Can MRI scans cause pain for cochlear implant recipients. How do adverse events during MRI affect patients with cochlear implants. What measures can be taken to minimize discomfort during MRI for cochlear implant users. Are there alternatives to MRI for cochlear implant recipients experiencing pain.

The Impact of MRI on Cochlear Implant Recipients

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool, but for cochlear implant recipients, it can pose unique challenges and potential discomfort. Understanding the interaction between cochlear implants and MRI technology is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.

Cochlear implants are electronic devices surgically implanted to provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. These implants contain magnetic components that can interact with the strong magnetic fields used in MRI scans, potentially leading to adverse events and discomfort.

Common Causes of MRI-Related Pain for Cochlear Implant Users

• Magnetic field interactions
• Device displacement or movement
• Localized heating
• Induced electrical currents
• Pressure on surrounding tissues

Adverse Events During MRI for Cochlear Implant Recipients

Adverse events experienced by cochlear implant recipients during MRI scans can range from mild discomfort to more severe complications. These events often stem from the interaction between the implant’s magnetic components and the MRI’s powerful magnetic field.

Are adverse events common during MRI scans for cochlear implant users? While not universal, a significant number of patients report experiencing some level of discomfort or adverse effects. The severity and frequency of these events can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the strength of the MRI magnetic field, and individual patient characteristics.

Types of Adverse Events Reported

1. Pain or discomfort at the implant site
2. Dizziness or vertigo
3. Temporary changes in hearing perception
4. Magnet dislocation or displacement
5. Implant damage (in rare cases)

Minimizing Discomfort During MRI for Cochlear Implant Recipients

While MRI scans can be challenging for cochlear implant users, several strategies can help minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of adverse events. Healthcare providers and patients should work together to implement these measures and ensure a safer, more comfortable experience.

How can healthcare providers reduce MRI-related discomfort for cochlear implant recipients? By implementing a combination of technical adjustments, patient preparation, and specialized imaging protocols, the risk of adverse events can be significantly reduced.

Strategies to Enhance MRI Safety and Comfort

• Use of lower magnetic field strengths when possible
• Proper positioning and head stabilization
• Application of protective bandages or headwraps
• Customized imaging sequences to minimize implant interference
• Pre-scan patient education and preparation

Technological Advancements in Cochlear Implants for MRI Compatibility

As awareness of MRI-related challenges for cochlear implant users has grown, manufacturers have developed innovative solutions to enhance compatibility and reduce the risk of adverse events. These advancements aim to provide patients with safer and more comfortable MRI experiences.

What technological improvements have been made to cochlear implants to enhance MRI compatibility? Recent years have seen the introduction of MRI-conditional implants and removable magnets, among other innovations, designed to minimize the interaction between the implant and the MRI’s magnetic field.

Key Technological Advancements

1. MRI-conditional implants with reduced magnetic susceptibility
2. Removable magnets for easier MRI preparation
3. Advanced shielding techniques to protect internal components
4. Improved implant designs to reduce torque and displacement
5. Integration of non-magnetic materials in implant construction

Alternative Imaging Options for Cochlear Implant Recipients

While MRI remains a valuable diagnostic tool, alternative imaging modalities may be considered for cochlear implant recipients who experience significant discomfort or are at higher risk for adverse events. These alternatives can provide valuable diagnostic information while minimizing the potential for implant-related complications.

Do alternative imaging options exist for cochlear implant users who cannot undergo MRI? Yes, several alternative imaging techniques can be employed depending on the specific diagnostic needs and the patient’s individual circumstances.

Alternative Imaging Modalities

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• Ultrasound imaging
• X-rays
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans
• Low-field MRI systems

Patient Education and Preparation for MRI Procedures

Proper patient education and preparation are crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of cochlear implant recipients undergoing MRI scans. By providing comprehensive information and guidance, healthcare providers can help patients better understand the procedure and manage their expectations.

How can patients with cochlear implants prepare for an MRI scan? Preparation involves a combination of medical consultation, understanding the specific requirements for their implant model, and following pre-scan instructions provided by their healthcare team.

