No. It is painless; you only need to lie still.

How long for results?

Same-day for routine scans; 1 hour for emergencies.

Can I drive after the scan?

Yes, unless sedated. No recovery period needed.

Is sedation available?

Light oral sedation offered for claustrophobic patients.

Does insurance cover the cost?

Most policies cover medically indicated scans; cashless facility at Cadabams.

Are there any side effects from the MRI Neck scan dye?

If contrast dye (gadolinium) is used for your MRI Neck Scan, side effects are rare and usually mild. They can include a temporary feeling of warmth or coolness at the injection site, a metallic taste in the mouth, headache, or brief nausea. Severe allergic reactions are very uncommon. Please inform our staff at Cadabams Diagnostics of any allergies or previous reactions to contrast agents.

MRI

MRI Neck

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MRI - NECK Overview

Purpose: Detailed images of cervical spine, soft tissues, thyroid & vessels
Duration: 20–40 minutes
Cadabams Advantage: 3T scanner, same-day reports, zero-radiation imaging

List of Parameters

Parameters Considered During Neck MRI Scan

Cervical spine alignment and disc height
Soft-tissue structures—thyroid, lymph nodes, salivary glands
Major vessels—carotid & vertebral arteries for stenosis
Spinal cord signal for myelopathy or compression

When to Take Test

Persistent neck pain with radiculopathy unrelieved by physiotherapy
Suspected mass or enlarged lymph nodes felt on clinical exam
Follow-up after abnormal ultrasound showing thyroid nodules
Evaluation after trauma to rule out ligament tears

Benefits

Benefits of the Neck MRI Scan

Non-invasive & radiation-free—safe for all age groups
Early detection of disc herniation, infection or malignancy
Guides treatment—surgery vs. conservative care based on exact pathology

Conditions Diagnosed by Neck MRI Test

Illness	Key MRI Finding
Cervical disc herniation	Disc protrusion compressing nerve root
Thyroid nodules	Well-defined or irregular mass in thyroid bed
Lymphadenopathy	Enlarged lymph nodes with or without necrosis
Carotid stenosis	Reduced vessel lumen & plaque characterization

Preparing for Test

Preparation For Neck MRI Test

Diet: Eat normally unless contrast is planned—then fast 4 hrs prior
Medications: Continue all regular drugs; bring prescription list
Clothing: Wear metal-free attire; locker provided for valuables
Metal removal checklist:
Remove jewellery, watch, hairpins
Empty pockets of coins & cards

Prerequisites

Valid doctor’s prescription with clinical history
Latest KFT report if contrast dye scheduled
Previous imaging CDs (if any) for comparison

Best Time to Take the MRI Neck

Morning slots (7 am–11 am): Preferred for fasting contrast studies
Same-day emergency availability for trauma or acute swelling
Flexible evening slots on prior booking

Eligibility

Adults & children above 5 years
Pregnancy: Deferred during 1st trimester unless critical; 2nd & 3rd trimester safe without contrast

Procedure for Taking an MRI Neck

Registration & consent
Change into gown, secure belongings
Lie supine on scanner table; neck coil positioned
Scan begins: loud knocking sounds—earplugs provided
Contrast injection (if ordered) via IV midway
Total time: 20–40 minutes
Post-scan observation for 15 min after contrast

Caution Before Taking the Test

Inform staff about:
Pacemaker, ICD, or any implant
Previous reaction to gadolinium
History of claustrophobia

Risks & Limitations of the MRI Neck Scan

Contrast allergies: Mild rash to rare anaphylaxis; inform about shellfish or iodine allergy
Kidney considerations: KFT report required if eGFR < 30 mL/min to prevent nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
Claustrophobia: Open-bore MRI available; light sedation optional
Metal implants: Pacemakers, cochlear implants or spinal rods may be contraindicated

Test Results

Results and Interpretations

Finding / Observation	Description	General Interpretation / Significance
Normal cervical discs	Uniform disc height, no protrusion	No nerve compression
Disc herniation at C5-C6	Disc material compressing C6 nerve	May require surgery or physiotherapy
Thyroid nodule 1.2 cm	Hypointense on T1, hyperintense on T2	FNAC advised to rule out malignancy
Enlarged lymph node	>1 cm with necrotic centre	Infection or metastasis work-up
Moderate Left Neural Foraminal Narrowing at C6-C7	Narrowing of the left C7 neural foramen due to uncovertebral and facet joint hypertrophy.	May impinge the exiting C7 nerve root, possibly leading to radicular symptoms like arm pain, paresthesias, or weakness (e.g., in triceps or middle finger).

FAQs

No. It is painless; you only need to lie still.

Centre visit

MRI Neck

MRI - NECK Overview

Parameters Considered During Neck MRI Scan

When to Take Test

Benefits of the Neck MRI Scan

Conditions Diagnosed by Neck MRI Test

Preparation For Neck MRI Test

Prerequisites

Best Time to Take the MRI Neck

Eligibility

Procedure for Taking an MRI Neck

Caution Before Taking the Test

Risks & Limitations of the MRI Neck Scan

Test Results

FAQs

Is MRI Neck painful?

How long for results?

Can I drive after the scan?

Is sedation available?

Does insurance cover the cost?

Are there any side effects from the MRI Neck scan dye?

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