Mirt of the cervical spine what shows? tomography of the vessels of the neck

Mert of the cervical spine

Magnetic resonance diagnostic examination of the neck is performed to detect pathology in the spine and in the organs of the respiratory system, vessels, nerves, lymph nodes, muscles and cartilage. The study is possible due to the passage of radio waves from the MP scanner through the tissues of the body and the production of resonance (magnetic vibrations) from the hydrogen atoms that make up the tissues.

MRI reveals pathologies of the cervical spine and respiratory system, which are located in this area

Neck

The neck is the area of ​​the body between the head and the trunk, which has several important functions. It provides:

• blood circulation and innervation of the head organs;
• communication of the brain with all other organs;
• head rotation by 90º to the left and right sides;
• head inclinations in different directions.

Inside the neck is the upper spine (7 vertebrae) and the neural stem enclosed therein. In front of the spine there is a portion of the esophagus, the larynx and the upper part of the trachea, the laryngeal cartilage, and the thyroid gland.

The neck consists of 7 vertebrae and a nerve trunk

From the sides of the neck are strong muscles that participate in the movements of the head and, in addition, cover outside vital blood vessels (carotid arteries and jugular veins) and nerves (wandering nerve). Part of the blood vessels to the brain passes through special holes in the cervical vertebrae, so any of their pathology affects the functioning of the brain.

In the neck there are a lot of deep and superficial lymph nodes serving filters for infection that enters the body from the outside through the mucous membranes of the nose, oral cavity and conjunctiva. Inside the neck there are several cell spaces and fasciae - strong thin shells that delimit these spaces.

In the cervical region is the trachea, larynx and thyroid gland

Advantages of the method

MRI has many advantages over other methods (ultrasound, x-ray, CT):

1. There are many soft tissue structures on the neck that do not differ greatly in radiography and CT, but are perfectly visualized with MRI.
2. Unlike ultrasound, MR-tomograms allow you to recreate a three-dimensional model of the neck, where each structure has its own localization, boundaries and volume, which facilitates the perception of the finished image.
3. X-ray irradiation is dangerous, CT also carries radioactive radiation in minimal doses, and MRI is not at all is harmful, it does not destroy anything, therefore it is possible to carry out any magnetic resonance diagnostics often.

There are also disadvantages - high cost and long duration of each session.

During the Mr of the cervical spine there is no irradiation of the patient

What shows the mert of the cervical spine

Pain sensations in the neck can have the most unexpected origin.

They can irradiate (give off) both from neighboring anatomical formations, and from distant organs - for example, from the stomach, gall bladder.

Directing the patient to an MRI, the doctor is confident that this method will help to study the anatomical structure of the neck and determine where the true cause of pain lies.

MR-tomogram can show:

1. Hernias between cervical vertebrae.
2. Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical zone.
3. Stenosis (constriction) of the vertebral canal, in which the spinal cord passes. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect a tumor of the spine
4. Tumor of the spinal cord or blood vessels.
5. Atherosclerosis or thrombosis of vessels passing through the neck.
6. Localization of trauma and evaluate its consequences.
7. Anomaly of thyroid gland development.
8. Pathology of the lymph nodes.
9. Diseases of larynx and trachea.
10. Inflammatory process in the neck (abscess, phlegmon).

With the help of MRI, the pathology of the larynx is diagnosed

Indication for the procedure of Mert cervical spine

The doctor recommends that the Mert cervical spine be made to patients who complain about:

1. Frequent migraines.
2. Dizziness and fainting.
3. Pain in the neck with irradiation and without it. Magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed when there is pain in the neck
4. Discomfort in the neck.
5. Limitation of mobility.
6. Sensation of numbness of the neck, hands, scalp.
7. Paresthesia (perverted sensitivity) in the form of "goosebumps tingling, burning, heat or, conversely, cooling of individual areas.
8. Frequent changes in blood pressure.

Numbness of the hands is an indication for carrying the Mert cervical spine

MRI is prescribed before the operative intervention in the neck to study the features of the topography of the organs located there, in order to clearly plan the nature of the operation and its volume. MRI is needed for people who have suffered any trauma to the spine or spinal cord to decide whether conservative treatment can be used or surgery is unavoidable.

