Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine
Cervical Spine MRI in Casablanca
Cervical spine MRI examines the spine in the neck: the seven cervical vertebrae, the discs between them, the ligaments, the spinal cord and the nerve roots that run to the arms. Without X-rays, it helps look for a herniated disc, osteoarthritis pressing on a nerve, or narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord passes. Depending on the prescription, the exam can be extended to the upper back: this is called a cervicothoracic MRI.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Cervical spine MRI usually takes 15 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Neck pain that radiates down the arm (cervicobrachial neuralgia) and persists despite treatment.
- Tingling, numbness or loss of strength in an arm or a hand.
- Clumsiness of both hands or walking difficulties raising concern about compression of the spinal cord.
- Assessment after a neck injury, in addition to X-rays or a CT scan.
- Planning or follow-up of cervical spine surgery.
- Pain affecting both the neck and the upper back (cervicothoracic MRI).
How the exam is done
You lie on your back, with the back of your neck resting in a coil that surrounds the head and neck. A cushion under your knees relieves your lower back and pads keep your head steady. If neck pain makes the position difficult, say so before the start: the setup can be adjusted.
During the sequences, the movement to avoid above all is swallowing, which moves the tissues in front of the vertebrae. Swallow your saliva between series, when the noise stops, and hold back coughing if possible. For a cervicothoracic MRI, the area examined extends down to the middle of the back and a few sequences are added. At the end of the exam, get up slowly, especially if you were wearing a neck brace.
Preparation
- Remove necklaces, earrings, hair clips and hearing aids.
- If a neck brace has been prescribed for you, keep it on to come in and tell us about it.
- If needed, take your pain medication before the exam, to make lying down easier to tolerate.
- Since your head is in the center of the machine, tell us about claustrophobia when you book.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection is rarely useful for a herniated disc. It may be added after neck surgery, or if an infection, inflammation or a spinal cord lesion is suspected; it is given through a vein in the arm.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or spinal cord stimulator: please declare it; whether the exam is possible depends on the device.
- Plate, screws or artificial disc in the neck: usually compatible, but they can affect the image.
- Cochlear implant, old vascular clip, metal fragment in the eye or implanted pump.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure, if an injection is being considered.
- Tattoos in the neck area or permanent makeup.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- Previous X-rays, CT scans or MRIs of the neck
- Surgical report if you have had cervical spine surgery
- Electromyogram (nerve test) if one has been done
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a cervical spine MRI depends on the extent examined (neck only, or neck and upper back) and on a gadolinium injection, which is rarely useful for a herniated disc.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from a spinal cord MRI?
Cervical spine MRI targets the vertebrae, discs and nerve roots of the neck, along with the spinal cord at that level. Spinal cord MRI studies the spinal cord over a greater length, often for a neurological disease such as multiple sclerosis. The choice depends on your symptoms.
Does a herniated disc seen on MRI necessarily explain my pain?
Not always. Herniated discs or cervical osteoarthritis are often seen in people with no symptoms at all. The radiologist describes the abnormalities, and it is your doctor who compares them with your clinical signs to decide on treatment.
I have screws or a plate in my neck: can I have an MRI?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Spinal fusion hardware and artificial discs are generally compatible, but they create a dark area around them. Bring the surgical report: the radiologist adapts the sequences and adds an injection if needed.
What should I do if my symptoms get worse before the appointment?
Rapid weakness in an arm or the legs, walking difficulties or urinary problems are warning signs. In that case, do not wait for the scheduled date: see a doctor or go to the emergency department without delay.
Cervical Spine MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a cervical spine MRI depends on the extent examined (neck only, or neck and upper back) and on a gadolinium injection, which is rarely useful for a herniated disc. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.