MRI Cervical Spine Scan utilizes the power of powerful magnetic forces and radio waves to create better cross-sectional images of your cervical spine. An MRI cervical spine scan is painless and riskless testing that enables radiologists to visualize the anatomy and diagnose any condition. Let us explain all the steps:
Preparation: Setting the Stage for Optimal Imaging
Before you enter the MRI suite, some preparation needs to be carried out prior to them being able to guarantee that the scan is of good quality and safe:
Medical History Review: Your medical history in the past will be queried about and thoroughly reviewed by the MRI technologist. kidney disease, or pregnancy.
Metal Object Removal: The machine’s powerful magnetic field, which is among the unit’s strengths,
Contrast Agent Injection: Intravenous injection of contrast agent derived from gadolinium, according to your condition, can be ordered by your referring physician.
Positioning: Maximum Anatomical Visualisation
Good positioning within the MRI machine is most crucial in trying to obtain quality cervical spine images:
Patient Comfort and Positioning: Recumbent (back) lie back on a light padded table that will roll into the bore of the MRI scanner later. Stillness is what is comfortable.
Cervical Spine Coil Placement: In order to get the best signal-to-noise ratio and resolution of the image in the neck area, a special cervical spine coil will be placed over your neck and shoulders.
Immobilization Techniques: To minimize motion artifacts which can most adversely affect the image quality, various techniques of immobilization have been employed.
Seated Scanning: Accessing the Magnetic Domain
Once settled in and fastened securely, the MRI scanner will go ahead and scan from a control room in a far-off location:
The Physics of Image Formation: The MRI machine will generate a strong, stationary magnetic field that aligns protons in water molecules within your body.
Need to Remain Very Still: Throughout the time the scan is being done, absolute stillness is essential to produce crystal clear and diagnostic images.
Imaging Sequences: Most MRI scans are made up of a set of several different imaging sequences. Each is used to highlight certain tissue features fluid, fat, bone marrow, soft tissue).
After the Scan: Finishing the Imaging Procedure
Once all images needed are taken, the MRI scan is finished:
Table Exit and Coil Removal: You are slowly removed from the MRI scanner on the motorized table. The cervical spine coil and immobilization device are taken off.
Post-Contrast Observation: If you had an intravenous contrast medium, the IV is taken away and the IV site is bandaged.
Resume Normal Activities: You usually may resume normal activities right after the MRI test. There usually are no side effects from magnetic fields or radio waves.
Image Reporting and Interpretation: Your MRI scans you will be sending through to us will be carefully interpreted and reported on by a board-certified radiologist, an expert physician in medical imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a cervical spine MRI and why is it done?
Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a totally non-surgical diagnostic imaging examination using magnetic fields and radio waves to get the best possible images of the cervical spine area of the body.
Q. What do I need to do to prepare for a cervical spine MRI?
You will have anything metal removed (ring, watch, hair pin etc.) and you will be dressed in a hospital gown.
Q. What is a cervical spine MRI scan like?
You will lie on a thin rolling table that you move inside the MRI machine.
Q. Is cervical spine MRI safe?
Yes, cervical spine MRI is extremely safe because it is not performed using ionizing radiation.
Q. What to do after Cervical spine MRI?
On the whole, you can get back to your usual activities soon after the MRI. You need to be observed for some time if you’ve been given the contrast dye or sedation.
