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Ency. home > Test > S > Spine MRI

Spine MRI    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Magnetic resonance imaging - spine; Nuclear magnetic resonance - spine; MRI of the spine; NMR - spine

What the Risks Are

There is no ionizing radiation involved in MRI, and there have been no documented significant side effects of the magnetic fields and radio waves used on the human body to date. The most common MR intravenous contrast agent, gadolinium, is very safe, and although there have been documented allergic reactions to it, it is an extremely rare occurrence. If sedation is used, there are associated risks of over-sedation. The technologist monitors the patient's
vital signs, including heart rate and respiration as needed.

However, because the effects of strong magnetic fields on a fetus are not well documented at this time, pregnant women are usually advised to avoid MRI scans.

Ency. home > Test > S > Spine MRI

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