Do you have chronic back pain? Do you also have numbness or weakness into your middle back? Your doctor may have recommended an MRI Dorsal Spine Screening. An MRI Dorsal Spine Screening is a non-invasive imaging study that obtains images of the bones, discs, nerves, and soft tissues in your thoracic spine (mid-back) with detailed images. Knowing what this consists of may help reduce your worries and help you feel prepared. Let’s look specifically at MRI Dorsal Spine Screening.
Other names of MRI dorsal spine screening scan are:
- MRI Thoracic Spine
- MRI Mid-Back
- MRI Spine (Thoracic)
- Screening MRI of the Thoracic Spine
What is the process of dorsal spine scan MRI?
Here is the process of an MRI Dorsal Spine Scan, how the test is performed (Step by Step)
An MRI Dorsal Spine scan is a procedure that ensures patient comfort and diagnostic accuracy.
Pre-Scan:
Patients are typically requested to remove all metal objects, including jewelry, watches, hearing aids, body piercings, and dentures, prior to the process. Avoiding clothing with metal parts, like zippers or underwire bras, is also a good idea. Patients will typically be asked to change into a hospital gown to make sure no metal gets in the way of the magnetic field. Some facilities even ask not to use deodorant, makeup, and nail polish because these cosmetics sometimes contain trace metals. For people with claustrophobia or fear of being in a confined space, it is a good idea to mention this to the doctor beforehand. A quick-acting sedation can be ordered to calm the patient while undergoing the test. Some other centers use “open” or “wide-bore” MRI scanners that are less invasive. If sedation is administered, arrangements need to be made for someone to take the patient home afterward.
In some instances, a contrast dye, most commonly gadolinium, is injected into a hand or arm vein.
The dye enhances the clarity of the images, which assists in the identification of specific issues such as infections, tumors, or specific disc problems. In the event of the need for contrast, fasting overnight is required 4-6 hours prior to the scheduled appointment. Kidney function, i.e., the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), will also have to be tested because it has to be over a certain level (GFR > 30) for gadolinium to be safely administered.
During the scan:
The patient lies flat and still for the examination on a mobile bed, typically supine (lying on back), entering the machine headfirst. Cushions can be available underneath the legs for added comfort.
A specialized machine called a “coil” can be placed around the scanned region, for example, over the thorax for a dorsal spine MRI, to best create image quality. The table will then move into the big, round, tube-like MRI machine. The MRI machine makes very loud banging, tapping, or thumping sounds as it works and takes pictures. To minimize this, earplugs or headphones, possibly with music, will be worn to muffle most of the noise. An MRI technologist will be in the adjacent room but will have continuous visual and auditory contact with the patient during the scan via a two-way intercom. The scan is not normally painful. Some heat in the area scanned may occur. In the instance of getting contrast dye, a brief flush or cold sensation, or the sensation of something salty or metallic in the mouth, might be experienced. Remaining perfectly still for the whole scan is the greatest significance for producing good, diagnostic images. Short breath-holds for particular sequences are the only requests the technologist will have. The broad variation in scan time, from 15 to 90 minutes, is directly associated with considerations such as the need for contrast and sedation and the size of the scan anatomy.
What this does is make the duration a function of diagnostic complexity and patient individuality.
A longer scan time will usually mean that a more thorough or focused study is being conducted, or that some patient accommodations, such as sedation for nervous patients, are being given in order to deliver good diagnostics.
This corroborates the idea that while patients might wish for shorter appointments, length is usually optimized for safety and completeness rather than speed. It also brings up the issue of patient education regarding the expected timeline to manage anxiety as well as cooperation, especially in consideration of the critical requirement for immobilization throughout the procedure.
After the scan:
In a majority of situations, one is able to return to regular daily routines immediately following their MRI Dorsal Spine scan. If a sedative had been given, the patient must wait for its effects to wear off. During this time, driving, use of heavy machinery, or drinking alcohol for a minimum of 24 hours is not recommended. Having someone to drive the patient home is necessary.
What are the advantages of MRI dorsal spine screening scan?
Here are the benefits of MRI dorsal spine evaluation:
The MRI method has some significant advantages over other forms of imaging such as X-ray or CT imaging relating to the dorsal region of the spine.
