MRI Cervical Spine With Contrast

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that produces detailed images of any part of the body. The tool can be used for imaging soft tissues such as the heart, brain, muscles and finding out tumors in the body.

Most MRI procedures usually take 15 to 90 minutes to complete, but the duration will depend on the part of your body being scanned and the number of images being taken.

While x-rays and CT scan both use a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce images, an MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make images of the body.

The MRI scanner is a large cylinderical shaped machine, which is open at both ends. The tunnel remains OPEN and you are NEVER totally enclosed. You will normally lie flat on your back and be moved into the tunnel on a sliding couch. The part of your body, which is to be scanned, will be in the centre of the tunnel.

Some MRI tests require contrast. The contrast medium provides enhanced image quality and helps health professionals to diagnose medical conditions in a better way. The contrasting agent is a clear fluid usually injected into a vein in the arm immediately before the scan. You will feel no ill effects from the injection.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe procedure and most people can take up this test. However, in some circumstances, an MRI scan may not be recommended. Please tell the MRI department if you have or think you have any metal in your body or if you are pregnant.

Although there are no known effects, it is advisable not to scan pregnant women. However, in certain critical cases, it may be necessary to be scanned during pregnancy when a more invasive diagnostic test would otherwise have to be performed. Please consult your doctor before getting an MRI scan done.

A 3T scanner is twice the strength of a 1.5T scanner. A 3T scan helps deliver enhanced imaging and speed as compared to 1.5T scan.