Diagnostics & Imaging

MRI is among the most powerful tools available for evaluating conditions of the brain, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Unlike X-ray or CT imaging, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, it uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues, including discs, nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain itself.

GNI’s MRI suite is equipped with a 1.5 tesla magnet — a clinical-grade system that weighs 60,000 pounds and produces imaging that is two to three times clearer than open MRI alternatives. The system’s frequency can be adjusted by the technologist to compensate for metallic hardware that some patients may have from prior surgeries, which allows for high-quality imaging in cases where other facilities might struggle to get a usable scan.

MRI is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing herniated discs, spinal stenosis, brain tumors, hematomas, Chiari malformations, and a wide range of other neurological conditions. It is also the standard tool for pre-surgical planning and post-operative follow-up.

CT imaging uses a series of X-ray measurements taken from multiple angles to construct detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s internal structures. GNI’s center uses 16-slice CT technology, which captures multiple image layers simultaneously to produce highly detailed scans quickly and with excellent spatial resolution.

CT scans are particularly well-suited for evaluating bone structures, detecting fractures or compression injuries of the spine, identifying calcifications, and assessing conditions where the speed and detail of the scan are both important. CT is also commonly used in conjunction with MRI when a fuller picture of both soft tissue and skeletal anatomy is needed to plan a procedure.

X-ray remains one of the most practical and widely used imaging tools in spinal care. Same-day X-rays are available at GNI’s imaging center, allowing for rapid assessment of spinal alignment, vertebral height, disc space narrowing, and hardware positioning in patients who have had prior surgeries. While X-rays do not visualize soft tissue structures like discs and nerves, they are an essential first step in evaluating many spinal conditions and are frequently used alongside more advanced imaging to build a complete diagnostic picture.

A myelogram is a specialized imaging study in which a contrast agent is injected into the fluid-filled space surrounding the spinal cord (the intrathecal space), and images are then captured using X-ray or CT. The contrast material makes the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures highly visible, allowing physicians to identify compression, narrowing, or other abnormalities that may not be clearly visible on standard MRI or CT scans alone.

Myelograms are particularly useful in cases where a patient cannot undergo MRI due to implanted hardware, or when additional detail about the nerve roots is needed to guide surgical planning. GNI’s team is experienced in performing and interpreting this study as part of a comprehensive diagnostic workup.

Electromyography measures the electrical activity produced by muscles. When a nerve is compressed or damaged, the muscles it controls often show abnormal electrical patterns that can be detected during an EMG study. The test helps physicians determine whether muscle weakness or dysfunction has a neurological cause, and it can help localize the level of nerve injury in the spine.

Nerve conduction velocity studies measure how quickly electrical signals travel through specific nerves. Slowed conduction can indicate nerve compression, damage, or conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment, and peripheral neuropathy. NCV studies are often performed alongside EMG as part of a combined electrodiagnostic evaluation, giving physicians a detailed functional picture of the nervous system that complements the structural information provided by imaging.

Together, EMG and NCV testing allow GNI’s physicians to distinguish between conditions that look similar on imaging but have different underlying causes, which leads to more targeted and effective treatment plans.

Preparation depends on the type of MRI ordered. In most cases, patients can eat and drink normally beforehand. You will be asked to remove metal objects, including jewelry, piercings, and any removable dental work. It is important to inform the technologist before your scan if you have any implanted medical devices, such as a pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, or surgical hardware, as these may affect how the exam is conducted. If you have a history of kidney problems, let the team know as well, since some MRI scans use a contrast agent that is processed through the kidneys. When you schedule your appointment, the staff can walk you through any specific instructions for your exam.

You will lie on a padded table that slides into the MRI machine. The scanner itself is a large, cylindrical tube, and the exam is performed while you remain as still as possible. You will hear a series of loud knocking or thumping sounds during the scan—this is normal and simply the result of the magnetic coils operating. The technologist will be in an adjacent room monitoring the scan and can hear you at all times through an intercom. Most MRI exams at GNI take between 30 and 60 minutes, though the duration varies depending on the area being imaged and whether contrast is used.

In many cases, yes. GNI’s 1.5 tesla MRI system allows technologists to adjust the imaging frequency to compensate for metallic hardware, which often produces usable, high-quality images even in patients with prior surgical implants. The appropriateness of MRI for your specific hardware will be evaluated before the scan. In situations where MRI is not recommended, CT or myelography may be used as alternatives to get the diagnostic information your physician needs.

CT scans are typically much faster than MRI. Most studies are completed in 10 to 20 minutes, and the scan itself often takes only a few seconds per image series. You will lie on a table that moves through a wide, ring-shaped scanner. Unlike an MRI, a CT scanner is open on both sides and produces no loud noise during the exam, which some patients find more comfortable. Depending on the study, a contrast dye may be administered through an IV to improve the visibility of certain structures.

An EMG study evaluates the electrical activity of your muscles and the nerves that control them. During the test, a thin needle electrode is gently inserted into specific muscles to record their activity at rest and during mild contraction. Some patients describe the sensation as similar to a mild cramp or brief discomfort when the needle is inserted, but the exam is generally well tolerated. The electrodiagnostic evaluation also typically includes a nerve conduction study, during which small electrical pulses are applied to the skin over specific nerves. These pulses may feel like a brief flicking or tingling sensation. The full evaluation usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the number of muscles and nerves being assessed.

Because GNI operates its own imaging center and the clinical and imaging teams work in close coordination, results are typically available more quickly than they would be through an outside facility. Your physician will review the findings and discuss them with you, either at a follow-up appointment or through GNI’s patient communication channels. If you have questions about the timeline for your specific exam, the scheduling staff can give you a more precise estimate when you book your appointment.