MR-tomography is prescribed for suspected:

• vertebrob basilar insufficiency of blood circulation;
• thrombosis of the vessels of the cervical spine;
• multiple sclerosis;
• a tumor of the spinal cord or brain;

Mert of the cervical spine is prescribed for suspected multiple sclerosis in the patient

• neoplasm of the soft tissues of the neck;
• autoimmune diseases of the spine;
• chronic arthrosis and rheumatism;
• abscesses of the cervical department;
• infectious lesions of the spine (tuberculosis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis).

How is the MRI procedure performed?

To pass the neck of the cervical spine, no special preparation is required. The patient comes at a specified time with a referral from the attending physician, documents and results of previous analyzes.

To perform an MRI, the patient is placed on the movable table of the tomograph, and his body is fixed with straps

He removes clothes with metal elements (zippers, rivets, buttons, decor). Leaves in a separate room a telephone, a watch, jewelry made of metal, a hearing aid, removable dentures with metal parts.

In the room where the scanner stands, it is placed on the pull-out table of the apparatus and fixed with straps so that the patient remained immobile all the time of the procedure (30-40 minutes), otherwise the pictures will turn out to be blurry, uninformative.

The table moves into the camera chamber, the scanner rotates with a uniform buzz, making numerous layered photographs in different planes.

The doctor from the adjacent room monitors the monitor, as do the research in various projections.

The diagnostician observes the process of MRI from the next cabinet

Mert of the cervical spine with contrast

In some cases, for example, if there is a suspicion of a neoplasm, a clearer picture of the vessels should be obtained (the tumor has a thicker vascular network).

Then MRI is performed with a contrast substance gadolinium, injecting it intravenously immediately before the procedure.

It takes twice as long to conduct research and makes it significantly more expensive.

Contraindications to MRI

The MRI procedure is not performed if:

1. The patient is noted for claustrophobia - fear of closed spaces.
2. The patient is pregnant, especially with a period of up to 3 months.
3. In the patient's body are electrical appliances or metal objects - a vascular clip, a pacemaker, an insulin pump, a cochlear prosthesis (in the middle ear), Ilizarov's apparatus, bones in fractures, a tattoo made with the use of dyes on a metal base.

MRI is not performed if there are metal spokes in the bones

The problem may be the weight of the patient is more than 120 kg, making it difficult to place it in the tomograph chamber.

For the application of MRI with contrasting, too, there are contraindications:

• individual intolerance of contrast medium;
• the period of breastfeeding (how much time should pass after an MRI before feeding - about 48 hours);
• kidney and liver diseases, because the separation of gadolinium from the body occurs through these organs.

Magnetic resonance imaging is contraindicated during breastfeeding

Explanation

After the patient leaves the room after the procedure, the doctor immediately begins to study the information received.

He makes a detailed description of all structures, noting the nature of the revealed pathology.

The analysis of the images takes 1-2 hours, after which the issued conclusion of the Mert of the cervical spine is given to the patient's hands or sent by e-mail to the medical institution.

More detailed information about conducting Mt cervical spine you will learn from the video:

A source: http://bolezni.com/spravochnik-issledovaniya/provedenie-mrt-shejnogo-otdela-pozvonochnika.html

Mirth of the vessels of the neck

Category: Research methods 14458

If a person has a sore or aching neck, he often can ignore these symptoms, and in vain.

Many functional pathologies of the spine are caused by abnormalities in the work of his cervical department.

With pain in this area, the doctor most often appoints the neck vessels, so this method is able to assess the condition of all structures of the spine, including blood vessels.

Why is it necessary to examine the vessels of the neck?

If the patient seeks a doctor after a neck injury or if there are symptoms indicating a pathology in this part of the body, then the MRI will be assigned first.

Often, discomfort in this area can be caused by vascular diseases, and serious diseases of the heart or stomach can also be affected.

Magnetic resonance imaging will reliably identify the problem and identify a variety of violations, among them:

1. Diagnoses the hernia, which could appear between the cervical vertebrae.
2. Shows any abnormal processes, including infectious ones.
3. Determine a tumor in the spinal cord or vessels.
4. Diagnoses the cervical osteochondrosis.
5. Will detect stenosis of the spinal canal.
6. Reveals any pathology of blood vessels: thrombi, atherosclerosis, etc.
7. Will help determine the location of the injured area and assess the consequences of injury.
8. The study shows anomalies of development or thyroid dysfunction.
9. Diagnoses diseases of larynx and lymph nodes.

