Magnetic Resonance Neurography exam is performed by magnetic resonance imaging equipment for diagnosis and staging of nerve injuries in the human body, using high-performance computer tools, operated by medical professionals and biomedicine post-processing staff. The examination allows for high quality descriptions of the peripheral nerves, spinal nerve plexuses, and many of their disorders.
Neurography, a term introduced by Filler and Howe et al., Includes high resolution morphological and multiplanar nerve images, as well as diffusion-based functional images (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The concept of Magnetic Resonance Neurography is similar to magnetic resonance angiography, where we see a greater contrast in the visualization of the structures of interest by the visualization of the vascular system through the suppression and signaling of adjacent soft tissues.
The correct treatment of diseases that affect the peripheral nerves and spinal nerve plexuses are highly dependent on the quality of the neurographic image, thus allowing an adequate classification of their lesions.
Neurography.org provides report and post-processing of magnetic resonance neurography exams performed at state of the art imaging clinics and hospitals.
Whenever your doctor suspects that you are suffering from a nerve-related disease, most often a MRI scan can help you determine more precisely both the location and severity of this problem and can help your doctor create a course of action that will have a much higher success rate.
Not all pain is due to a nervous problem. In many cases, the nerves are working perfectly and pain is your body's way of saying that there is a problem with a tissue inside. Think of a sprained ankle, broken bones or an upset stomach; The pain lets you know that something is wrong. Sometimes a compressed nerve is the problem. This is a perfect example of where a neurography exam can be helpful. A MRI scan can locate and describe the exact location where the nerve is irritated or injured.
In many cases, these pains can be attributed to a back problem such as a herniated disc or bone spur. However, the problems can often be related to peripheral nerves.
Some of the most common reasons behind neurography exams are:
Considering this, it is fundamentally important to perform a magnetic resonance neurography examination before invasive surgeries, in order to establish a precision topographic diagnosis of the neural lesion and, therefore, to obtain better postoperative results.
Magnetic Resonance Neurography examinations are conducted by high-field scanners (1.5 Tesla or 3.0 Tesla). You stand at a scanning table and your body is automatically passed to the scanning station (or under the scanning magnet, depending on the physical design of the MRI scanner itself).
In general, the exam takes about 20 minutes and may extend a little longer depending on the number of scans required. In most cases no injectable contrasts are used. The whole exam is comfortable and without risk to patients.
