In the modern world, there are a huge number of ailments that require modern detection and treatment. Due to the fact that medicine is constantly evolving, this is not difficult to do. The most important thing is not to delay. Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the innovative methods of laboratory research with high accuracy and information. With it, doctors can detect many diseases of various etiologies at the earliest stages. This type of diagnosis is one of the mandatory for the examination of patients who have suspicions of any pathology of the spinal column. It allows not only to determine the nature of the disease, but also to assess the patient’s health status, making up a detailed clinical picture. Therefore, many people are wondering if preparation for MRI of the spine is necessary. This is a very important question that cannot be left unanswered. Let's understand it in detail and find out how to make the diagnosis the most accurate.
general information
MRI (preparation for spinal examination will be described later) is a modern diagnostic method that provides a detailed picture of the state of human health. During the examination, doctors can identify the presence of any pathology and the cause of its appearance, as well as determine the anomalies of the development of the bone skeleton. The advantage of the procedure is that it is completely safe for health, so it can be carried out an unlimited number of times in order to track the progression of the disease and evaluate the prescribed treatment program.
Depending on the health problems present, MRI can be performed both on the entire spine and on its separate departments - cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral. Such a technique provides the opportunity to detect the slightest structural changes in the bones, spinal cord and blood vessels. After the examination, the doctor receives a detailed picture of each intervertebral disc and nerve fibers in a three-dimensional perspective.
It is worth noting that the apparatus with which the laboratory study is carried out affects a person with electric pulses of short frequency and high-power magnetic radiation. Therefore, in order to reduce any risks, the patient requires preliminary preparation for MRI of the spine. What does it mean by itself and how to properly implement it, you can find out later in this article.
Why is MRI needed?
The main goal is to confirm the diagnosis and monitor changes in the patient’s state of health during treatment. This type of research makes it possible to identify many diseases of various origins even at their origin. Thanks to this, patients can be prescribed therapy on time. With positive or negative dynamics, necessary adjustments are immediately made to the course of treatment, which significantly increases the chances of a full recovery.
Pros and cons of the method
Many people are interested in the question of what preparation is needed for MRI of the spine. The lumbosacral or other area needs to be examined - it does not really matter, because the essence remains the same. A detailed answer to this question will be given below, but first you need to consider what advantages and disadvantages this type of examination has. Among the strengths are the following:
- the ability to obtain slices in any planes;
- high contrast and image detail;
- lack of artificial structures in contact with bone tissue;
- high accuracy and informational content;
- lack of ionized radiation;
- the possibility of an examination using intravenous reagents;
- diagnosis of cancerous tumors at the earliest stages of development;
- lack of need for preliminary preparation for MRI of the cervical spine and its other parts.
Despite the large number of advantages, there are certain disadvantages. These include:
- the examination is contraindicated in patients using pacemakers and having metal prostheses and implants in the body;
- lower accuracy of diagnosis of acute hemorrhage than with computed tomography;
- duration of the procedure.
It is worth noting that the disadvantages of MRI are not significant, which makes this research method one of the best today.
Indications for appointment
Nowadays, magnetic resonance imaging has a fairly wide scope. It is used in almost all areas of medicine in case of suspicion of any serious illness. As for the MRI of the spine, preparation for the examination does not require much time, and it is prescribed if the patient has complaints about the following problems:
- severe and sharp back pain;
- deformation of the vertebrae of various origins;
- various pathologies of the spinal column;
- intervertebral hernia;
- abnormalities of the anatomical development of the bone skeleton;
- violation of posture and scoliosis;
- inflammatory processes in the spine;
- neoplasms;
- malignant tumors;
- damage to the spinal cord and nerve endings with infections;
- compression fracture and other back injuries;
- osteochondrosis;
- circulatory disorders in the legs;
- spinal stenosis;
- multiple sclerosis;
- diseases of the central nervous system, proceeding in a slowly progressive form;
- degenerative dystrophic disorders of the spinal cord.
Thus, the scope of this survey method is almost limitless. In addition to all of the above, MRI (preparation for spinal examination is more psychological than physical) is often used to assess the health status of patients who are undergoing rehabilitation after surgery.
Contraindications
Answering the question about what preparation patients need for spinal MRI, let's first look at the cases in which you should refrain from the examination. Like any other type of laboratory research, this method has certain contraindications. Among the main ones, the following can be distinguished:
- the presence of prostheses and metal implants;
- use of cardiac and neurostimulants;
- tattoos;
- fear of confined space;
- some equipment has body weight restrictions;
- the presence of diseases occurring in acute form and accompanied by loss of consciousness;
- allergic reactions when conducting a contrast method of research;
- pregnancy;
- tremor of limbs;
- trouble breathing
- heart failure;
- people who underwent coronary bypass surgery;
- wearing an insulin pump;
- vascular clipping.