It is worth noting that the MRI of the neck is often conducted in conjunction with the study of cerebral vessels.

The system of the vessels of the neck and brain are closely connected, the pathologies of one of them can not pass without a trace for the second, that is why complex scanning is recommended.

Only with parallel examination of the brain, the doctor-diagnostician can obtain full-fledged data on the state of cerebral circulation and make an unambiguous diagnosis.

Who needs to undergo this examination?

For the MRI of the cervical spine there are many different indications.

Often, the procedure is appointed as part of the preparatory period before surgery, such a study allows the doctor to clearly assess the scope and nature of the operation.

Also, the magnetic tomography of the neck makes it possible to establish the causes of frequent migraine headaches, this method remains informative in this situation even when alternative examinations are useless.

Indications

1. It is worth going through this scan to those who often experience dizziness or fainting.
2. Recommended procedure for people who feel discomfort in the neck, a sense of "tightness".
3. The cause for anxiety and MRI can be unpleasant, sometimes painful sensations in the basal area of ​​the hairline.
4. Examination of the cervical spine and brain should be done, if not only the neck itself, but also the scalp, hands are periodically numb.
5. In some cases, the procedure is appointed, if the patient is concerned with strongly expressed "goose bumps" on the skin.
6. A magnetic tomography of the neck and brain is shown for people with vertebrobasilar circulatory insufficiency.
7. Doctors often recommend this study in the event that they have suspicions about the development of thrombosis of the vessels of the cervical department.
8. It is necessary to pass MRI to those who experience severe pain in the cervical region, while they are given into the hands, chest or head.
9. In most cases, a procedure is prescribed for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury.
10. As part of a comprehensive diagnosis, the study should be done also for patients, who often and dramatically change blood pressure.
11. Mandatory MRI will be performed if there is a possibility of the appearance of brain tumors, especially malignant ones.
12. It is prescribed for infectious lesions of the spine, among them there may be toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis.
13. A similar study of the cervical region and the brain is carried out in autoimmune diseases of the spine, for example, Bechterew's disease or spondylitis.
14. Also, MRI is also applicable for previously identified cervical abscesses.
15. The procedure is recommended for rheumatism and chronic arthrosis.

Snapshot of MRI of the neck

Contraindications to pregnant women

1. Not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
2. Not applicable MRI to patients who have a clip on the vessels in the brain.
3. One of their indisputable contraindications is the presence of metal elements on the human body, among them implants, prostheses, etc.
4. There is also no scanning for those people who constantly use a pacemaker or a neurostimulator.
5. It is not necessary to apply this type of examination to patients who suffer from arrhythmia.
6. MRI can adversely affect the condition of patients with heart failure.

Many people are wondering - how can metal elements in the human body interfere with the scanning process? Recall that this method of diagnosis is based on the action of the magnetic field, and therefore even small particles of metal can distort the results of the procedure. It is worthwhile to treat MRI people who have tattoos on their bodies, decorative paints often contain metal particles. If you wear hearing aids or other medical devices, they must be removed at the time of scanning, as they may become unusable or become very hot.

How to prepare for scanning?

This method of diagnosis is good because it does not require the patient a special long preparation, do not have to follow a diet or take special medications.

Remember that a doctor may not know about all your illnesses, so be sure to remind him of chronic diseases, especially those that are on the list of contraindications.

If the MRI is performed by a girl, and she can not completely exclude pregnancy, then it is necessary to make the appropriate test first. Also, a woman should inform a doctor about the presence of an intrauterine device.

To interfere with the research can do anything, even a denture, do not forget to warn and fear of enclosed space, if such is present.

With strong claustrophobia, MRI is not performed, since being in a closed capsule for a long time can cause an unpredictable reaction in such a patient.

How is scanning done?

MRI of the cervical department is performed in the same way as magnetic tomography of any other part of the body. During the scan, the patient does not feel anything painful or unpleasant, a small discomfort can occur only after the introduction of contrast medium.

