A cervical MRI with contrast is a painless medical imaging procedure that uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce detailed three-dimensional images of the neck region of the spine. Contrast is used to highlight certain areas, and the procedure can help diagnose neck injuries, infections, cancer, and diseases like multiple sclerosis. The procedure is performed in a radiology department and takes up to an hour to complete. Metallic and electronic objects must be left out of the MRI machine, and some patients may choose to wear earplugs due to the loud sounds produced by the machine.
In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a large, powerful magnet and radio waves, in association with a computer, are used to produce three-dimensional images of the body. A cervical MRI with contrast is used to visualize the neck region of the spine, known as the cervical spine. This medical imaging procedure uses contrast, which is a type of dye introduced into a vein, to highlight certain areas. A contrast-enhanced cervical MRI can show detailed images of the vertebral bones, the discs between them, and the spinal cord and nerves. This can help doctors diagnose neck injuries, infections, cancer, and diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Of all the spine imaging procedures available, MRI produces the clearest and most detailed images. In the case of a cervical MRI with contrast, this allows doctors to detect very subtle changes in the spine. When patients have weak or paralyzed muscles, MRI scans can be used to diagnose the condition known as spinal cord compression. Even the first signs of a spinal tumor or abscess can be detected. Magnetic resonance imaging is also known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) and magnetic resonance tomography (MRT).
Cervical MRI with contrast is a painless procedure that is normally performed in a radiology department while the patient is awake. There are no known side effects, although rarely, some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Because the MRI scanner often encloses the body, claustrophobic patients may decide to take anti-anxiety medications before the test. Some units have machines where patients are not fully enclosed and which are better suited to anxious or unusually large people. Due to the magnetic field involved, metallic and electronic objects must be left out of the MRI machine, although many medical implants do not cause problems.
Cervical MRI with contrast is done with the patient wearing a hospital gown and lying on a narrow platform. The dye is injected into a vein at the start of the procedure, before the platform moves and the patient slides into the MRI scanner. While taking scans, your neck may feel warmer than usual and you may hear various sounds from the machine. Because the sounds can be very loud, some patients choose to wear earplugs. Recording each image can take seconds or minutes, and the entire test can take up to an hour to complete.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
