A targeted scan of the upper portion of your spine is referred to as C-spine (cervical spine). The scan is performed to look at the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and the spinal canal to detect various conditions;
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Tumours of the spinal column
- Disc bulge or hernia
- Fractures (Compression fractures, Burst fractures, Flexion-distraction fractures (seat-belt injuries), Fracture-dislocation)
- Scar tissue after previous surgeries
- Other abnormalities
Bear in mind that a scan for “SOFT TISSUE NECK” is aimed at the structures in front of your cervical spine (thyroid, lymph nodes, glands) and has a different set of clinical indications.
Read more about MRI SOFT TISSUE NECK
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye