MRI of the cervical spine allows you to quickly detect multiple diseases of the neck and spine. This study helps to start treatment in a timely manner to alleviate the patient's condition. The physiological feature of the cervical region is such that it is directly related to the head region.
Any pathology in this section instantly affects the functioning of the vessels of the brain, and diagnosis is most often difficult. Today, MRI of the cervical spine is considered the most informative and modern method of scanning the neck to diagnose degenerative and dystrophic changes. There are a number of indications for such a diagnosis.
When is it advisable to do an MRI of the cervical spine ?
This method is effective for examining both soft tissues and the spine itself. Therefore, the procedure is carried out with the following problems:
- suspected intervertebral hernia;
- persistent headaches, which are accompanied by dizziness, fainting, pressure fluctuations;
- suspicion of metastasis in malignant tumors of various organs;
- neck injuries and post-traumatic problems, accompanied by spinal fractures and spinal cord injuries;
- torticollis;
- the effects of tick-borne encephalitis, polio and meningitis;
- degenerative processes in the cervical muscles;
- chronic myelodystrophic diseases (multiple sclerosis, ALS).
With a timely correct diagnosis, especially when detecting a hernia of the neck, treatment can be conservative, and surgery can be avoided.
What diseases are detected with neck MRI?
In the neck, many different pathologies are known, and sometimes they are combined. The study allows you to identify diseases such as:
- degeneration of the vertebrae, their degeneration, bulging or hernia;
- myasthenia gravis;
- the presence of a tumor, its metastases;
- necrotic lesions of the spinal tissue;
- microcystic degeneration, glial focus;
- fractures, displacements of the intervertebral discs;
- scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis;
- spinal diseases;
- myelomalacia;
- osteophytes in the vertebrae;
- spinal stenosis;
- infringement of roots.
Informational content
MRI of the cervical spine, the photo of which is taken during scanning, allows neurologists to obtain data on diseases that were previously unavailable, but are now being successfully detected and cured. Due to the fact that the range of neurological pathologies is quite wide, doctors in some cases suggest an additional CT scan.
Preparation for an MRI scan of the cervical spine
The neck scan procedure does not require prior preparation. The duration of the procedure is no more than 15 minutes. Throughout the duration of the study, the patient should lie completely still so that the pictures are clear. If the pain syndrome or other concomitant diseases of the patient do not allow them to withstand the necessary time without movement, it is recommended to take the measures proposed by the specialist: sedative or painkiller.