MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) used to gauge extent of spinal cord injuries:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
MRI could be used by doctors to measure the extent of spinal cord compression in trauma cases, and gauge neurological impairment. A study presented at the recent annual American Neurological Association meeting in Toronto showed that in 22 individuals on MRI, the extent of spinal cord compression was highly predictive of neurological outcome in long-term follow-up. "It is our view that MRI should be done in all patients to evaluate the extent of spinal cord compression," said lead author Michael Fehlings. The study also advocates performing MRI after decompression to ensure that the spinal cord is adequately decompressed. The information could also assess whether patients would benefit from surgery that doctors are often reluctant to perform.