inflammation, bone spurs) | Arthritis in these joints can be a major contributor to chronic back pain and stiffness. |
| Marrow lesion | Hypointense T1 at D8 | Rule out metastasis |
Risks & Limitations
Contraindications
- Cardiac pacemaker or ICD (unless MRI-conditional)
- Cochlear implants
- Recent metallic eye injury
- Severe claustrophobia (sedation options available)
Limitations
- Very early inflammation may not show up until 48–72 hrs
- Motion artefacts from coughing or tremors can blur images
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
About 25 minutes without contrast; 30 minutes with contrast.
Is there any pain or injection?
No pain. An IV line is placed only if contrast is required.
Can I drive home after?
Yes, unless you take sedation—then arrange a companion.
What if I’m pregnant?
Inform our team; we follow international guidelines and decide case-by-case.
Do I need a doctor’s prescription?
Yes, a simple referral letter or digital prescription is sufficient.
What should I do if the screening shows an abnormality?
Your referring doctor will carefully review the report with you. They will explain what any findings mean, answer all your questions, and recommend the best next steps, which could involve further evaluation, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or other treatments.