MRI of the cervical spine

The neck is the most mobile part of the body, which includes a number of vital organs: the trachea, larynx, spine, throat, blood vessels, parathyroid and thyroid glands. Therefore, it is very important to carry out diagnostic studies for the treatment of possible diseases. Modern medicine recognizes magnetic resonance imaging as the most effective diagnostic method in this case.

MRI of the cervical spine: what is it?

A doctor using magnetic resonance imaging can detect not only bone diseases, spinal disorders or spinal cord pathologies. This technique also provides access to information about the soft tissues near the spine and their condition.

What will an MRI of the cervical spine show? Research makes it possible to discover:

  • Injuries of the vertebrae - cracks, fractures, dislocations.
  • Anatomical defects, both acquired and congenital.
  • Protrusion of the intervertebral discs.
  • Growings.
  • Herniated and cystic discs.
  • Degenerative processes in cartilage tissue.
  • Neurovascular pathologies.
  • Three-plane deformity of the spine.
  • Progress in the treatment of cervical lordosis.
  • Kyphosis of the thoracic spine.
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Dysfunction of the cardiovascular system.
  • Vertebral deformities caused by infectious diseases.
  • Atherosclerosis.
  • Osteochondrosis.
  • Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Thrombi.
  • Abscesses and purulent formations.
  • Polio.
  • Tick-borne viral encephalitis.

This diagnostic method is currently recognized as the most accurate and informative. Considering what shows MRI of the cervical spine, the doctor can assess the size and configuration of the nerve endings, blood vessels, ligaments and muscles of the spinal column. In most cases, tomography is the only way to determine the type and location of the disease, assess the condition of the spinal tissues and make an accurate diagnosis.

Indications for MRI of the cervical spine

An orthopedist, traumatologist or surgeon can refer a person for diagnosis for the following diseases and symptoms:

  • Dizziness.
  • Intervertebral hernias.
  • Sciatica.
  • Suspicion of spinal stenosis.
  • Pain in the head, neck and/or upper limbs.
  • When there is a feeling of stiffness in the neck-collar area.
  • Suspicion of neoplasms in case of metastases in the vertebrae and spinal cord in the cervical region.
  • To confirm the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or control therapy.
  • As part of postoperative monitoring of the state of the cervical spine.
  • To diagnose abnormal developments of the spine.
  • In inflammatory processes in the spinal cord.

Doctors recommend MRI diagnostics every year to prevent possible problems and pathologies of the spine.

Contraindications for MRI of the cervical spine

The method is absolutely safe. It can be taken by children and the elderly. During the procedure, the body is not exposed to X-ray, radiation or other radiation. However, since during the diagnosis the human body is in the area of magnetic radiation, there are a number of limitations to the diagnosis:

  1. MRI of the cervical spine is not performed in the presence of metal structures and elements in the body: prostheses, pacemaker, insulin pump, vascular clips, etc. The exception is titanium prostheses
  2. For claustrophobic patients, it is recommended that the procedure be performed in open circuit devices or in a medicated sleep state.
  3. MRI of the cervical region with contrast is not performed during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in case of renal failure or intolerance to the contrast agent.

Before the examination, it is important to warn the diagnostician about all regularly taken drugs and available implants. This is necessary so that the procedure does not have negative health consequences.

Preparing for the procedure

Before doing an MRI of the cervical spine, the patient removes metal objects and electronic gadgets from the body and clothing. It is recommended to have a doctor's referral for MRI, as well as the results of previous examinations.

There are no specific dietary or lifestyle recommendations for this study.

How MRI of the cervical spine and vessels is done

The procedure algorithm looks like this:

  1. If necessary, the subject is injected intravenously with a contrast agent.
  2. The person lies down on the platform of the apparatus.
  3. The medical worker fixes the head and upper limbs of the patient with soft straps.
  4. The platform, with the subject lying on it, is moved into the ring of the tomography apparatus to the level of the thoracic region.
  5. It is important to remain still while the tomograph ring rotates around the examined area. This guarantees high quality pictures.
  6. During the procedure, the diagnostician maintains contact with the patient and controls all manipulations.

The study takes about twenty minutes, when using contrast, the time increases to forty minutes.

Research results

After the procedure, the diagnostician begins to decipher the results. For the patient, the MRI photo of the cervical spine is stored on a digital medium, and a document with a conclusion is also attached. Based on the data obtained, the attending physician will be able to make a diagnosis and select the optimal therapy.

Important! The results of the examination are not the basis for self-treatment, only a specialist can make a diagnosis!

Benefits of Cervical MRI

This diagnostic method is the safest. The main advantages of cervical MRI include:

  • High accuracy of results in the diagnosis of arteries, veins and medulla.
  • Ability to obtain data on joints, muscles, menisci, ligaments and cartilage in this area.
  • Visualization of disorders in the structure of the vertebrae.
  • Efficiency of assessment of neoplasms and their type (benign or malignant).

CT is more informative when examining bone tissue, in other cases doctors prefer magnetic resonance therapy. For example, MRI for osteochondrosis makes it possible to diagnose with an accuracy of 1-2 mm, which cannot be done with ultrasound or radiography. From the pictures, the specialist will see even minimal pathological processes, therefore, he can immediately identify the existing osteochondrosis.

MRI of the cervical spine: price in Moscow

Doctors-diagnostics of the medical center "K+31" have the necessary experience and professionally carry out diagnostics. MRI of the cervical spine is performed using modern tomographic equipment.

How much does an MRI of the cervical spine cost? This depends on whether a contrast agent was used during the study or not. The base price of the service is from 10,500 rubles. In this case, the drugs used and the interpretation of the indicators are paid separately.

MRI of the pelvic and abdominal organs, brain, etc. can be done at the "K+31" clinic.

To make an appointment at a convenient time for you, as well as to get information about the promotions of the clinic or to clarify the cost of MRI of the cervical spine, call +7 ( 499) 999-31-31.

Service record



Specialists

All specialists
Sinitsyn
Valentine Evgenyevich

Chief Consultant in Radiation Diagnostics, Radiologist

Doctor of Sciences, PhD, professor

Maso
Michael Lvovich

Mammologist, radiologist, ultrasound diagnostician

PhD

Puzakov
Kirill Borisovich

Leading Consultant in Radiology, Radiologist

Chichkanova
Tatyana Vladimirovna

Oncologist-mammologist, radiologist

Kondratyev
Eugene Valerevich

Leading CT Specialist, MRI

PhD, leading research fellow

Sychenkova
Irina Yuryevna

Leading MRI Specialist

Leading expert MNIOI them. P.A. Herzen

Schulz
Eugene Igorevich

Leading neuroradiologist in MRI and CT diagnostics

PhD

Vasilieva
Yulia Nikolaevna

Radiologist, leading specialist in radiation diagnostics

PhD

Yagizarov
Imran Rasulovich

Head of the department of radiation diagnostics, radiologist