Key Steps in Patient Preparation

1. Consultation with the implant surgeon or audiologist
2. Review of implant manufacturer guidelines
3. Discussion of potential risks and benefits with the radiologist
4. Consideration of alternative imaging options if appropriate
5. Following specific pre-scan instructions (e.g., magnet removal if applicable)

Managing Post-MRI Effects in Cochlear Implant Users

Even with proper precautions, some cochlear implant recipients may experience temporary effects following an MRI scan. Understanding these potential effects and knowing how to manage them is essential for patient care and comfort.

What are common post-MRI effects experienced by cochlear implant users? Patients may report temporary changes in sound perception, mild discomfort at the implant site, or in rare cases, the need for implant readjustment.

Post-MRI Care and Monitoring

• Immediate post-scan assessment by healthcare professionals
• Monitoring for any changes in hearing or implant function
• Follow-up appointments with the audiologist or implant team
• Adjustment of implant settings if necessary
• Patient education on when to seek additional medical attention

The intersection of cochlear implant technology and MRI procedures presents unique challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. While MRI scans can cause discomfort and potential adverse events for cochlear implant recipients, ongoing advancements in implant design and imaging protocols are continually improving the safety and comfort of these procedures.

By understanding the causes of MRI-related pain and discomfort, implementing strategies to minimize risks, and exploring alternative imaging options when necessary, healthcare providers can ensure better outcomes for cochlear implant users requiring diagnostic imaging. Patient education and preparation play crucial roles in managing expectations and reducing anxiety associated with these procedures.

As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further improvements in MRI compatibility for cochlear implants, potentially leading to even safer and more comfortable experiences for patients. In the meantime, close collaboration between patients, audiologists, radiologists, and implant manufacturers remains essential to navigate the complexities of MRI scans for cochlear implant recipients.

The field of cochlear implantation and medical imaging continues to advance, driven by the need to improve patient care and diagnostic capabilities. Ongoing research into new materials, implant designs, and imaging techniques promises to further enhance the MRI experience for cochlear implant users, potentially reducing the incidence of pain and discomfort during these crucial diagnostic procedures.

Future Directions in MRI Safety for Cochlear Implant Recipients

As the medical community continues to recognize the importance of MRI accessibility for cochlear implant users, research and development efforts are focusing on innovative solutions to enhance safety and comfort. These advancements aim to minimize the risk of adverse events and expand the diagnostic options available to patients with cochlear implants.

What emerging technologies show promise for improving MRI safety in cochlear implant recipients? Several cutting-edge approaches are currently being explored, including advanced materials science, novel implant designs, and innovative imaging protocols.

Promising Areas of Research and Development

1. Development of fully MRI-compatible implant materials
2. Integration of active shielding technologies in implant design
3. Advanced software algorithms for artifact reduction in MRI images
4. Customizable, patient-specific MRI protocols
5. Remote implant deactivation systems for MRI procedures

The ongoing collaboration between cochlear implant manufacturers, medical imaging specialists, and healthcare providers is crucial for driving these advancements forward. As new technologies emerge and undergo clinical testing, patients can look forward to potentially safer and more comfortable MRI experiences in the future.

Potential Impact of Future Advancements

• Reduced need for implant removal or deactivation during MRI
• Expanded access to high-field MRI scans for cochlear implant users
• Improved diagnostic image quality in the presence of implants
• Decreased incidence of MRI-related discomfort and adverse events
• Enhanced overall patient care and quality of life for implant recipients

As these advancements continue to progress, it is essential for healthcare providers to stay informed about the latest developments in MRI safety for cochlear implant recipients. This knowledge will enable them to provide the best possible care and guidance to their patients, ensuring that diagnostic imaging remains accessible and safe for this unique patient population.

The journey towards fully MRI-compatible cochlear implants and optimized imaging protocols is ongoing, with each breakthrough bringing us closer to a future where MRI scans are routinely performed on cochlear implant recipients without the current concerns of pain, discomfort, or potential complications.

