MR or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the most modern form of imaging. In addition to cervical spine X-rays to assess bone structure, cervical spine MRI is the most reliable and detailed procedure for cervical spine problems.
The detailed images produced by magnetic resonance imaging allow pin-point diagnosis without any health risk. The technology is also a great tool for following up surgical scars and already established diseases and problems.
Most often, a neurologist, orthopaedic surgeon or rheumatologist will recommend an MRI scan if they suspect that complaints in the arm or shoulder area are caused by cervical spine disorders or are radiating from the cervical spine region.
The spinal column plays an important role in posture and movement. In addition, the spinal cord’s motor and sensory pathways run along the spinal column. Injuries and problems of the spinal column can therefore cause a wide range of symptoms. You may experience sharp pain in the upper limbs (arms) or along the spine. Numbness, muscle weakness and loss of sensory function in the arms can also be caused by injuries to the cervical spine. Forced posture caused by pain may also be due to neck problems.
The doctor can use the symptoms to make an educated guess as to what specific problems may be behind the problem. These include herniated discs, calcification or wear of the discs, various tumours of the spinal cord, etc. The protective connective tissue covering the spinal cord and the sensory and motor roots may also be damaged. A narrowed spinal canal or narrowing of the nerve root canal may also be behind the symptoms.
However, a thorough and accurate diagnosis is needed for an accurate treatment plan – and an MRI scan is one of the best tools available.
The use of contrast media is not always an option. It may pose a health risk in patients with reduced renal function, so only native studies are performed below eGFR 45.
To assess this risk, renal function laboratory tests not more than two weeks prior to contrast studies are required.
In rare cases, the contrast agents used may cause allergic reactions and therefore MR with known contrast agent allergy should not be performed.
Medications containing metformin should be stopped two days before the scan and only resumed two days after the scan. This is necessary because this active substance used in antidiabetic drugs can lead to health problems in combination with contrast media.
During an MRI scan, the machine generates a very strong magnetic field. For this reason, metal objects should not be brought into the examination room. Earrings and body jewellery should also be removed.
MRI is basically harmless and has no side effects. However, it is contraindicated in certain cases:
Make an appointment for a cervical spine MR examination with the excellent specialists of the Wáberer Medical Center, or call us at +36-1-323-7000 to have your examination performed at our well-equipped clinic in Buda without a long wait.