If the patient is prohibited from magnetic resonance imaging due to the presence of the above contraindications or the inability to conduct an examination for other reasons, the doctor selects alternative diagnostic methods. As a rule, CT, ultrasound or radiography is prescribed. If there are no restrictions, then the patient is trained in MRI of the spine and subsequent examination. It lasts about 15-20 minutes, and the pictures will be ready after a few days, after which the specialist decrypts them and makes a final diagnosis.
What is the preparation?
So we came to the answer to the question of many people. Preparation for MRI of the spine (lumbar or any other - does not matter) is quite simple and does not take much time. Before entering the office in which the device is located, you need to remove jewelry and metal objects from yourself, leave any electronic gadgets, bank cards, money and dentures in the storage compartment, as well as put on a special hat and bathrobe. In the process, the equipment emits loud clicks and noises, which should not be scared.
In some cases, preparation for an MRI of the spine (a study of the lumbar is carried out according to a similar algorithm as that of the cervical or thoracic one) may involve refusing food several hours before the appointed time. With renal dysfunction, before passing the examination, it is necessary to first pass blood and urine for a general analysis. If the patient is very nervous and worried, then the doctor can prescribe him a sedative, which is taken shortly before the planned MRI in order to stabilize the mental state.
Examination of the state of blood vessels requires the introduction of a contrast medium. To avoid health problems and undesirable consequences, preparation for MRI of the lumbar spine or any other department is required. It involves collecting data on allergic reactions. As medical practice shows, in the vast majority of cases, no problems arise, but doctors strive to minimize all possible risks.
If the examination is carried out for young children, then their arms and legs are securely fixed with special straps. Any movements can adversely affect the accuracy of the results and complicate the correct diagnosis. Breasts, as a rule, are given an injection of a medication with a sedative effect. The dosage is calculated individually, taking into account the research method used.
Here, in fact, is all the preparation for MRI of the spine. Most people worry more than it's worth it. This type of examination is absolutely painless and does not cause any discomfort to people.
Execution technique
It was described in detail above, which implies the preparation for MRI of the spine of the lumbar, thoracic or sacral region. But many will probably have a question about how the survey is conducted. As noted earlier, the patient in the direction of the doctor comes to the office, equipped with special equipment. It is a cylindrical pipe mounted on a movable table.
After a preliminary examination, a person takes off all metal objects. Next, the specialist fixes special coils on the desired spine, after which the patient lies on the table, which calls into the tomograph. The head, as well as arms and legs are fastened with straps to exclude the possibility of movements that can distort the image. Throughout the procedure, the patient should lie strictly in one pose.
If you need to perform an MRI of the lumbar spine, preparation is not required if the patient does not have mental and emotional disorders. In this case, it will be enough just half an hour before the procedure to take a sedative. If there are any health problems, the doctor makes a decision on the feasibility of conducting magnetic resonance imaging. In some cases, it can be replaced by other research methods.
If there is a need to assess the state of blood vessels and identify various pathologies, a contrast agent is introduced to the subject beforehand. A catheter with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution is placed to prevent vein blockage. After completion, the patient is given a picture in his hands with a transcript of the results. With these documents, he goes to his doctor, who makes the final diagnosis.
Is there a chance of an erroneous diagnosis?
According to qualified specialists, MRI has almost 100 percent accuracy. But when making a diagnosis, there may be erroneous results. Most often this happens for the following reasons:
- non-compliance with the technology of the procedure;
- incorrectly selected type of study;
- insufficient level of professionalism of the radiologist;
- violation of the preparation conditions for MRI of the thoracic spine or other parts of the axial skeleton by the patient.
If you doubt the accuracy of the diagnosis, then it is worth contacting a specialist to decrypt the results of the examination.
Procedure cost
It is very difficult to name the exact amount, since prices can vary in a very wide range depending on the region of the country. For example, an MRI of the sacral spine (preparation for examination is optional if there are no problems with the functioning of the central nervous system) in Moscow will cost between 10-12 thousand rubles, while in small border cities it will cost about 4-6 thousand. If the procedure is carried out with the introduction of a contrast agent, then an additional 3,500 rubles will have to be paid.
Deciphering the results
The statement of the conclusion is carried out by the radiologist according to the pictures. If the patient has no health problems, then he will be ready within one and a half hours. In the presence of serious pathologies, decryption may take a whole day. If the preliminary diagnosis is confirmed, a large one is sent for consultation to a specialist who decides on further actions and makes up the most effective treatment program.
Conclusion
Despite the high cost of MRI, today this type of laboratory research is considered one of the most popular. It has many advantages and high accuracy, and also allows you to identify many dangerous diseases at the very early stages of development, at which they are best treatable. As for the preparation for the examination, then, as a rule, it is not required. The main thing is to maintain the accepted posture throughout the procedure, that is, to lie still. The accuracy of the diagnosis depends to a large extent on this. Everything else is irrelevant.
However, if you have an MRI, then before you go for it, it is advisable to first consult with your doctor on all issues related to the procedure. If any preparatory measures are necessary for her, you will definitely be told about this. Most importantly, you should not save on your own health. No one will follow him except you!