DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR SCI
Doctors use several tests to evaluate a spinal cord injury, the following are some of those tests and what they hope to achieve:
X-rays Spinal X-rays can show fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae. In an
emergency, if a spinal injury is suspected, X- rays of the spine may be done to look for broken bones. However, X-rays don’t show the spinal cord itself. CT scan (Computerised Tomography) A CT scan is like a powerful X-ray that gives a detailed cross-sectional view of the spine. It’s often done in trauma cases to quickly see bone fragments pressing on the spinal cord or to pinpoint broken vertebrae. CTs are very good at showing bone injuries. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the spinal cord and nerves. It’s the best test to see the spinal cord tissue and any swelling, bleeding, or compression on the cord. MRI can show if a disc or bone fragment is pushing on the cord, and it helps guide whether surgery is needed. It can also assess any ligament injuries. MRIs take longer and are done once the patient is stable (since the machine is a tunnel you must lie in, sometimes sedated).
The injured person may get a CT scan in the emergency department and an MRI scan, shown above, a little later to assess the spinal cord injury fully. These tests help determine the level of injury and whether it’s complete or incomplete, although the neurological exam is also crucial.
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