Is there is difference between a neck MRI and a cervical spine MRI?

[lizvic]

Hello

I wonder if anyone could tell me if there is a difference between an MRI of the neck and one of the cervical spine?

Thank you x

I wouldn't think so, as the terms neck and c-spine are synonymous. They scan sequences used Kay vary though, depending on what the doctors are looking for, so it's not just the site that matters. What kind of differences are you concerned about?

*may vary

Hello

Thank you so much for your reply.

I have already had a cervical spine MRI and now need a neck one. I wondered if something would have shown on the cervical scan. (ALthough I had the cervical one privately and my GP doesnt know about it.

What are scan sequences?

Firstly MRI is perfectly safe so there is no risk or downside to you having another one except I suppose the wait time. Whatever it is could very well show up on your first scan so it is probably worth mentioning it/showing your GP the results.

Scan sequences are to do with the way the MRI acquires the images. Depending on the order and spacing of different waves it emits different things can show up e.g fat, fluid, areas of good/poor blood flow etc

I think they are different (not a medic or radiographer or anything) I've had a cervical spine MRI and the when discussing it with the consultant afterwards he toyed with the idea of a neck one-to see thyroid and throat which the cervical spine films don't quite capture apparently.

Hello

Goodness, I didn't realise mri's could be so complicated!

Thank you xx