Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be indicated in some patients with trauma to the head and neck, as listed by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) of the National Health Service.
Typically a patient with head or neck trauma has a CT scan and other imaging studies prior to performing an MRI, since these are faster and easier to perform.
Indications:
(1) presence of vascular injury
(2) presence of neurologic signs and symptoms referrable to the cervical spine
(3) define soft tissue injuries associated with fractures
(4) define ligamentous and disc injuries
(5) suspicion of an injury not visualized on CT scan
Contraindications:
(1) Suspicion or known presence of an incompatible device, implant or foreign body.
(2) Inability to provide essential life support while the patient is in the machine.
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