Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Spine, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of the Spine, Spinal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

How To Prepare

Before the MRI test, tell your health professional and the MRI technologist if you:

• Are allergic to any medicines. The contrast material used for MRI does not contain iodine. If you have a known allergy to the contrast material used for MRI, tell your health professional before having the test. Sometimes the benefits of having this test may outweigh the risks.
• Are or might be pregnant.
• Have a pacemaker, artificial limb, any metal pins or metal parts in your body (especially in the eyes), metal heart valves, metal clips in your brain, metal implants in your ear, tattooed eyeliner, or any other implanted or prosthetic medical device (such as a medicine infusion pump).
• Have had an accident or work around metal. This increases the possibility that you have metal fragments in your head, eyes, skin, or spine. An X-ray may be taken first, to see if you can have the MRI test.
• Had recent surgery on a blood vessel. In some cases, you may not be able to have the MRI test.
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place. An IUD may prevent you from having the MRI test done.
• Become very nervous in confined spaces. You need to lie very still inside the MRI magnet, so you may need to have the test done with open MRI equipment. It is not as confining as standard MRI machines. You may need medicine to help you relax.
• Have any other health conditions, such as kidney problems or sickle cell anemia, that may prevent you from having an MRI using contrast material.
• Wear any medication patches. The MRI may cause a burn at the patch site.

You may need to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of an MRI and agree to have the test done. Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).

You may need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the test, if you are given a medicine (sedative) to help you relax.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: August 17, 2007
Medical Review:	Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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