Carrying out of the neck vessels

Procedure

1. Before entering the office, the patient should take off all the jewelry, as well as the watch.
2. He is asked to take a reclining position on the desk of the apparatus. If necessary, a contrast agent is introduced.
3. Movable table slide into the tunnel of the device, the hands and feet of the patient in some cases in advance fixed with special straps to avoid accidental perturbations.
4. When the scan begins, the diagnostician will leave this room, he will follow the diagnostic progress from The next room, if necessary, you can contact him on the microphone, he is in the cell tomograph.
5. During operation, the device can produce low-pitched sounds, the patient does not feel any sensations during scanning.
6. The procedure lasts about 30 minutes, but with the use of contrast it can take about an hour.
7. All data on the state of the cervical spine are sent to the monitor screen, with the help of these pictures, the diagnostician will prepare the results of the scan.
8. When the procedure is over, the patient awaits for some time to prepare the results, and then can immediately go home.

It is worth noting that if necessary, people are given to drink sedatives, they are needed when the patient is not able for a long time to remain completely immobile. And the results of the study directly depend on this, since even the slightest gesture can distort the data and the diagnosis will be ineffective.

Features of MRI with contrast

Scanning with contrast is considered more complicated procedure, therefore it lasts much longer, and the list of contraindications is slightly longer. Contrast is used when there is a need for greater detail and clarity of the image.

Most often, the use of this substance is important in the detection of tumors, especially oncological ones. What is contrast? This is a medical product - gadolinium, which actively responds to the magnetic field.

It is injected into a vein with a catheter, with blood it is quickly distributed along the vascular system, highlighting it in this way. It is worth noting that iodine does not contain such a contrast, therefore it causes an allergy extremely rarely.

If contrast is applied, it is necessary to know in advance whether there is any allergy in the patient, contrast MRI is not performed with asthma and hay fever, and is not recommended for kidney diseases.

This method provides an additional opportunity - not only to assess the state of the vessels, but also to fix the characteristics of the blood flow.

Also, MRI with the use of contrast allows you to monitor the operation of any organ and the vascular system itself. The diagnostic can not overlook the place of interlacing or constriction of the vessel.

This is the easiest way to detect oncological formations, since a large accumulation of vessels is usually observed at the site of their dislocation.

Interpretation of MRI results

If the scan is behind, then you just have to wait until the diagnostician prepares the pictures, and, most importantly, decrypts the scan data.

Preparation of an expert opinion can take only 15 minutes, sometimes you have to wait up to an hour.

For each patient, the specialist will prepare not only an opinion on the results of MRI, but also give individual advice and recommendations for further diagnosis or treatment.

So, the magnetic resonance imaging of the neck vessels is completely safe, non-invasive, painless and very informative.

It allows you to get full and detailed images of all blood vessels and nerve endings.

Today it is one of the most modern and accurate methods of studying the system of vessels of the head and neck.

A source: http://SimptoMer.ru/metody/mrt-sosudov-shei

What MRI of the cervical spine shows: preparation, price, photo and video

The upper spine is the most mobile. For neck movements, it is required that in this department there is sufficient mobility of the vertebrae. In the spine, the cervical section is the most vulnerable to injury.

Through the transverse processes of the vertebrae of the neck pass the arteries. They take part in the blood supply to the brain.

What is MRI of the cervical spine

If you need to make an assessment of the spine in the cervical department - it is better to choose an MRI, the most modern and informative way of diagnosis.This method is popular because it painlessly and quickly reveals problems without causing harm to the body.

The device is especially well explored for soft tissue. Allows you to determine the exact diagnosis, replacing a lot of other methods, for example, to diagnose the state of blood vessels and others.

Contrasting is done in the study of vascular disease and suspected oncology.

What can show

The device highlights the diseases in the vertebrae, discs, vessels and tissues around them.

Hernias and other disorders in this department of the spine can not disturb a person for a long period, so they remain undetected, which in time will have a bad effect on his health. Many problems can be cured only in the early stages, so it's valuable to find them.

The photo shows pictures of the MRI of the cervical spine in different projections

Diagnosis of the cervical department shows:

• abnormal arrangement of the discs and vertebrae,
• stenosis of the spinal canal,
• herniated intervertebral discs,
• dislocation, fracture, displacement of the vertebrae and other consequences of injuries,
• osteochondrosis, deforming spondylosis,
• tumor tissue, their metastases,
• the state of the vessels and diseases associated with the problems in them,
• damage to the joints of the spine,
• the state of nerve fibers,
• anomalies in the development of the spine,
• diseases of the spinal cord - myelitis, arachnoiditis and others.

Indications for cervical and thoracic treatment

When complaints of headaches of unknown origin, dizziness, unpleasant sensations in the neck and numbness in the hands, the doctor prescribes MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine.

