Should I See a Neurologist for My Neck or Back Pain?
Did you know neurologists are highly specialized non-surgical experts trained specifically on disorders of the brain, spine, peripheral nerves, and muscles?
Some 40 million MRIs are performed each year in the United States alone, making them one of the most common diagnostic imaging tests around. They can also be extremely helpful.
The magnetic resonance imaging tests allow your doctor to get a good look at the inside of your body to assess, rule out, or pinpoint a condition you may have.
At NeuroCare of Texas in Frisco, Texas, Dr. Ahmad Ata and our team offer open MRIs using an on-site open scanner to provide you with a more pleasant experience, especially if you’re claustrophobic or just bothered by enclosed spaces.
Read on to learn more about MRI scans, including conditions they can help us diagnose.
During your MRI scan, you wear a hospital gown and lay down on a table that slides into our MRI scanner. While you’re inside the machine, usually for 10-60 minutes, the scanner produces 2D or 3D images of your internal structures, such as organs, using magnetic radio frequencies and a computer.
Unlike other imaging tools, MRIs don’t use any radiation, and they’re very safe for virtually anyone. If you have any metal in your body, may be pregnant, or have allergies, let us know beforehand. We may ask you to remove things like hairpins, hearing aids, dentures, and jewelry before your scan.
During the painless MRI process, you need to stay very still to ensure clear images. Once you’re finished and Dr. Ata has had a chance to review your results, he discusses the findings with you and formulates a customized treatment plan, as needed.
MRIs can help doctors diagnose a broad range of conditions, including heart and blood vessel conditions, tumors most anywhere in your body, and bone and joint disorders like arthritis.
From a neurology standpoint, a brain and spinal cord MRI can help Dr. Ata diagnose:
Brain and spinal cord MRIs are the most commonly performed type and very effective. And because the tests are noninvasive, you can get right back to your usual activities afterward without any concerns about side effects.
To learn more about MRI scans or get the neurological care you need, call us at NeuroCare of Texas or request an appointment with Dr. Ata through our website.
