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900662 tn?1469390305

Full Spine MRI, thanks Quix for your posts.

Thanks Quix,  and Lulu54

I'm  still in limbo ,  my wife & I thank you for caring for so many on this site & there many others as well. I'm Sorry to those I haven't mentioned they have helped so many  also.

You recommend that I have a full spine MRI,  my 3 month follow up appointment is in two weeks,  when I called the nurse a requested a full spine MRI the Dr  called back and said after the office visit he would schedule this,   so here's my questions.



1.  is the full spine done in one day?
or is the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine done at different times?

2.  how long- would take to have the MRI complete in one day?
I have L4 &L5 & S1  budge & herniated disk-  so its gets painful to lay for a long time. as a result of being rear ended three years ago..

3.  Will they be looking lesions on the spine or something else?

thanks
Spring is almost here !!!!
6 Responses
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147426 tn?1317265632
Well you got good info for the MRI.

Thank you for your kind words.

Quix
Helpful - 0
1142230 tn?1268675666
I had three on the same day, They brought me out of the machine twice and I got up off the table one of the times.  It took about 2 1/2 hrs. altogether, but it wasn't bad with the breaks.  Good luck!
Helpful - 0
572651 tn?1530999357
When my spine was done they did all three at the same time.  Each section was scheduled for a one hour appointment.

In reality it took about 90 minutes to do all three, because there was no getting me on and off the table, explaining the scan routine and all that normal stuff that each new scan requires.  

The tech did offer to let me get up and move if I needed to - don't hesitate to request a break if you need it in between sections.

hooray for spring - it can't get here too soon.

be well,
Lulu
  
Helpful - 0
1045086 tn?1332126422
The techs have been very good at using pillows or cushions under my knees/legs during MRI scans to help relieve back stress.  The scan time seemed different depending on where I had it done.  I wonder if the newer machines can scan faster.

I've had cervical and lumbar MRI but no thoracic MRI yet.  Since the thoracic spine is the longest segment it would make sense that it would require more time to complete.

Spinal MRI does use contrast if ordered, except for the lumbar region.  The doctor may not order a lumbar scan anyway.  The spinal cord ends before reaching the lumbar area so there are no lesions to be seen there.

The doctor will certainly take note of any other abnormality that could cause symptoms but will mainly look for the same type of demyelinating lesion found in the brain.

Please let us know how your visit goes.
Mary
Helpful - 0
900662 tn?1469390305
Thanks,

I plan on an easy work out before the MRI---- & I do have pain killers.

If they let me up to walk once or twice that would help...
Helpful - 0
429700 tn?1308007823
I have had a cervical and brain MRI in one sitting (one with and without contrast).  They can do it all in one time, and it will probably take 1-2 hours.  How long can you lay on your back before it starts getting painful?  Is there anything that you can take ahead of time that could possibly prevent pain.  

I'd call the place where you're going to have an MRI and ask them what they can do and how long it'll take.  Typically, they don't do contrast agent for the spine, so you don't have to wait on that.  

Helpful - 0
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