Pictures in Multiple Planes: MRI can be acquired normally in three different planes; the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes, which helps the radiologist evaluate all structures at the same time.
Soft Tissue Imaging: MRI has the best soft tissue image quality. MRI produces the highest quality soft tissue images (e.g., spinal cord, peripheral nerves, intervertebral discs, ligaments, muscle). This is important because CT and X-ray will show soft tissue, but not with the same quality or differentiation of pathology (e.g., herniated discs, soft tissue tumours, nerve compression, spinal cord injury).
Subtle Changes: MRI is often able to appreciate subtle changes and early signs of disease or injury not seen with other forms of imaging.
No Radiation Exposure: MRI does not expose the patient to any radiation where CT and X-ray radiation will expose the patient to radiation. So, the patient is in a safe environment and also it is a safer for subsequent imaging, as well as with younger patients for imaging the spinal canal, eye orbit, or brain.
Bone Marrow Imaging: MRI is unique because it can evaluate the bone marrow, in the vertebrae, this allows the radiologist to be able to see if there is infection or a tumour associated with the bone.
Determine Post-Surgical Issues: MRI can be used to image the spine following surgical intervention, MRI can detect complications which may be very useful in terms of follow up care, for example increased scar tissue formation, or whether they have a recurrent disc herniation.
How to prepare for your MRI dorsal spine scan?
Preparation is the key to having a safe, comfortable, and diagnostically sound MRI Dorsal Spine scan.
General Preparations and Discussions with Your Doctor
It is strictly important to discuss openly and at length with the doctor and the MRI technologist one’s entire medical history. This would encompass any chronic conditions, known allergies, and all drugs or supplements that are being taken.
Patients should inform the medical staff at once if they have any metal implants or devices in their body. This is of prime importance for safety since the intense magnetic fields might interfere with or even destroy specific devices. Some of these devices are:
- Cardiac pacemakers, Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs), or neuro-stimulators.
- Aneurysm clips.
- Surgical staples, clips, plates, screws, or wire mesh. Although most of the newer implants are MRI-compatible, it must be disclosed.
- Cochlear implants.
- Metallic foreign bodies, especially in delicate sites such as the eye.
- Some metal dental crowns (porcelain, composite resin, or gold are safe, but others may not be).
If breastfeeding or pregnant, it is crucial to alert the MRI technician and the physician. Usually safe, there is a small theoretical risk to the in-utero fetus, especially if it is done within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If MRI is medically indicated during pregnancy, the MRI is usually done without the use of contrast dye since this is safer for the fetus.
It is extremely essential to disclose any kidney or liver ailments, particularly if the scan would utilize contrast dye. Patients need to tell the healthcare providers in case they have kidney failure, liver disease, history of kidney transplant, or any type of kidney disease. This is due to the fact that a very serious condition known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) has been found in patients with kidney disease after being given contrast dye.
For individuals with anxiety or discomfort associated with being in enclosed spaces, the doctor should be consulted about it. Mild sedatives or advice to go to a facility that has open or wide-bore MRI machines can be presented. Being aware of what happens during the procedure can also help alleviate anxiety.
The patient’s duty to report important information, including metallic implants, pregnancy, kidney problems, and claustrophobia, is of highest importance. Failure to disclose can result in adverse outcomes ranging from changed or erroneous scan readings (e.g., with metal artifacting or caffeine impact on blood flow) to serious adverse effects (e.g., with pacemakers or kidney problems when contrast is administered). This underscores the fact that patient preparation is more than a set of directions; it is an essential, cooperative element of providing both the safety and diagnostic reliability of the MRI. The patient’s full and truthful disclosure of the patient’s medical history and the presence of any internal or external metal objects will directly determine whether it is safe to proceed with the scan, if contrast is to be given, and how the images should properly be interpreted. This underscores the shared responsibility in diagnostic imaging, where active patient participation in the preparation phase plays a significant role in achieving optimal and safe outcomes. On the Day of Your Scan
On the day of the appointment, patients should wear loose, comfortable clothing devoid of any metal components (e.g., zippers, buttons, underwire bras).
