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Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine is the most informative result of the examination of this part of the body. This is explained by the fact that this diagnostic is able to provide information not only on the state of health of bone structures.
Not everyone knows what the finished image shows, believing that an MRI is just a more expensive version of an X-ray examination. But in fact, in addition to the “photo” of the state of the bone part of the neck, high-quality visualization will tell about the health of muscle tissue, joints, and discs. The picture will show the structure of large vessels, which is especially well seen if the contrast stage is involved in the classical scanning.
Modern diagnostics
MRI of the cervical spine belongs to the category of modern types of diagnostics, which offers a detailed image of the internal structure of the organs and tissues of the patient. In terms of time, manipulation usually takes longer than classical computed tomography. But CT is not always able to provide such a detailed description of the state of the selected part of the body.
Also, the magnetic resonance approach compares favorably with the traditional ultrasound examination and the X-ray examination option. Both of the latter are able to provide data only for a particular type of tissue, which significantly limits the final performance.
Because of this, doctors are increasingly sending patients with suspected osteochondrosis and other similar ailments of the cervical region to an MRI room. If you add up the cost of all individual types of examinations: CT, X-ray, ultrasound, it turns out that it is more profitable to pass a test of a new format once. This will save money, as well as provide a gentle treatment of the body, as it eliminates radiation, unlike CT and X-rays.
At the same time, no one can say exactly how much manipulation costs. Here it is necessary to take into account the policy of doing business of each particular medical institution. Also, the price may vary depending on the features of a particular equipment, since different models of devices are capable of conducting research with different slices. The average is 5 mm, but exceptions are possible.
Separately, you need to look at how the procedure goes: with or without contrast. The first variation will cost more, which is explained by the need to use a special drug, as well as the double use of the device, since a native study is done first, and then the second after the introduction of a contrast agent. The final pricing principle is the factor of where to do the testing: in a private clinic or a public hospital.
Sometimes it is worth adding to the cost the need, in addition to checking the immediate cervical region, to assess the thoracic region. Such an addition is necessary in case of suspicion of extensive damage to organs and tissues of any etiology.
Some doctors insist that if you have problems with neck mobility, you should additionally check the health of the brain, add a contrast stage. This is especially important for the identified pathologies of large vessels during the study of the cervical part. In this situation, the brain may not receive enough oxygen and a sufficient amount of nutrients coming through the arteries in the cervical region. To exclude even minimal risks of squeezing vessels or neoplasms on their walls, angiography is recommended to make a final verdict.
When is it time for a diagnosis?
The main problem of almost everyone who seeks help from a neurologist or traumatologist is the desire to receive treatment when the initial stage of the disease has long passed. But it would be easier to get rid of a hernia or any other serious ailment at an early stage of development, and not drag it out to the last.
According to statistics, the cervical spine is exposed to hernias many times less than the lumbar spine. But this does not mean that such diseases do not have a place to be. Often they have much more serious complications in the form of osteophytes. Such bone growths are fixed along the edges of the vertebral bodies, aggravating the pain syndrome.
Due to the fact that osteophytes are often very tiny in size, it is not always possible for an x-ray to fix them. This can only be done by magnetic resonance imaging, to which a specialist directs after collecting an anamnesis and the current state of the patient. The most common cause for concern among patients is pain due to compression of the roots of the spinal nerves.
Among other reasons that prompt the patient to seek qualified help, there may be dizziness, as well as discomfort in the neck and numbness of the upper extremities.
Other common symptoms that indicate possible damage to the head or neck include:
- stiffness of the movements of the upper body;
- trauma;
- displacement of bone elements;
- problems with cerebral circulation;
- impaired vision;
- private fainting for no good reason;
- osteochondrosis at any stage;
- degenerative-dystrophic changes in tissues;
- spondylitis;
- vascular anomalies;
- osteomyelitis;
- neoplasms of a malignant and benign nature;
- tuberculous lesions of the column;
- short neck syndrome;
- stenosis of the spinal canal.
If the patient has previously been diagnosed with various deviations in terms of destabilization of the vertebrae, nerve roots and muscles, then he will be asked to undergo diagnostics regularly. Pictures taken in dynamics in a certain time period will allow you to establish whether the prescribed course of treatment is effective. In the absence of positive changes, the specialist adjusts the therapy, adjusted for the current well-being of the patient.
Another common reason for prescribing diagnostics is preparation for surgery in the specified area. The neurosurgeon will definitely send the patient to assess the condition of this area.
After the patient receives a conclusion in his hands, or he is sent to the office directly to the attending physician, the specialist begins to study the tomogram itself and the accompanying conclusion. Deciphering the conclusion with the measurement data is the responsibility of the attending doctor, and not the radiologist, who only describes the changes visualized during the diagnosis of the structure of bones, muscles and other important parameters.
