How to Read a Cervical Spine MRI Result
A cervical spine MRI is a non-evasive procedure which examines the seven vertebrae at the top of your spine. Cervical spine MRIs should always be read and interpreted by a professional radiologist. The radiologist will look for any abnormalities in the first seven vertebrae of the spine when reading the MRI.
Instructions
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Determine which angle of the spine you are viewing. Cervical spine MRIs are generally taken from two positions: the sagittal, which is a side view, and the axial, which is a view from the top of the spinal cord.
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View the sagittal image of the spine. Look for any irregularities in the lining up on the vertebrae along the spine. At the top of the spine, you will see seven vertebrae, known as C1-C7 by doctors. Knowing this vocabulary can be useful when your doctor explains the MRI to you, or if you are reviewing the MRI for your own purposes.
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Look at the discs between the vertebrae to see if any of them look irregular or out of place. You should also look for signs of swelling, which could indicate a serious condition. Swelling of a disc could mean infection, so always have a doctor read over the MRI with you, reviewing any issues he saw.
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Examine the bones you can see in the MRI. Look for places where the bone looks thinner. This could be a sign of arthritis or other bone degenerate issues. Be on the lookout for any splinters or cracks in the bone, as these could indicate a fracture or even breakage in the bone.
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Take note of any abnormal growth or profusions in the MRI while viewing both the sagittal and axial views. This could indicate a cyst or tumor, and either way it needs immediate medical attention. These apparent "growths" could also indicate a swollen infection in the tissue, which can usually be solved through relatively simple medical procedures.
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Tips & Warnings
Always have your doctor look over the MRI and review it with you. If you are not sure of the terminology he uses, don't hesitate to ask questions.
References
- Photo Credit Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images
