Hebbie Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 I am having a MRI of my back this evening due to some recent back pain.....my question is -- what exactly does the MRI pick see? Does it stricktly pick up tumors or does it also pick up muscle pulls or things of that nature? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 MRI with contrast, Heather, should be able to pick up tumor,blood flow, and who knows what all else. The MRI is the diagnostic of choice by my surgeon for brain, while the CT with contrast is good enough for the chest area. I suspect the doctor would be looking at nerve involvement/blood flow/soft tissue differences. Why don't you ask the techs? They are a wealth of information (as long as you don't ask them to peek and tell.....). Good luck. XOXOX MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted March 1, 2004 Share Posted March 1, 2004 I agree-ask the techs. OR call the DR and ask him/her what it is they are looking for with the MRI Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted March 2, 2004 Share Posted March 2, 2004 MRI is the method of choice to see cartilage and bone and soft tissues in the spine. It can show spinal disc material protruding into nerve canals. It is used for non-cancer related back problems. It sees different soft tissues according to the amount of Hydrogen content. It used to be call NMR or nuclear magnetic resonance because the Hydrogen nuclei resonate with radio frequency in a magnetic field, and is still called NMR when used by chemists in a test tube. The PR people did not want the word nuclear, either because it connotes radioactivity, which is not involved, or perhaps because so many people say nucular. Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted March 2, 2004 Share Posted March 2, 2004 Thank you, both for the information and the chuckle I got from your last line. Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyCW Posted March 3, 2004 Share Posted March 3, 2004 Yeah, Dan, why IS it that so many people say "nucular?" LOL Heather, I hope the MRI went well and gave only good news. BeckyCW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.