DECIPHERING YOUR MRI RESULTS

Reading your MRI report may make you feel like the character from Dr Seuss’s “What was I afraid of?”

When you read the radiologist’s description of your results, it can seem just as strange. Except this time, the stranger in the pants is what’s going on inside you. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool that uses a combination of strong magnetic fields, radio waves, and computer technology to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. An MRI can provide doctors with important information about the structure and function of organs, tissues, and bones, which can be used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions.

MRIs are especially valuable in diagnosing spinal conditions, but they can also be misleading if too much emphasis is placed on any specific result. Actually, very few MRIs of the spine are completely normal. The vast majority are going to have a variety of findings which may or may not be important. The trick is determining what findings are significant and what findings are merely incidental. 

If you read your MRI report, you are probably going to find some things that are purely incidental. For example, in a series of healthy patients without any back pain whatsoever, 91% of the MRIs showed signs of disc degeneration, 83% had T2 signal loss in their discs, 55% had loss of disc height, 64% had disc bulges, 32% had disc protrusions, and 38% had annular tears (Jarvik et al, Spine 2001). These are all common findings described in MRI reports. However, none of these patients required any intervention because none of them had any symptoms to treat in spite of what the MRI showed. 

So, while an MRI can be an incredibly useful tool, it can also be a little scary to try to interpret the report if you don’t have the complete picture. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. The terminology can be confusing. MRI reports can be filled with medical jargon and technical terms that may not be familiar to the average person. It can be difficult to understand what the different terms mean, and how they relate to your specific condition.
2. The results can be overwhelming. MRI reports can contain a lot of information, and it can be overwhelming to try to take it all in at once. You may feel like you’re drowning in a sea of details and it can be difficult to know where to start.
3. The results may confirm your fears. If you’re undergoing an MRI because you’re experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with a medical condition, reading the results can be frightening because they may confirm your worst fears. It can be difficult to face the reality of a serious medical condition, and it’s okay to feel scared or overwhelmed.
4. The results may be inconclusive. In some cases, an MRI may not provide a clear diagnosis, or the results may be inconclusive. This can be frustrating and anxiety-inducing, as you may be left without answers or a clear plan of action.
5. The results may require further testing.Sometimes, an MRI may reveal an abnormality or area of concern that requires further testing or evaluation. You may be unsure of what additional tests or procedures will be required, and what the outcome may be.

I would encourage you to read your MRI results. More informed patients tend to make better decisions about their health care. If anything, the one section of the report to focus on would be the portion labeled “Impression”. That at least would give you an idea about what the radiologist thought was important. However, avoid jumping to conclusions. Take what you read with a grain of salt until you have had the opportunity to discuss it with your doctor.  Your doctor should be able to put things into context for you and guide you as to what is really important. 

Overall, reading your MRI results can be a daunting experience. However, it’s important to remember that the results are just one piece of the puzzle, and that your doctor will be there to help guide you through the process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, express your concerns, and seek support from friends, family, and your doctor. More informed patients do better and are more likely to have a good result.