And already the treating expert will tell the ward what each indicator means, given the presence or absence of the following anatomical structures:
- tumors of a malignant type;
- vascular anomalies;
- pathology of cartilage discs;
- deviations from the norm of the muscular-articular system;
- compression of the spinal cord;
- nerve injury.
Absolute and relative contraindications
Before you figure out how an MRI is done, you need to consider possible contraindications. They are divided into relative and absolute. The latter include patients who have any electronic mechanisms inside their bodies. This severity is explained by the peculiarities of the action of the magnetic field, which negatively affects the functionality of devices of the following type:
- pacemaker;
- cardioverter;
- built-in hearing aid;
- insulin pump;
- other similar electronic assistants.
According to the same principle, people who have metal inserts at the examination site cannot be sent under the arch with detectors. We are talking about pins, knitting needles, staples, metal braces. Due to the fact that the material is heated under the influence of a magnetic field, this can cause its displacement or change in structure.
It is necessary to warn the doctor about the presence of such additions not only when they are in the cervical region, but in general somewhere in the body. For the same reason, before starting the procedure itself, you need to remove any jewelry, dentures and other removable metal things.
Another absolute contraindication is pregnancy in the first trimester. Despite the fact that the effect of the magnetic field from a tomograph is considered harmless to an adult, even such a minimal atypical effect can negatively affect the fetus. Inhibition in physical and mental development is only a small part of the possible side effects.
But the lactation period is already included in the group of relative contraindications, since it is harmful only in cases with the use of contrast. The components of the drug used can adversely affect the child’s body. In order not to harm, the mother should express milk for the next two days after the manipulation and pour it out.
Other relative prohibitions include:
- claustrophobia;
- psychoemotional disorders;
- childhood;
- uncontrolled convulsive syndrome;
- severe condition of the patient.
All of the above increases the chances of getting a blurry picture due to one carelessly made movement. Since the key to high-quality visualization is a motionless posture throughout the procedure, even an accidental twitch sometimes crosses out all the work.
Separately, scenarios are considered when the victim has renal failure in the acute or chronic stage. If he needs to undergo a standard examination with a scanner, then this will not be a problem. But when contrasting is involved, diseased kidneys may not be able to cope with the tasks assigned to them. Because of this, the components of the contrast agent that entered the bloodstream after their introduction into the body may begin to accumulate in the cells of tissues and organs, not being able to exit naturally.
Also, choosing a place for the study should be carefully for those who are obese. The standard throughput for the examination is 120 kilograms. Some models of medical tables can withstand weight up to 200 kilograms, but this point needs to be clarified each time separately.
Sometimes private clinics arrange promotions when buying new equipment. If the purchased model is new, it may contain open side panels. This increases their carrying capacity, and also helps to endure discomfort for those who suffer from the fear of closed spaces.
Procedure Algorithm
The principle of testing with and without contrast is not much different. In any case, a person will be laid on a medical couch, which, when the equipment is activated, will drive under the scanner, where there is a magnet.
Since modern machines are usually of a wide design, most of the body will not be under the arch, which will help claustrophobic sufferers survive the panic. For convenience, the subject’s head is fixed, so that in the subsequent time of manipulation it would be easier for him to maintain immobility. Some lab technicians even suggest using a head roller.
Since during the operation of the tomograph, it constantly emits sound signals. Patients, especially babies, are advised to wear special vacuum headphones. And if an unforeseen situation occurs during testing, you can always contact the X-ray laboratory assistant via internal two-way communication.
Preparatory Measures
Usually, the preparatory stage before an MRI does not have any features. But, if the appointment says that contrasting is required, then four to five hours in advance, you need to stop eating and drinking. It is better to consult a doctor if a person must be on medication at the time of diagnosis, but this is usually not an obstacle to conducting a study.
Particular attention should be paid to possible allergies to the contrast agent. If there has been a history of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock or Quincke’s edema to some drugs, then in order to avoid their recurrence, it is necessary to conduct an allergic test in advance. Based on the conclusions obtained after it, the doctor may decide to replace the solution with an analogue, or prescribe antihistamines.
All those patients who are at risk of relative contraindications due to the inability to clearly control movements are sometimes given sedative medications.
And to ensure that an expensive image does not spoil anything during the procedure, people are advised to change into a disposable gown in front of her. If this is a private clinic, then the visitor will be offered to change into cotton hospital pajamas.
Thanks to these precautions, it will be possible to fix the state of the cervical region in order to attach the results to other analyzes in the future. Together, this will serve as the basis for the diagnosis and the formation of a subsequent treatment program up to surgical intervention.