Also indications for tomography are:

• Stiffness in the neck and other unpleasant sensations.
• Injuries in the field of department. (Displacements of elements relative to each other, even minor ones, can cause serious ailments.)
• Loss of consciousness, visual impairment and other manifestations of cerebral circulation disorders.
• Osteochondrosis, to identify the extent of violations and determine the therapeutic purpose.
• Already detected diseases of the vertebrae, discs, nerve roots, muscle tissues, to clarify the diagnosis or see whether the prescribed treatment is effective.
• Before the surgical intervention of a neurosurgeon or on orthopedic issues.
• At suspicions on pathological processes in a department of a backbone: a degenerative-dystrophic change in fabrics, an osteomyelitis, a spondylitis, all kinds of education, including malignant, abnormal phenomena in the vessels, the defeat of the tuberculosis column, stenosis of the vertebral channel.
• Syndrome of short neck.

Contraindications

The procedure of MRI is safe, it can be repeated as required to clarify the diagnosis, the correctness of the appointment and observation of the course of the disease.

There were no contraindications, except for:

1. Due to the fact that the device works using a magnetic field, it is forbidden to perform the procedure for patients who have instruments inserted into the body.
   Such subjects include, for example:
   • pacemaker,
   • an insulin pump,
   • cardioverter-defibrillator,
   • hearing aid
   • and other devices, because the MRI procedure will affect them
2. You can not carry out the procedure if there are metal objects in the body, because the magnetic field will cause them to move and warm up. Therefore, patients with metal staples installed on the vessels, briquettes and other similar inclusions MRI is not prescribed.
3. If the patient suffers from claustrophobia and a disease that prevents a person from lying motionless.
4. For pregnant women, the restriction is that contrasting is not done in order not to harm the fetus.
5. Breastfeeding mothers are also made MRI except for contrasting.
6. Renal failure is a contraindication for contrasting.
7. The body weight is more than one hundred and thirty kilograms.

How is the study itself?

1. The patient lays his back on the mobile table.
2. Its position is fixed with rollers and belts.
3. The table rides inside the installation and will be there until the end of the procedure. If the model of the tomograph is modern, only the area to be surveyed (cervical spine) will enter the device, and the rest of the body will be located behind the installation.
4. During the procedure, you can not move.
5. A close person can be present at the examination.
6. Inside the cabin there is ventilation, lighting and the possibility to contact the operator.

Preparation

To conduct magnetic resonance therapy should be prepared, if the examination of the cervical department is necessary diagnosis of the vessels of the neck or check for the detection of formations and therefore it is necessary to enter a contrast substance.

In this case, do not eat for 6 hours before the test. Liquid stop drinking an hour before checking.

Before the procedure, they remove and take with them to the examination all items that react to the magnet: jewelry, keys, watches, barrettes, coins, piercings.

Keep out of the examination area a hearing aid, a wig, dentures, credit cards and a mobile phone.

To conduct a survey of the cervical department, doctors give directions: a vertebrologist and a radiologist.

Price survey

Prices for procedures need to be clarified in the center where the examination will be conducted, they differ slightly in different clinics.

A source: http://OsteoHondroza.net/diagnostika/mrt-shejnogo-otdela-pozvonochnika.html

MRI of the cervical spine: what shows preparation

The cervical spine (SHOP) is the most fragile part of it, which, despite its insecurity, is subjected to enormous loads.

In this part of the human body there are many large main vessels that deliver blood to the brain and head, as well as nerve fibers. They are often damaged when performing the usual movements or injuries.

To diagnose diseases and pathological changes in organs and structures of the cervical spine MRI is used more often - this method does not cause discomfort and practically does not have contraindications.

Use MR tomography of the cervical spine and neck vessels in diagnosis is accepted in cases where other methods are not effective, inaccurate or cause pain.

Unlike computed tomography, which involves the use of X-rays, the study on the MRI unit does not have many contraindications, and more clearly shows the state of the vessels and muscles of the cervical spine, the structures of the spine and the base of the head the brain.

Description of the method

The examination of the cervical spine by magnetic resonance imaging is subject to the uniform standards of this type of diagnosis.

For its implementation, special installations are used - MR tomographs, consisting of a table on which the patient is laid, and constructions with radiators and sensors of a closed or open type.

