From the Guidelines
After an MRI scan for an unknown condition with symptoms like pain or numbness, the next step is to follow up with the doctor who ordered the test to review the results, typically within 1-2 weeks after the scan. During this appointment, your doctor will interpret the MRI findings and may either provide a diagnosis or recommend additional testing if the results are inconclusive. The MRI scan is particularly useful in evaluating suspected axSpA, as it can depict soft-tissue pathology, assess vertebral marrow, and assess the spinal canal patency 1. Depending on what the MRI reveals, your doctor might prescribe specific treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy sessions, steroid injections, or referral to specialists such as neurologists, orthopedists, or pain management physicians. It's essential to bring a list of your current symptoms, their severity, and how they affect your daily activities to this follow-up appointment. If your symptoms worsen before your scheduled follow-up, contact your doctor immediately. This structured approach ensures proper diagnosis and treatment planning based on objective imaging findings rather than symptoms alone, as MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues that can reveal structural abnormalities, inflammation, nerve compression, or other issues causing your symptoms. Some key points to consider during the follow-up appointment include:
- Reviewing the MRI results to determine if there are any signs of axSpA, such as active inflammatory changes or fatty corner lesions in the spine 1
- Discussing the potential benefits and limitations of additional testing, such as CT myelography or SPECT/CT bone scan 1
- Developing a treatment plan that takes into account the severity of your symptoms and the results of the MRI scan
- Considering referral to specialists if necessary, such as neurologists or orthopedists, to ensure comprehensive care.
From the Research
Next Steps After an MRI Scan
The next steps after an MRI scan for an unknown condition with symptoms like pain or numbness depend on the results of the scan and the clinical information provided by the patient's healthcare provider.
- The expertise of neuroradiology colleagues is relied upon to interpret MR images, and the choice of protocol for MR acquisition and its interpretation hinge crucially on the clinical information provided 2.
- The radiologist's MRI interpretation becomes essential in evaluating intra-articular structures, and correlating virtual and actual images can help better understand pathology, resulting in more accurate MRI interpretations 3.
Understanding MRI Results
To understand MRI results, it is crucial to have a degree of understanding about how MRI works, its limitations, and pitfalls, which can help to optimize what is learned from a scan 2.
- MRI is a commonly used diagnostic tool in neurology, and all neurologists should possess a working knowledge of imaging fundamentals 4.
- Understanding the principles underlying this imaging modality and its multiple applications can be used to appreciate the benefits and limitations of its use, further informing clinical decision-making 5.
Safety Considerations
When undergoing an MRI scan, safety considerations are crucial, including the risks associated with large static and changing magnetic fields, high-powered radiofrequency coil systems, and exogenous contrast agents 6.
- Standards for MR imaging device safety terminology are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, with devices labeled as "MR safe," "MR unsafe," or "MR conditional" 6.
- Division of the MR imaging environment into four distinct, clearly labeled zones--with progressive restriction of entry and increased supervision for higher zones--is a mandatory and key aspect in avoidance of MR imaging-related accidents 6.