Description

What Is a Cervical Spine MRI?

An MRI of the cervical spine produces detailed pictures of the cervical spine (the bones in the back of the neck).

Why Are Cervical Spine MRIs Done?]

A cervical (SER-vih-kul) spine MRI can detect a variety of conditions in the neck and upper back area, including problems with the soft tissues within the spinal column, such as the spinal cord, nerves, and disks.

Doctors might order an MRI to evaluate the anatomy of the seven cervical spine bones or spinal cord, or to look for injuries in the area.

A cervical spine MRI also can help doctors:

* Evaluate symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms, shoulders, or neck area.

*Find some types of chronic diseases of the nervous system.

* Diagnose tumors, bleeding, swelling, infections, or inflammatory conditions in the vertebrae or surrounding tissues.

How the Test is Performed ?

You will wear a hospital gown or clothes without metal zippers or snaps (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Make sure you take off your watch, jewelry and wallet. Some types of metal can cause blurry images.

You will lie on a narrow table that slides into a tunnel-shaped scanner.

Some exams use a special dye (contrast). Most of the time, you will get the dye through a vein in your arm or hand before the test. The dye can also be given through an injection. The dye helps the radiologist see certain areas more clearly.

During the MRI, the person who operates the machine will watch you from another room. The test most often lasts 30 to 60 minutes, but may take longer.