Diagnosis of neck pathologies in MRI SCOP is based on the use of resonance, which occurs in the cells of organs and structures under the influence of magnetic radiation.

Hydrogen atoms begin to oscillate in a single frequency, and after the termination of the action of the microwave (MB), they emit residual energy.

It and catch the sensors installed on the scanner.

After processing the received signal, the doctor receives a black and white image of the area under study: the thoracic, lumbar or cervical spine, head, internal organs.

In diagnostic practice, two types of MRI of the neck are used - with and without contrast.

In the second case, the study is aimed at studying bone structures, nerve fibers and soft tissues, and does not require special vascular isolation.

When a neck examination is performed on an MRI

Doctors insist that MRI of the cervical spine is a test that is not done without significant indications.

To conduct it, you need a certain set of symptoms, indicating a change in the functions of the spine, spinal cord, blood vessels, nerves and muscles in the neck. Among them are:

• systematic headaches;
• dizziness;
• sensation of compression in the neck, limitation of its mobility;
• change in the sensitivity of the scalp to a smaller side;
• numbness of hands, tingling or loss of sensation;
• acute pulsating pains on the side of the neck, swelling of the veins;
• acute headache in the nape, which extends to the arms and chest;
• unstable blood pressure;
• abscesses on the neck;
• violation of the functions of the central nervous system;
• open and closed neck injuries (cuts, bruises, dislocations).

Also, the indication for the diagnosis is called diagnosed diseases: osteochondrosis of the cervical region, rheumatic and sclerotic processes, upper para- or tetraparesis. MRI of the cervical spine and neck vessels is shown and as a preparatory stage for the operation on the head and neck, when it is necessary to clarify the location of the pathological zones.

Often an examination of the craniovertebral junction and cervical spine on MRI is assigned, if not it is possible to reliably determine the localization of the problem - the symptoms indicate a disease of the base of the skull and neck Simultaneously. In a word, MRI is used for differential diagnosis of pathologies.

Important! The direction of the MRI of the cervical spine is given by a doctor traumatologist, neurologist or surgeon. In some cases, the recommendations come from specialists in blood vessels, therapists, ophthalmologists (if the doctor suspects the vascular pathology of the neck among the main causes of deterioration of vision).

What pathology reveals MRT SHOP

Doctors claim that the MRI of the cervical spine shows the condition of all body tissues in this part of the body, and also pathological changes, neoplasms, inflammatory and purulent foci, narrowing and other pathological changes in the vessels of the cervical department the spine.

This kind of survey can show:

• changes in the thickness of the intervertebral discs with spondylarthrosis and osteochondrosis;
• change in the structure, location and size of the vertebra;
• acquired change in the axis of the spine;
• congenital anomalies of the vertebra or intervertebral disc;
• the change in the width of the canal in which the spinal cord is located;
• herniated intervertebral;
• tumors, sclerotic and necrotic foci of the spinal cord, vertebral bones, lymph nodes;
• foci of myelination;
• violation of the integrity of bone and other structures;
• violation of blood flow in the neck and the base of the brain.

In general, according to the shape and size, density and location of structural elements of the spine and surrounding tissues, a competent doctor can explain all pathologies known to medicine.

Contraindications to MRT SHOP

Conduct MRI of the brain and cervical spine doctors do not recommend to all patients. First of all, the doctor evaluates the available contraindications.

Categorically, you can not use MR imaging for patients who:

• installed electronic and / or metal implants (pacemakers and neurostimulators, hearing aids);
• installed plates, spokes, screws and pins of ferromagnetic alloys;
• a severe degree of claustrophobia was diagnosed;
• a severe form of renal failure is diagnosed;
• There are mental disorders in which they can not control their behavior.

Doctors do not recommend examining the changes in the cervical section on MRI to pregnant women. Women in the first trimester should postpone the diagnosis until the pregnancy lines reach 12-16 weeks. In patients with claustrophobia, diagnosis is possible with sedatives.

Preparation for MRI of the neck

Special preparation for MRI of the cervical department is not needed.

Nevertheless, before the procedure it is worth talking to the doctor about how to go through a survey of what to expect of him, what can show this type of diagnosis and how much time it will be continue. Probably, before carrying out it is required to fill in the questionnaire, which will contain the following questions:

• whether the patient is allergic to drugs, seafood or iodine;
• whether the patient has a fear of enclosed space;
• whether the patient has chronic or hereditary diseases;
• whether there is a pregnancy and on what date it is;
• Whether there are established metal or polymeric implants in a body of the patient.

