Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord is not done in isolation. In addition to the spinal canal itself, the image shows the structures of the spine, nerves. MRI is an effective way to diagnose diseases of internal organs. Read more about it in the article.
The essence of the method
The essence of MRI is to use the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance. This means that the electromagnetic waves that are created in the tomograph are able to capture the concentration of ions in the internal organs and tissues of the body. The highest concentration in the human body is inherent in hydrogen ions. Under the influence of a magnetic field, they begin to "vibrate". This process is accompanied by the release of energy.
The generated energy is captured by the software on the computer and displayed on the monitor. The images are clear, so you can see the pathology of the internal organs at an early stage.
MRI of the brain and spinal cord is one of the mostinformative methods for diagnosing diseases of the central nervous system.
What can be seen with an MRI
The MRI of the spinal cord and spine shows the following:
- the structure of the bodies and processes of the vertebrae;
- structure of intervertebral discs;
- herniated discs;
- inflammatory processes in the spine and spinal cord;
- fractures fractures of the vertebrae;
- neoplasms of the spine and spinal cord;
- pinched nerves and roots of the spinal cord.
As you can see from the list above, the list of diseases that can be diagnosed with MRI is really wide.
Main indications
Despite the high information content of MRI of the spinal cord, this diagnostic method is not assigned to everyone. Only after a thorough conversation with the patient and his examination, basic laboratory tests, if necessary, the doctor writes out a referral for an MRI.
The main indications for this procedure are as follows:
- congenital anomalies in the structure of the spine or spinal cord;
- traumatic injury to the spinal canal or vertebrae;
- herniated discs;
- suspicion of a primary tumor of the spinal cord or metastasis of tumors of other organs;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- osteomyelitis is an inflammatory disease that is characterized by the destruction of bonefabric;
- multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system in which the myelin sheath of nerves is destroyed;
- back pain with no known cause.
Sometimes there is a need for an MRI of the cervical spinal cord when a person complains of a headache. This is due to the fact that a hernia of the cervical spine compresses the roots of the spinal cord, and the pain radiates to the head.
Contraindications to the procedure
There are conditions in which an MRI is absolutely contraindicated. They are divided into absolute and relative. In the first case, MRI is excluded under any circumstances. In the second, the doctor individually decides on the possibility of a tomogram. The decision is made in favor of an MRI if the possible negative consequences are lower than the expected benefits of the method.
There is only one absolute contraindication - the presence of any metal objects in the body:
- pacemaker;
- prosthetic joint;
- vascular clips;
- insulin pump and more.
Relative contraindications for MRI of the spinal cord include:
- body weight over 130 kg;
- claustrophobia;
- mental illness that prevents the patient from being immobile for long periods;
- hyperkinetic syndrome - the appearance of involuntary movements associated with a disease of specialized structures of the brain (basal ganglia);
- severe heart diseasevascular system, which led to dysfunction of the heart.
Can a child have an MRI?
The question of the advisability of diagnosing diseases using tomograms for children and pregnant women is still debatable. Many doctors adhere to the same principle as with relative contraindications: MRI of the spinal cord of a child should be done with caution if the intended benefit outweighs the harm.
No complications were observed during the entire period of MRI. Particular care should be taken with women in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is during this period that the laying of all the internal organs of the fetus occurs. But if there is such a need, doctors prescribe an MRI at the very beginning of pregnancy.
Varieties of procedure
There are several classifications of MRI of the spinal cord. One of them takes into account the segment of the spine and spinal cord that is being examined:
- cervical;
- chest;
- lumbar;
- sacral;
- mixed options: cervicothoracic, lumbosacral.
The second classification is based on whether a contrast agent is injected into the body. Thus, there may be an MRI without and with contrast.
Features of contrasting
MRI of the spinal cord with contrast increases the diagnostic value of the method. This is especially important if you suspect the presence of neoplasms in the spinal canal. Tumor and he althy tissue accumulate contrast differently. Thisthe difference is captured in the image, which allows you to diagnose oncology at an early stage.
The contrast agent used in MRI is based on gadolinium. It is absolutely safe for the body and rarely causes allergic reactions. But in any case, before taking a picture, you need to test with contrast. To do this, a small amount of the substance is injected subcutaneously. After the doctor observes the reaction of the skin. The appearance of itching, rash or redness indicates the presence of hypersensitivity. This means that the use of contrast must be abandoned.
MRI steps
Carrying out a tomogram does not require special preparation. The main thing is to remove all metal jewelry, removable dentures, hearing aids, etc. The presence of metal can lead not only to a violation of the image quality, but also to damage to the scanner.
The patient lies down on a special table, his arms and legs are tied with straps. The head is also fixed. This is necessary to ensure complete immobility.
Next, the table moves into the tomograph itself. The fact that the tomograph is turned on can be understood by the crackling and tapping that it makes during operation. Even people who have never suffered from claustrophobia can have an attack during the procedure. There is very little space in the device, and the sound is loud and unpleasant.
Therefore, the doctor must explain to the patient about the specifics of the procedure and convince him of its safety. If the patient is too worried, the doctor prescribes sedatives.
Duringexamination, the diagnostician is in the next room behind a glass partition. He is always in touch with the patient, so there is no need to panic.
The duration of an MRI depends on the part of the spine being examined. On average, the duration of a conventional tomography is 40 minutes, with the introduction of contrast - an hour and a half.
Conclusion and recommendations of doctors
After the MRI of the spinal cord of the thoracic region or other segments has come to an end, the doctor describes the picture and issues a conclusion.
In conclusion, he first describes in detail the structures of the spinal cord and spine he saw, their relationship to each other, whether there is a pathology.
Bottom he puts the supposed diagnosis on the basis of the signs that are on the MRI. But the final clinical diagnosis can only be made by the attending physician. To accurately determine the nature of the pathology, one MRI is not enough. The diagnosis is made comprehensively based on the clinic, complaints, examination data and other examination methods.
Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes treatment and gives appropriate recommendations. Sometimes there is a need for additional advice from other specialists:
- neurologist;
- neurosurgeon;
- traumatologist.
MRI of the spinal cord is a really effective method for diagnosing diseases of this part of the central nervous system. But it is not necessary to make a diagnosis only according to MRI. There should always be a comprehensive approach!
