Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine without contrast – Lublin

Why is it worth doing with us?

Description of a magnetic resonance imaging examination of the cervical spine without contrast

MRI of the cervical spine enables a precise assessment of the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal canal, spinal cord, and surrounding soft tissues. The examination can detect conditions such as cervical disc herniation, degenerative changes , nerve root compression, spinal stenosis, inflammation, and neoplastic lesions.

At CM LUXMED Lublin, we perform MRI scans using a modern GE MR 1.5T 450W GEM system with 32 channels , which provides high-precision 3D imaging and can reduce examination time by up to half. Thanks to its wide opening (70 cm) and table load capacity of up to 226 kg, MRI is also comfortable for overweight individuals or those concerned about feeling confined.

When should an MRI of the cervical spine be performed?

Most common indications:

• chronic neck and nape pain,
• pain radiating to the shoulders and arms, numbness or tingling in the upper limbs,
• suspicion of cervical discopathy or spinal canal stenosis,
• cervical spine injuries (e.g. whiplash),
• dizziness, symptoms of spinal cord compression,
• follow-up after neurosurgical procedures,
• inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the cervical spine.

What does the examination look like?

Acoustic Reduction technology, the device operates more quietly than standard MRIs. Shorter scanning times, a wide aperture, and 3D imaging capabilities make the examination comfortable and less stressful.

The patient lies still on their back, with their head and neck placed in a special coil – it's safe and painless. The examination itself takes from a dozen to several dozen minutes.

Preparation for MRI of the cervical spine without contrast at CM Luxmed Lublin

Before each examination at Luxmed Rezonans Lublin, please inform the clinic staff of all relevant health factors. This includes:

• drug allergies,
• kidney failure, diabetes, hypertension,
• diseases such as myeloma or hyperthyroidism,
• medications taken on a regular basis.

It is also important to report the presence of a pacemaker, insulin pump, metal implants, stents, clips, shrapnel, bullets, and previous bypass surgery. Information about the implant material or brand name should be included in the medical records . Additionally, claustrophobia should be reported, as this may require an individualized approach.

Weight restrictions: MRI machines at CM Luxmed Lublin allow for the examination of patients weighing up to 226 kg.

Practical tips before MRI of the head:

✓ Bring any previous test results for the organ being examined (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI).
✓ Wear comfortable clothing without metal elements such as buttons, zippers, or belts.
✓ Leave metal objects, your phone, and jewelry in the changing room before entering the room.
✓ If you take regular medications, you should take them as normal on the day of your examination.
✓ Report to the Luxmed Rezonans Lublin 30 minutes before your scheduled examination time with your ID.

MRI examination without contrast:

• No additional preparation or creatinine testing required.

MRI examination with contrast:

• Blood creatinine levels should be measured no later than 7 days before the test.
• The last meal should be eaten no later than 5 hours before the examination; you can drink still water.

Contraindications to performing MRI examinations of the cervical spine without contrast at CM Luxmed Lublin

In the MRI lab, patient safety is a priority, so before you book your appointment, check if you have any contraindications, which are divided into absolute and relative.

Absolute contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging of the spine:

• patient weight exceeding 226 kg,
• pacemaker, pacemakers or neurostimulators,
• pregnancy (inform the laboratory staff) – examination without contrast is possible only after assessing the diagnostic risks and benefits after the first trimester,
• invasive surgical, aesthetic or diagnostic procedures within the last 6 weeks (you must wait at least 6 weeks after the procedure, regardless of the body part being examined),
• metal foreign bodies in the eyeball (if in doubt, an X-ray of the eye sockets is performed),
• insulin pump, hearing implant, internal hearing aid, ossicular plastic surgery or cochlear implant containing ferromagnetic metals.

Relative contraindications to MRI of the cervical spine:

• the presence of ferromagnetic metals, orthodontic appliances or other metal elements in the body – examination is often possible, but may cause artifacts or local heating of tissues,
• vascular clips – MRI can be performed 6 weeks after the procedure,
• tattoos or permanent makeup – waiting 6 weeks after the procedure.

Contraindications to contrast agent administration:

• severe renal failure (eGFR < 30) – testing possible only in life situations,
• pregnancy – necessary assessment of diagnostic risks and benefits,
• allergy to contrast agent – ​​very rare cases.

Additional notes:

• dialysis patients do not have to change the date of dialysis,
• Breastfeeding: for non-contrast examinations, it is not necessary to interrupt breastfeeding.

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