In conclusion, while MRI-related pain and discomfort remain significant concerns for cochlear implant recipients, the landscape is rapidly evolving. Through a combination of technological advancements, improved patient education, and refined clinical protocols, the medical community is working tirelessly to enhance the safety and comfort of MRI procedures for this patient group. As research progresses and new solutions emerge, cochlear implant users can look forward to potentially safer, more comfortable, and more accessible diagnostic imaging options in the years to come.

Can an MRI Hurt You?

Whenever a doctor decides to order a medical treatment, whether it’s an antibiotic or an operation, he or she should carefully weigh the potential benefit and potential harm. Any treatment can cause some form of side effect or negative outcome and we would only assume that risk if the potential benefits outweigh the risk.

This calculation (benefit versus risk) is also necessary when considering the use of a diagnostic test. As a society, we tend to be “test-happy.” Americans undergo much more testing than do people in other post-industrial societies. In particular, imaging studies such as CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are done routinely for people with headaches, back and neck pain, and abdominal pain. Looking at these usage rates, some groups have called for decreasing the number of scans we do on the basis that they can be unnecessary at times and serve to increase the cost of health care. On the other hand, these are non-invasive tests that rarely cause any side effects and they are powerful tests that can diagnose serious medical illnesses and reassure those whose scans are negative. Aside from mild discomfort and cost, what problems might arise? Let’s examine the risks and benefits of widespread use of these scans.

When I was a young doctor, we didn’t have the luxury of being able to order a CT (computerized tomography) scan or an MRI (magnetic resonance image). There were certain patients for whom this technology could have saved lives, or at the least spared them from having certain invasive procedures, such as exploratory surgeries looking for tumors or infections. These technologies have revolutionized how we diagnose and treat many disorders, such as kidney stones, appendicitis, brain tumors, aneurysms, blood clots and many other disorders.

Over time, we got used to ordering CT and MRI scans on a routine basis. In the US, we now perform more CT and MRI scans each year per capita than in any other country. These studies make up a large portion of the approximately 100 billion dollars per year spent in the U.S. on imaging studies.

Aside from the cost, there are two types of negative consequences of getting one of these scans. These issues have been carefully delineated in the book, Overdiagnosed by Gilbert Welch, MD and his colleagues. First, there is the likelihood of finding something that is potentially alarming that requires much more testing, but turns out to be a false alarm. An example of this situation is finding a cyst or tumor on a kidney or an ovary. Usually, this problem can be solved when one does more testing and determines that the mass is benign and doesn’t warrant medical treatment. This situation drives up the cost of health care and can lead to needless anxiety and occasionally side effects of more invasive testing. These problems are significant when one considers how often this occurs, but generally doesn’t lead to a significant loss of health or wellness.

However, the second consequence of widespread scanning is much more dangerous. This occurs when the images reveal evidence of a disease that is interpreted as something that does require medical treatment and for which the patient is not reassured, but given a worrisome diagnosis. Of course, if that diagnosis were accurate, the test is just telling us what we need to know in order to obtain the best possible medical care. But what would you think about the situation where the scan provides inaccurate evidence of a serious disease and there is no test that can be done to reassure you that don’t have this disease? What would you think if a doctor gave you a diagnosis of a chronic incurable disease on the basis of a scan that has little accuracy? It turns out that this happens in hospitals and clinics every day.

I saw a woman, whom we can call Helen, several years ago who had low back pain for 9 years. The pain began at work one day and had been severe enough to force her to go on long-term disability. She had been told that her back was damaged, although she had no history of a severe injury. Helen had tried pain medications and injections to no avail and she was scheduled to have back surgery in an attempt to alleviate the chronic pain. Her exam showed that there was no evidence of nerve damage since her muscle strength, reflexes and sensation was normal. This is what the MRI of her low back showed:

Severe disc space narrowing at L4-L5 and flattened discs at L2-L3 and L3-L4. Disc bulging with flattening of the spinal cord and narrowing of the outlet for the spinal nerves at L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. The right L4 and L5 nerve roots are compressed by a disc. The facet joints are swollen and there is spinal stenosis.