Most facilities will provide a hospital gown for changing. All jewelry, watches, hearing aids, body piercings, dentures, and other metal objects should be taken off before going into the MRI room. Even seemingly harmless things such as some deodorants, makeup, or nail polish may harbor light metals that can impair the scan or respond to the magnet. In the event that the MRI scan is going to involve the use of a contrast agent, a 4-6 hour fast before the appointment is usually needed.
How to obtain the best price for MRI Dorsal Spine Screening Scan in Delhi?
Getting the MRI Dorsal Spine Screening Scan at the best price in Delhi is quite simple! Here are the steps you should follow:
- Compare Prices: Look for the price of the scan at multiple diagnostic centers.
- Accreditation: Check that the center meets enough NABL and NABH accreditation to ensure quality.
- Offers: A lot of centers will be offering discounts or package deals especially for those that book while online.
- Reviews: Reading through the customer experience can help determine if the center is reputable and the reliability of the results.
- Convenience and other factors: Book a center that is in a sustainable location and can offer other factors like free ambulance service, or free sample collections.
How to book dorsal spine screening MRI scan at Carebox?
Reserving MRI Dorsal Spine Screening Scan at Carebox can be done in a few easy steps:
Visit the website: Go to the official website of Carebox.
Select the test: Go to the MRI scans section and select the option of Dorsal Spine Screening.
Book online: Fill out the details in the booking form, and select your date and time slot.
Confirmation: You will receive an email or SMS confirmation.
Visit the center: Show up at selected Carebox center at your scheduled time to prepare for your MRI.
What does MRI of dorsal spine screening show?
This scan plays a vital role in the diagnosis and evaluation of different pathologies and conditions of the mid-back, yielding key information for medical professionals:
- Degenerative Changes: It provides high-resolution visualization of wear and tear associated with aging, including disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, and spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing). This helps doctors determine the degree of degeneration and its effect on the spinal canal and nerve roots.
- Herniated or “Slipped” Discs: The MRI accurately detects and describes herniated discs, determining their size, position, and possible compression of neural tissue, which may cause severe pain and neurological manifestations.
- Spinal Cord Abnormalities: It is especially useful in assessing conditions involving the spinal cord proper, including spinal cord compression, myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction), and syringomyelia (cysts in the spinal cord filled with fluid). The scan has the capability of identifying structural abnormalities or masses that can impair neural function.
- Tumors, Infections, and Inflammation: The scan is essential for identifying and defining spinal tumors (both metastatic and primary), infections such as osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) or discitis (inflammation of the disc), and other inflammatory conditions. It gives precise information regarding their location, size, and extent, which is important for planning treatment.
- Injuries and Trauma: After an injury or trauma to the mid-back, an MRI can evaluate bony structure integrity, ligaments, and soft tissues and direct suitable management and treatment.
- Congenital Conditions: It can be used to track the development of congenital spinal deformities, including spina bifida.
- Pre-operative Planning and Post-operative Evaluation: In cases of patients who need spinal surgery, the MRI is used to give surgeons important information regarding the patient’s anatomy, allowing for accurate surgical planning. It is also used to evaluate treatment success and post-operative changes.
Regular indications that a doctor may order an MRI Dorsal Spine scan include:
- Chronic mid-back pain or stiffness that fails to respond to conservative management.
- Neurologic symptoms of leg weakness, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates into the arms, chest, or legs.
- Concerns about spinal injuries if there is also difficulty breathing or coughing.
- Loss of muscle function of the feet, such as not being able to tiptoe or walk on heels.
- Difficulty controlling or emptying the bladder or bowels.
- Back pain with past history or symptoms of cancer.
- Tracking the course of diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
What Can I Expect During My MRI Dorsal Spine Scan?
Learning what to expect during an MRI Dorsal Spine scan can help greatly reduce anxiety.
Positioning: Patients will be requested to lie on their back on a soft, movable table. The table will then be moved into the big, tube-shaped space inside the MRI machine. Depending on the area being examined, a coil will be wrapped around the middle back to improve image quality.
Machine Environment: The MRI machine itself is a huge, powerful magnet. Although the body will be within the machine, the head may be outside or completely within depending on the type of machine (open or closed) and which area is being scanned.
