Everything You Need to Know About Cervical Spine Scan
Are you suffering from neck pain? If yes, you need to understand about the cervical spine MRI scan.
What is a cervical MRI scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging – MRI for short – is a safe and painless diagnostic test that uses radio waves and energy from powerful magnets to create detailed images of your body. A cervical MRI images the soft tissues of your cervical spine and neck. The cervical spine is the region of your spine that goes through your neck.
A cervical spine MRI scan is employed to assist in diagnosis:
- tumors in your soft tissues or bones
- bulging discs, or herniated discs
- aneurysms, or bulges in arteries, or other vascular diseases
- other bone disorders, soft tissue disorders, or joint disorders
One MRI image is one slice. One slice is a picture of a cross-section of tissue. You can think of it as similar to a slice of bread is a cross-section of a loaf of bread. An entire MRI scan can consist of hundreds of slices. The slices can be saved into the computer and form 3-D pictures of the area scanned.
How does an MRI work?
An MRI scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed 3D pictures of your body.
The human body is 80 percent water. This means there are millions of hydrogen atoms in the body. When hydrogen atoms enter an MRI magnetic field they all align and are all positioned in the same direction. The radio waves during the MRI also perturb the alignment of the hydrogen atoms, in addition to the magnetic fields.
After the radiofrequency is removed, the atoms return to their position within the tissue. How long this takes can vary with tissue type. There is a sensor in the MRI machine that will detect the time it takes for the atoms to return to alignment with the magnetic field. These results are converted into images.
In some cases, contrast dye is injected (i.e., given intravenously through a vein) prior to an MRI. This can help determine, for example, the detailed structure of blood vessels, and the presence of tumors, etc. An MRI with contrast dye is called a magnetic resonance angiogram, or an MRA.
Why is a cervical MRI performed?
A cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is mostly used for diagnosing the cause of neck pain. It is often done when the pain has not improved with conservative treatment. It can also be performed when the patient has symptoms of numbness or weakness associated with the pain.
A cervical MRI scan can reveal:
- defects at birth or congenital deformities of the spine
- infection of the spine and/or area surrounding the spine
- trauma or injury to the spine
- abnormal curvature of the spine or scoliosis
- tumors or cancers of the spine
- A cervical MRI can also be used to plan specific spinal surgery or after spinal surgery.
How do I need to prepare for a cervical MRI?
Ask your doctor if you are allowed to eat or drink prior to the exam as the procedures differ in different locations. If they are going to use contrast dye during the examination and you are diabetic or have any kidney problems, tell your doctor. You may have to have a test on kidney function prior to your scan. This is to determine if the kidneys can eliminate the dye safely.
You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not recommended to do an MRI in the first trimester of pregnancy. Your doctor may decide to postpone the scan until after delivery.
You should tell your doctor if you are claustrophobic or scared of small spaces. Your doctor can give you an antianxiety medication to take the day of your exam, so that you can feel relaxed when having the test. In a few situations, you can be sedated with anesthesia to sleep through the exam.
You should tell your doctor if you have any metal implants from surgery. If you do, you may not be able to have the MRI.
Remember to take any X-rays, CTs or previous MRIs with you on the day of your appointment. Occasionally, the MRI technologist may play music to help you relax. You may want to take a CD with you “just in case.”
Before entering the MRI you will need to take off all jewelry and clothing with metal on it. It might be easier to just leave all jewelry at home. You will probably have to wear a hospital gown while being tested.
If you are obese or very claustrophobic your physician may order an open MRI. Open MRIs have slightly larger openings than a standard MRI. However, open MRIs are not available in every hospital or clinic, so do ask your physician.
What can I expect during a cervical MRI?
You’ll be reclining on a thin, long, bed that is part of the MRI scanner. Your head will be supported by a headrest, and your arms will be at your side.
The MRI technician will give you earplugs to put in your ears to help alleviate some of the extremely loud thudding and banging that occurs when the machine is used. You might be able to listen to music, while the scan is done. This may help calm you down and distract you from the sounds.
There will be coil (referred to as a coil) placed around your neck and your head. The coil has an antenna inside the coil. Its purpose is to focus the machine’s energy so that it can make the best images. An MRI technician will also place a signalling device in your hand. You can use it to call for an MRI technician if needed, during the test.
When you are in position, the bed will go into the machine. The MRI technician will be able to see you through a window in the next room. They will check on you during the scan and let you know how the scan’s going.
The average cervical MRI scan is 30 to 45 minutes long. It’s very crucial that you remain as motionless as possible during this time. The pictures can become blurred if you do move.
Is a cervical MRI dangerous?
MRI scans are very safe. There is no radiation exposure. The magnetic fields and radio waves that create images in an MRI have no known health risks.
A few people may be allergic to the contrast used in an MRI, which is injected. Please let your doctor know if you have had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent previously injected. Also, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to shellfish.
The MRI scanner generates a very strong magnetic field. It will affect any metal on, or in, your body. Inform your doctor if you have:
- an implant, like a metal plate or screws
- a cardiac pacemaker
- metal studs or piercings
- an intrauterine device (IUD) with metal
- a drug-delivery device, like an insulin pump
- aneurysm clips
- a bullet or shrapnel fragment in the body
- a cochlear implant
- permanent (tattooed) makeup
You might not be able to get a cervical spine MRI if you have metal in your body or if you’re pregnant. Your doctor can order a bone scan, CT scan, or other X-rays instead.
How are the results of a cervical MRI interpreted?
When the images are created, a radiologist will look at them. A radiologist is a specialist that is trained to read MRI scans. After this, the radiologist will provide the report to your physician, which the physician will discuss with you, and clarify what the findings mean for you. After this discussion, the physician may or may not recommend further testing based on the findings, or tell you what the next steps of follow-up is if a diagnosis is made.
Everything You Need to Know About Cervical Spine Scan Read More »