What does an MRI of the thoracic spine show?
A thoracic spine MRI provides detailed images of the vertebrae, soft tissues, and surrounding organs to help detect a variety of conditions including fractures, improper spine curvature, inflammation, infection, herniated discs, tumors, and spinal cord damage.
How long does an MRI of thoracic spine take?
The length of a spine MRI is typically 15-25 minutes without a contrast injection. The total length of time is 30-35 minutes if a contrast injection is needed. You will be asked to hold still as MRI scans are sensitive to motion and any motion may obscure information the Radiologist uses to make a formal report.
What organs does a thoracic MRI show?
An MRI for thoracic spine shows snapshots of discs, nerves, spinal cord, and other soft tissues in this region of the spine. A trained radiographer and consultant radiologist will be able to point out anomalies and other irregularities occurring in this region which require closer attention.
What is MRI with contrast and without contrast?
Key takeaways: Both MRI with and without contrast are non-invasive and painless. Contrast MRIs use a contrast dye such as gadolinium or iodine, while non-contrast MRIs don’t. A contrast MRI scan is safe for patients who aren’t pregnant and don’t have pre-existing medical conditions like kidney abnormalities.
What organs are affected by thoracic spine?
3 days ago
The nerves that branch off from your spinal cord in your thoracic spine transmit signals between your brain and major organs, including your:
- Lungs.
- Heart.
- Liver.
- Small intestine.
Is thoracic back pain serious?
Most people with thoracic spine pain get better without treatment in a couple of weeks. However, persistent thoracic back pain is more likely to be due to a serious cause than pain in other areas of the spine.
What are the symptoms of thoracic spine nerve damage?
What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Spine Nerve Damage?
- Significant leg weakness or loss of sensation.
- Loss of feeling in genitals or rectal region.
- No control of urine or stool.
- Fever and lower back pain.
- A fall or injury that caused the pain.
What should you not do before an MRI with contrast?
Preparation for your MRI Appointment: Do not have anything to drink 1-hour before your appointment time. If you have experienced previous nausea or vomiting with Gadolinium in the past, contact your referring physician concerning an anti-emetic prescription. Take your medications as usual unless otherwise instructed.
Why would you need an MRI with contrast?
If you’ve been in an accident and had a brain injury, an MRI with contrast shows your injury in greater detail than an MRI without it. It also can show brain tumors, help diagnose multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, and a brain infection.
Is thoracic spine pain serious?
What are symptoms of thoracic spine problems?
Common Symptoms of Thoracic Spinal Pain
- Persistent Mid-Back Pain.
- Sudden Sharp Mid-Back Pain.
- Stiffness in the Mid-Back Area.
- Radiating Back Pain.
- Numbness, Tingling, and/or Weakness.
Can you drive after MRI with contrast?
After the scan, you can resume normal activities immediately. But if you have had a sedative, a friend or relative will need to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. It’s not safe to drive, operate heavy machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after having a sedative.
Is it okay to fall asleep during an MRI?
Many of our examinations require your cooperation and ability to follow commands to hold your breath to produce the images required to make a diagnosis. For those examinations, we will not allow you to fall asleep. However, there are many other types of MRI examinations that do not require you to follow commands.
What can you not do after an MRI with contrast?
Because MRI utilizes strong magnetic fields, you will not be allowed to wear anything that contains metal during the procedure, including:
- Zippers.
- Buckles.
- Metal buttons.
- Underwire bras.