Spine MRI

Patient Prep

There are no preparations for this study. You may eat, drink, and take any medication that you would normally do in a day.

Test Procedure

The technologist will ask you to lie flat on coil. This is what will create the images needed by the radiologists to provide you with an excellent examination.

For most of the spine studies we will not be using contrast (dye). The contrast used in MRI is very different than other parts of Radiology. The MRI contrast does not contain Iodine, which is what a lot of patients are allergic to with CT or IVP contrast. However, if you do feel anything during the injection please informs the technologist immediately. Even though it is safer does not mean you may not be allergic to this type of contrast. The technologist will use a "butterfly" needle, if contrast is needed. This is the only way to best look at certain pathology such as tumors and infections. If you had previous spinal surgery, you will be getting contrast. Contrast is not commonly used in spine MRI, however if used leads to a more complete examination. The technologist will inform you prior to beginning the study if you will be getting contrast. The determination for the use of the contrast is by the radiologist. Your physician might not have informed you of this reason.

Once you are ready for the examination the study will take approximately 15-50 minutes. This is from beginning to end, unless we have to repeat images. Sometimes your physician may request the entire spine to be studied, which could double the length of the examination. You will be asked to hold perfectly still, no motion during the examination. MRI is very sensitive to motion, and with the high quality images we will be performing we want to guarantee the best examination as possible for you.

You will be covered with a blanket if you desire one, and you will have the opportunity to listen to music while you are undergoing the exam.

Most patients will go in head first. Keep in mind, the area of concern has to be within the center of the magnet. The technologist will be placing you where you need to be to perform the study, unfortunately at times this means your head is in the machine. If you are claustrophobic and/or very nervous, contact your physician to see if they would like to give you some medication to make the test more pleasant. A family member is able to join you in the MRI suite, just as long as they too pass our medical screening.

We strongly recommend keeping your eyes closed, and try to relax. The MRI will make various noises that are considered normal; it is the technologist acquiring the images needed for your study. The technologist has no control over the volume and/or noise; therefore we will provide you with earplugs to minimize the noise.

Test Results

The radiologist will review your images later, and your physician will provide you with the results. This may take up to three days. However, if it is considered an emergency, there are ways for physicians to get results more quickly.