The patient can do the usual things, eat before the cervical spine examination, as on any other day.

The only exception is study with contrast.

In this case, preparation for MRI of the cervical spine will be a temporary refusal to eat for 5-8 hours before the procedure and refusal to drink 1-2 hours before it.

Since the procedure is in the clinic, the patient on the day of the study must come shortly before the appointed time.

The doctor will again question him about the possible contraindications. It is also necessary to remove from the body piercings and jewelry made of metal, removable dentures.

In the pockets of clothing and on it there should not be accessories made of metal, pins.

If you plan to do an MRI of the cervical spine with contrast, before the examination the patient will be injected into the vein at the elbow fold preparation.

Usually it is done after it is laid on the couch of the tomograph and fixed with straps. This concludes the preparatory stage.

The doctor leaves the room with a tomograph, the examination begins.

How is the MRI procedure performed?

At the time when the tomography of the cervical spine begins, the subject can not move, since the pictures in this case will be indistinct.

The table on which it is fixed will be placed inside the magnetic circuit. During the procedure, the patient should not have unpleasant sensations.

In rare cases, the examinee complains about such phenomena as:

• Tingling in the teeth with seals, if they contain metal;
• dizziness or headache (this is a frequent reaction to contrast);
• anxiety due to monotonous noise and forced immobility.

On average, the MRI procedure of the cervical segment of the spine will take no more than 40 minutes.

Duration is affected by factors such as the type of diagnosis (MRI with contrast requires more time than examination without contrast), a type of tomograph (on new high-precision installations, the test is faster) and other.

Usually, the doctor says in advance how long the procedure lasts so that the patient does not worry and was ready for a long finding in the tomograph.

Already during the procedure, the doctor receives the first pictures of the cervical MRI. If it was initially conducted without contrast, and the results obtained indicate that there are problems with blood vessels or tumors, the doctor may decide to re-examine contrast.

Diagnostic result

As mentioned earlier, it is already possible to diagnose changes in the cervical spine of the spine during the scan.

Already at this stage on the digitized pictures are visible foci of pathological changes.

At the end of the diagnosis, the doctor carefully examines what each picture shows, and fixes the state of the structural elements of the cervical department in a special form of document.

It notes the following points:

1. Integrity and structure of the vertebrae. In healthy patients, they are smooth, without cracks and outgrowths, consistent with the size (determined by sex, age, and composition of the subject). In the presence of pathologies, the vertebrae are uneven or heterogeneous in structure, with cracks, located asymmetrically.
2. Structure, size and position of intervertebral discs. In healthy patients, they have the same height and size, their surface is even, without any roughness, build-up or rupture. In the presence of pathologies, the thickness of individual discs in the study area is different, protrusions, ruptures and roughness are noticeable. Especially valuable are such information when performing MRI with cervical osteochondrosis and a hernia of the spine.
3. Condition of the spinal cord. In healthy patients, a spinal canal of uniform width, without constrictions and cavities. The spinal cord is uniform, without seals and signs of myelination, the nerve roots leave the spinal canal without obstructions. In patients with pathology in the spinal cord, foci with a changed density are observed, the spinal canal is narrowed, there are atypical cavities in it. The spinal nerve roots are compressed or disposed asymmetrically.
4. Condition of blood vessels. Normally, the blood vessels in the neck are evenly distributed, the width of their lumen is normal, the walls are not thinned, protrusions and signs of sclerosis are absent. About the pathology speaks the presence of sclerotic plaques and thrombi, narrowing of the lumen of the vessels, an unusual accumulation of thin vessels in one area.
5. Neoplasms. In the absence of pathologies of this species, there are no voluminous formations. If the examinee has tumors or metastases, they will look like clearly delineated areas in the bones, the membranes of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. Almost always, tumors are associated with surrounding tissues with a dense network of blood vessels. This is sometimes the only sign of a malignant process. Since MRI is done when a tumor with a contrast is suspected, the drugs reveal atypical vascular plexuses where they should not normally be.

On average, a detailed transcript of the MRI of the cervical spine takes from a few hours to a day. The result is given to the patient in the hands or sent to the doctor who wrote out the direction for diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a good method of detecting pathologies in the neck.