Her doctors did what most doctors do in that situation: explain to her that the abnormalities seen on the MRI are the cause of her pain. Since she had severe pain for nine years and none of the treatments had worked, her only hope was to have surgery. (I will discuss the research on surgery for back pain in an upcoming blog, but in brief, surgery for this type of back pain has not been shown to be more effective than non-surgical treatments and the potential risk is higher.)

Helen happened to hear of the mind body program that I direct at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI and came in for an evaluation. During the course of the evaluation, I found that there was no evidence of damaged nerves (i.e., no loss of sensation of muscle strength in her legs, and no loss of reflexes). In addition, there were several stressful life events that coincided with the onset of the back pain. Armed with this information, I suggested that the abnormalities seen on her MRI were not likely the cause of her back pain and that a mind body treatment approach would be likely to relieve her pain. She was not only surprised by this conclusion, but it made sense to her and she embarked on a program, which can be found in my book, Unlearn Your Pain. Within 3 weeks, the pain of nine years in duration was gone.

How can we explain this miraculous result? There are two important truths that this story reveals: 1) The MRI results did not explain her back pain and 2) Her pain was due to neural pathways, rather than tissue damage (see this blog for an explanation of how neural pathways can cause real pain).

How can an MRI result deceive? There have been several studies showing that MRI’s are abnormal in normal people. When an MRI is done in people who have no back pain, the majority of people have some kind of abnormality. A study by Jensen showed that 64% of people who had no back pain had degenerative discs, bulging and herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other findings. A study of adults with no back pain by Jarvik showed that 83% had degenerated discs and 64% with bulging discs. And a study by Takatalo of healthy 21-year-old Finns found that 50 % had at least one degenerative disc and 25% had a bulging disc. And Boos found that 73% of adults without back pain had bulging discs. (By the way, MRI studies of people with no shoulder, hip or knee pain also show a variety of abnormalities such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and meniscal tears, respectively.) When you put these studies together with studies of people with back pain, you find that about half of adults with back pain have abnormal MRI’s and about half of adults without back pain have abnormal MRI’s; and the findings on these MRI’s are virtually identical. In other words, we have no way of determining if the findings on an MRI (unless there is evidence of a fracture, infection or tumor; or if there is evidence of damaged nerves on a neurological examination) are just part of “normal aging” or if they are actually causing the pain. Many physicians simply ignore these studies and assume that all MRI abnormalities are the cause of pain and inform the patient that they have a tissue damage problem. I have seen disastrous results from this approach. It leads to more worry, fear and anxiety, which only serves to make neural pathway pain much worse. It also leads to invasive procedures, such as injections and surgery, and the use of opiate medications that can cause their own set of problems.

Last week, I saw a man named David who had surgery based upon an MRI that showed very minimal changes, which had not worsened over the three years that he had back pain. Unfortunately, that surgery led to two more surgeries due to complications and did nothing to reverse his pain. His pain began to reverse upon entering the mind body program and learning how to use his mind to calm neural pathways that were causing his pain.

It is a difficult task to use technology wisely. It is tempting to overuse MRI scans in the well-intentioned search for disease that requires medical treatment. An MRI is a wonderful non-invasive test to diagnose serious medical problems, but we must be extremely careful not to over-interpret these scans. The majority of people with back pain do not have a tissue damage cause for their pain, despite having abnormal findings on an MRI. If we begin to look at the whole person in the context of their life history and the connection between stressful events and pain, we will discover the actual cause for back pain in many. This approach can decrease needless medical testing and procedures and lead to improved outcomes for a condition that affects millions.

To your health,

Howard Schubiner, MD

Why an MRI could actually make your back pain worse

by Simon Sullivan BHSc MOstMed

Back pain is the most common reason that people visit an Osteopath, it is so ubiquitous that 80% of us will experience back pain sometime in our lives.

So it makes sense that we should get all the information we can about our backs so we can make the best possible treatment choices and what better way than the magic of Magnetic Resonance Imaging that allows us to see inside us with unprecedented detail, the same can be said for CT scans and X-rays as well.