Sounds: As the machine is running, a range of loud clattering sounds—usually banging, tapping, or thumping noises—are made. These sounds are to be expected and mean the machine is working its way through producing the images. Earplugs or headphones, usually with music, will be given to block out the noises.
Communication: A technologist will have continuous communication from a nearby control room through a two-way intercom system. They can observe and hear the patient during the scan and will give instructions, for example, requesting brief breath-holds.
Sensations: The scan itself is usually not painful. A mild feeling of heat in the area scanned is to be expected. If a contrast dye injection was administered, a transient flush or cold feeling, or a temporary metallic or salty taste in the mouth, may be felt.
Stillness is Key: The key instruction is to stay completely still for the entire exam. Any movement will blur the pictures and could require part of the exam to be repeated.
Emotional Comfort: If anxious or claustrophobic, let the technologist know. Sedation is available, as well as other open MRI machines to help provide comfort.
Risks and Side-effects of dorsal spine screening MRI scan
MRI of the dorsal spine is usually a safe procedure with little risk and side effects, though being vigilant for possible complications is good practice. The potent magnetic field is dangerous for people with some metallic implants such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and some aneurysm clips, so close disclosure to medical staff is advisable; there are MRI-compatible alternatives but compatibility needs to be established. Metallic items can become hazardous projectiles inside the MRI room, which is why jewelry and metallic objects must be taken off. Claustrophobia may be caused by the confined scanner, although sedation or open MRI can be an option. Rashes are rare but can be caused by an allergic reaction to gadolinium-based contrast agents, which may range from slight to extreme, and any known allergy should be reported to the doctor. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) is an uncommon but potentially severe illness associated with gadolinium in patients with advanced kidney disease, so careful kidney function evaluation prior to contrast administration is important. The high-pitched sounds of the MRI equipment can produce temporary or occasionally permanent hearing loss if adequate ear protection such as earplugs or headphones is not utilized. Though normally safe during pregnancy, especially in the latter trimesters, MRI is usually avoided in the first trimester if at all possible, and the physician should be notified of any pregnancy or any suspicion of pregnancy.
Why to choose Carebox for MRI Dorsal Spine Screening in Delhi?
In choosing Carebox for your MRI Dorsal Spine Screening in Delhi, you are able to receive a variety of advantages starting with the access to a wide network of known and trusted diagnostic centres and hospitals across the city. This gives you access to quality options for imaging services. Also, Carebox makes it easier for you to compare the fees associated with MRI Dorsal Spine Screenings from various centres in Delhi so you can make a choice based on your price point. In some cases, Carebox has information about the prices established by the facilities and the services they will be providing. In addition, Carebox has an easy to use online platform or app so that you can search, compare and book your MRI scan while you sit in the comfort of your own home, without needing to visit or communicate with any of the centres before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is MRI Dorsal Spine Screening?
MRI Dorsal Spine Screening is a non-invasive imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of your thoracic spine (middle back). It evaluates the vertebrae, spinal discs, spinal nerves, and surrounding tissues to help diagnose any conditions in those areas.
Q. Why do I need an MRI dorsal spine screening?
This imaging test will typically be recommended to assess your middle back with any ongoing or unexplained pain in that area, when there is concern for spinal injury, identification of ruptured or herniated discs, tumor, spinal stenosis, spinal infection, or a congenital deformity in the spine. An MRI dorsal spine screening may also be indicated to follow along with the progression of existing conditions like multiple sclerosis, or assist with surgical planning.
Q. Is MRI Dorsal Spine Screening safe?
MRI Dorsal Spine Screening is safe for most individuals since it does not expose you to ionizing radiation. However, you must tell your doctor if you have metal implants or a pacemaker, or are pregnant prior to the MRI.
Q. What do I need to do to prepare for the MRI Dorsal Spine Screening?
You will need to remove all metal objects (jewelry, watches, dentures, etc.) prior to the MRI dorsal spine screening. Wear loose and comfortable clothing that does not have any metal fasteners. It is important to tell the technician about any implants, if you are pregnant or allergies especially to contrast dye if it is going to be used.
Q. How long will the procedure take?
MRI dorsal spine screening will typically take 30 to 60 minutes depending on whetehr contrast is used.
