MR inquiry - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

patrick_uk · 12-10-2004, 07:13 PM

could anyone tell me what area a cirvical spine MR scan covers.from what ive read on the net its the neck.but dont state if its just the spinal column or the whole neck from left to right. ive already had an MR scan of the head and was under the impression the neck was automaticly included.can anyone help?

feelbad · 12-11-2004, 08:01 AM

The spinal cord and vertebrae are seperated into four seperate areas,the cervical,at the top,then thoracic then lumbar and then sacral at the very bottom.The area included usually when a scan of the neck area(the "C spine") is done is from just above the 1rst cervical vert(usually includes the lower part of jaw and lower brain for no other reason than it just shows up in the pics.it will then show the seven C spine vertebrae on down through most likely the 2nd or 3rd thoracic spinal vertebrae.It also gives shots from both sides and and also slices down through the column so it can detect abnormalities way inside the vertebrae and cord.hope this helped.

patrick_uk · 12-12-2004, 11:59 AM

cheers feelbad.what if my area for concern is in the neck but way away from the spine situated in soft tissue.say a few inches under the ear? i ask because my dr reffereed me for this scan without even hearing my full symptoms. i think hes just sending me for a pointless scan to appease me.