Well this is wrong for all but a few cases – 

Australian (and American and everywhere else) guidelines clearly state that unless there is serious neurological impairment or signs of underlying pathology imaging is not needed. Worse, a large study in the US has shown that that getting a MRI early on in acute episodes of low back pain, even cases with nerve compression pain such as sciatica and controlling for severity and age led to significantly worse outcomes, such as $13,000 more in medical costs and more time off work – All by getting a better look at their spine.

So why does this happen?

Well there a couple of really important reasons…

Firstly, MRI’s are really sensitive, they can pick up many different changes and abnormalities in your spine and the soft tissues around it. Words like degeneration, loss of disc height, annular tears, disc bulges, disc herniation, osteophytes, calcification, and stenosis might be used. Problem is that these things probably have very little to do with why you are in pain. MRI anyone’s back over a certain age and you are likely to find some or all of these “findings” whether they are in pain or not.

The correlation between MRI findings and back pain is almost so poor it is non-existent. They are regularly false alarms. 

The cause of back pain is often due to functional problems relating to muscle imbalances, joint movement and lifestyle choices that will never show up on a MRI but are what Osteopaths look for and treat every day.

Now go back and re read that list of MRI findings… If they showed up on a scan of your back how would you feel?

Concerned, fearful, despondent? Some common things I hear are…. “I have the back of an 80 year old”… “My back is stuffed” … “My disc is bulged/slipped/popped/blown/gone” … “My back will never be good”.  – Unfortunately this type of thinking is a powerful driver of pain and it is heavily reinforced by often unrelated MRI findings.

Pain is more than the nerve impulses being sent to the brain from an area in trouble, it involves our thoughts, emotions, environment and the map we have of our body in our brain and if all this is telling us our back is broken and can’t be fixed than the chances of that pain becoming chronic is much more likely.

So what should we do about this?

Well the good news is that for large majority of people pain levels tend to reduce substantially over the first 4-6 weeks of an episode even if you do nothing. But this often leaves people with a low level annoying pain that can hang around many months. 

As an Osteopath my approach would be to get in early if possible and treat the myofascial and joint dysfunctions that may exist to restore as much function and movement as possible. At the same time working to identify as many of the underlying factors that may have predisposed and maintained these dysfunctions as possible to create lasting change.

Just before we finish I would just like to put in one caveat. Remember I said that an MRI and most imaging is unnecessary in all but a few cases? Well in these cases it’s vital and includes conditions like cancer, fractures and underlying inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Thankfully these are rare and tell-tale symptoms should be picked up on examination by your health professional.

So next time you have an experience of back pain just remember that you are more than your MRI findings and get the help you need to live without pain.

If you would like to know more about treatment for any symptoms please call us on (02) 8024 2628 or click here and schedule a free 15min phone consultation with one of our  practitioners who can assist you further.

Some light reading…

Iatrogenic Consequences of Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute, Work-Related, Disabling Low Back Pain
Barbara S. Webster, BSPT, PA-C,* Ann Z. Bauer, MPH,† YoonSun Choi, MA,* Manuel Cifuentes, MD, MPH, ScD,*†and Glenn S. Pransky, MD, MOccH*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4235393/

Evidence-Based Management of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/cp94.pdf

Systematic Literature Review of Imaging Features of Spinal Degeneration in Asymptomatic Populations. 
Brinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, et al. 
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015 Apr;36(4):811–6. PubMed #25430861. PainSci #53872.

The prognosis of acute and persistent low-back pain: a meta-analysis
Luciola da C. Menezes Costa, Christopher G. Maher, Mark J. Hancock, James H. McAuley, Robert D. Herbert, Leonardo O.P. Costa

Osteopathic manipulative treatment for nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Helge Franke, Jan-David Franke and Gary FryerEmail author
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders201415:286

How to do an MRI for pain in the leg?

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Pain in the leg radiating along the anterior or posterior-lateral surface of the thigh, as well as possible numbness of the toes, are most often a manifestation of radicular compression in herniated intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine. Therefore, in the presence of the above symptoms, an MRI of the lumbar spine is necessary.

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What are “artifacts” on MRI scans?