Nevertheless, doctors note that the MRI of the cervical spine shows the most clear results in the study of blood vessels, cartilage, nerves and soft tissues.

A source: https://DiagnozPro.ru/mrt/pozvonochnik-sustavy/mrt-shejnogo-otdela-pozvonochnika

What MRI shows in the cervical spine and head

MRI of the cervical spine is assigned to identify the pathology of the aquatic tissues of the spine: intervertebral hernias and spinal cord. The examination shows pathological changes with a high degree of reliability (98%).

As a consequence, the high cost of magnetic resonance imaging is justified by the result of X-ray diffraction.

Examination does not result in a radiation load on a person, so a large number of people want to perform it.

However, an MRI scan of the spine is performed according to strict indications.

What MRI of the cervical spine shows

MRI of the cervical spine shows the following anatomical structures:

• Malignant neoplasms;
• Vascular anomalies;
• The condition of cartilaginous discs;
• Pathology of the musculoskeletal system;
• Compression of the spinal cord;
• The defeat of the nerve roots.

Magnetic resonance imaging is the only method that allows you to see pathological and structural changes in the cervical vertebrae, as well as evaluate the pathophysiological and physicochemical processes in the cervical region vertebral column. MRI of the cervical section shows in the three-dimensional image the nerve trunks and the vascular network of the spine.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and spinal cord makes it possible to clearly trace the state of soft tissues saturated with water. Computer scanning allows you to explore the bone system: the vertebrae, the structure of the bones.

Because of the expensive equipment, the cost of the mert of the cervical spine is higher than that of the analog. The use of magnetic scanning implies the use of strong high-frequency pulses for the resonance of hydrogen atoms that emit a radio signal.

The obtained radiographs allow obtaining a detailed image of soft tissues and storing them on a magnetic carrier.

Today, mrt is the most sensitive method for diagnosing the pathology of the head, since the brain tissues are saturated with water. It is often used to study the spine and spinal cord.

What identifies and shows a tomography of the head

MRI of the head can detect the following pathological conditions:

• Neoplasms of the brain;
• Vascular anomalies of development;
• Pathology of the pituitary gland;
• Stroke (violation of blood supply to the brain);
• Chronic diseases of the nervous system;
• The cause of headaches;
• Disturbance of the development of the brain;
• Pathological changes in a person with dementia.

With frequent headaches, when a patient comes to the examination to a doctor, he is assigned a magnetic resonance imaging of the spine or head, which allows to find out the cause of the disease.

With pathology of the carotid artery, there is a violation of blood supply in the brain, since the vessel feeds 20% of the brain tissues. Reveal pathology allows MRI of the cervical spine.

When performing a study, doctors do not need to perform a large amount X-ray images, because with the help of software you can make a 3D model of the head or neck. It rotates in different directions, which makes it possible to examine anatomical structures with a high degree of accuracy.

When carrying out the mrt of the cervical spine, there is no need to conduct a multitude of other methods of examination:

1. Carotid artery angiography;
2. Radiography of the cervical spine;
3. Rheovasography of vessels;
4. Scintigraphy of vertebrae.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and cervical spine shows tissue sections made 5 mm. This accuracy is sufficient to reveal a pathological condition and determine the optimal tactics for treating the patient.

When the neck of the cervical region is performed

MRI of the cervical spine is performed in the following situations:

• Suspicions of neck injuries with displacement of anatomical structures and compression of the spinal cord;
• Degenerative-dystrophic processes of the spine (osteochondrosis, spondylosis);
• Suspicion of tumor metastasis;
• With the development of hernia and protrusion of discs;
• Stenosis of the spinal cord;
• Autoimmune conditions (spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis);
• If there is a suspicion of vascular anomalies;
• Tuberculosis lesions;
• Preparation for neurosurgical operations.

When deciding how much a magnetic resonance imaging is worth, one should not think that its cost is overstated. The costs of equipment operation and consumables are very high and difficult to justify the profitability of the procedure.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and cervical region allows us to identify not the osteochondrosis of the spine, but morphological changes in the intervertebral discs.

The pathological condition of the blood supply to the spinal column makes it possible to evaluate diagnostic indices, as well as planetary indicators of the spine.

It also shows various pathological indices of the head and brain.

A source: http://mrt-uzi.com/mrt-pozvonochnika/mrt-sheynogo-otdela-pozvonochnika-i-golovyi-chto-pokazyivaet.html