Artifacts (from lat. artefactum) are errors made by a person in the process of research. Artifacts significantly degrade image quality. There is an extensive group of physiological (in other words, related to human behavior) artifacts: motor, respiratory, artifacts from swallowing, blinking, random uncontrolled movements (tremor, hypertonicity). All artifacts associated with the human factor can be easily overcome if a person is completely relaxed during the study, breathes evenly and freely, without deep swallowing movements and frequent blinking. However, in medical practice, cases of using light anesthesia are not uncommon.

At what age can children have an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging has no age restrictions, so it can be performed on children from birth. But due to the fact that during the MRI procedure it is necessary to remain still, the examination of young children is carried out under conditions of anesthesia (surface anesthesia). In our center, examination under anesthesia is not carried out, therefore, we examine children only from the age of seven.

What are the contraindications for MRI?

All contraindications to MRI can be divided into absolute and relative.
Absolute contraindications for MRI are the following features of the patient: the presence of a pacemaker (heart pacemaker) and other implantable electronic devices, the presence of ferrimagnetic (iron-containing) and electrical prostheses of the stirrup (after reconstructive operations on the middle ear), hemostatic clips after operations on the vessels brain, abdominal cavity or lungs, metal fragments in the orbit, large fragments, shot or bullets near the neurovascular bundles and vital organs, as well as pregnancy up to three months.
Relative contraindications include: claustrophobia (fear of closed space), the presence of massive non-ferrimagnetic metal structures and prostheses in the patient’s body, the presence of an IUD (intrauterine device). In addition, all patients with magnetically compatible (not ferrimagnetic) metal structures can be examined only after a month after the surgical intervention.

Do I need to have a doctor’s referral to get an MRI?

A doctor’s referral is not a prerequisite for visiting an MRI center. Your concern for your health, your consent to the examination, as well as the absence of contraindications for an MRI is important to us.

I get headaches often. Which area should have an MRI?

Any person is familiar with a headache, but if it recurs suspiciously often, it certainly cannot be ignored. We recommend that a patient with severe headaches undergo an MRI of the brain and its vessels. In some cases, this may not be enough, because the cause of headaches is not always associated with the pathology of the brain. Headaches can be the result of cervical osteochondrosis, so our specialists additionally advise to undergo MRI of the cervical spine and neck vessels.

How long does an MRI exam take?

The average duration of one examination in our center is from 10 to 20 minutes, however, it all depends on the changes detected: sometimes, to clarify the disease, the radiologist may extend the examination protocol and resort to the use of contrast enhancement. In such cases, the study time is increased.

Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Harmful?

Magnetic resonance imaging is a completely harmless and safe method of radiation diagnostics. MRI imaging is based on the ionizing radiation inherent in computed tomography (CT) imaging. But there are contraindications that you need to familiarize yourself with before signing up for an examination.

Is pregnancy a contraindication for MRI?

An absolute contraindication to MRI is pregnancy up to three months. If an urgent (life-threatening) disease of a woman is suspected, the decision to conduct an MRI in the early stages of pregnancy is made by a gynecologist.

In our center, you can get an MRI during pregnancy in the second and third trimester – for this you need to provide a referral from the attending physician who ordered the MRI, as well as a certificate from the obstetrician-gynecologist that magnetic resonance imaging is allowed.

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Feedback on the work of the center

We arrived at the center from Estonia, Tallinn. My husband and I did many procedures: the brain, blood vessels, abdominal cavity, soft tissues of the neck. Everything is fast, high quality, the answer is on hand. Thank you! I will recommend your center to my friends. And if you need another MRI, we will come to you.

Nadezhda Marchuk, Andrey Nesterov

I would like to thank all the staff for their attentive service. Everything was very “Petersburg”. Thank you! All health! Keep up the brand in the future!!! Good luck in all your endeavors!

Brodyagina L.I.

The center impressed me with its new renovation and new modern equipment. The examination procedure, two sections of the spine was held under classical music and a light “breeze”, it was calm and comfortable.

Dukich E.N.

I really like your center, services, maintenance. Checked for the 6th time in 2 years. I only go to you. Very convenient, comfortable. Qualified personnel. Thanks a lot, everyone. Separately, I would like to note Dr. Cherkasova S.A.

Ignatieva I.P.

Signed up for the study at night. I arrived ahead of time, but everything was done quickly, clearly and as agreed at a lower price. Thanks a lot for the great service.

Kobycheva V.A.

I had an MRI with you a week ago. Everything is very fast, polite, and most importantly – a high-quality transcript and a doctor’s conclusion. Thank you! I also subscribed to your VK group, what if I need it again?)))

Natalya Kiyanovskaya

I was very worried before the examination, but the clinic staff calmed me down and everything went well, thank you! The result was ready almost immediately, which is very pleased! Good and cozy environment!

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Feedback on the work of the center

We arrived at the center from Estonia, Tallinn. My husband and I did many procedures: the brain, blood vessels, abdominal cavity, soft tissues of the neck. Everything is fast, high quality, the answer is on hand. Thank you! I will recommend your center to my friends. And if you need another MRI, we will come to you.

Nadezhda Marchuk, Andrey Nesterov

I would like to thank all the staff for their attentive service. Everything was very “Petersburg”. Thank you! All health! Keep up the brand in the future!!! Good luck in all your endeavors!

Brodyagina L.I.

The center impressed me with its new renovation and modern equipment. The procedure for examining 2 sections of the spine was accompanied by classical music and a light “breeze”, it was calm and comfortable.

Dukich E.N.

I really like your center, services, maintenance. Checked for the 6th time in 2 years. I only go to you. Very convenient, comfortable. Qualified personnel. Thanks a lot, everyone. Separately, I would like to note Dr. Cherkasova S.A.

Ignatieva I.P.

Signed up for the study at night. I arrived ahead of time, but everything was done quickly, clearly and as agreed at a lower price. Thanks a lot for the great service.

Kobycheva V.A.

I had an MRI with you a week ago. Everything is very fast, polite, and most importantly – a high-quality transcript and a doctor’s conclusion. Thank you! I also subscribed to your VK group, what if I need it again?)))

Natalya Kiyanovskaya

I was very worried before the examination, but the clinic staff reassured me and everything went well, thank you! The result was ready almost immediately, which is very pleased! Good and cozy environment!

Elena

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Facial pain. The role of MRI

Pain is the most frequent and subjectively complex complaint of patients. Due to the wide prevalence and variety of forms, the problem of pain treatment is so significant that in most countries specialized pain treatment clinics have been established. Facial pain is a phenomenon whose diagnosis and treatment remain very difficult to date. The importance of the problem under consideration is confirmed by the fact that the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) declared 2013-2014 the Year of Orofacial Pain. Facial pain is characterized by great psychological discomfort and social disadaptation for patients, a high recurrence rate and the formation of a chronic course.
Among the most common causes of facial pain, the main place belongs to the pathology of the trigeminal nerve. The treatment of such patients is one of the urgent problems of neurology and neurosurgery, the successes and prospects of which are largely associated with timely, effective and safe diagnostics. However, due to the rather extensive differential diagnostic spectrum of diseases and the lack of a standardized approach to diagnostic studies, there is often an erroneous interpretation of the cause of a particular symptom, which leads to suffering for patients for a long time.
The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is its vessel compression, microsurgical movement of which contributes to the elimination of pain.

Fig.: Patient A., 64 years old, diagnosed with classic trigeminal neuralgia, vasoneural compression of the left trigeminal nerve trunk by the superior cerebellar artery. MRI.

To plan such operations, it is necessary to clearly visualize the nerve in the region of the cerebellopontine angle and analyze its anatomical and topographic relationship with the vessel that caused the compression. Modern methods of radiation research, especially MRI, make a significant contribution to the solution of this problem. This is due to such advantages of the magnetic resonance imaging method as high tissue contrast and resolution, safety, as well as the possibility of obtaining images in various planes. Thanks to MRI, it is possible to determine not only the anatomical characteristics of the cranial nerve under study, but also to clarify the nature of pathological changes in its defeat, as well as to plan virtual planning of surgical intervention in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.