Although they can cause serious harm, some injuries are not immediately apparent after a motor vehicle accident. City Wide Radiology provides patients with access to advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams in Brooklyn, New York, allowing their physicians to evaluate injuries that may not appear on X-rays or CT scans.
In these situations, car accident MRIs play a critical role in identifying hidden damage and guiding appropriate care after trauma. Let’s look more into full-body scans and the types of injuries they can help to identify.
Why Doctors Order MRIs After Car Accidents
According to the National Safety Council, 5.1 million injuries from car accidents required medical care in the U.S. in 2023. To put this into perspective, doctors order imaging in around 70% of U.S. emergency department visits for motor vehicle injuries. Radiologists perform nearly 40 million MRIs each year in the US.
Doctors often order MRIs after car accidents when symptoms like pain or limited movement persist without explanation from routine initial imaging. An MRI scan uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images without radiation.
After an accident, physicians may rely on MRI scans as part of comprehensive diagnostic imaging to detect injuries involving nerves, discs, ligaments, and the brain, as these often cannot be seen on standard X-rays. MRIs are especially valuable when symptoms last longer than two to three weeks, worsen over time, or involve neurological changes. Doctors often order them when patients cannot return to normal activities.
While it’s a powerful diagnostic tool, an MRI cannot measure pain intensity, determine exactly when an injury occurred, or identify every possible source of discomfort. Expert interpretation and correlation with clinical symptoms are essential.
What a Full-Body MRI Really Means
Even though we refer to a “full-body” car accident MRI, it doesn’t measure every inch of the body. Instead, it refers to imaging that covers multiple regions in a single exam. Typically, a full-body scan covers major areas like the brain, spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), the hips, and other large joints.
Brain Injuries Detected by MRI Scans
An MRI is often the most sensitive tool available when assessing non-bleeding traumatic brain injuries. The imaging can show mild or moderate forms of traumatic brain injuries that may not appear on CT scans.
An MRI may also detect:
- A diffuse axonal injury
- Brain contusions
- Subtle structural changes associated with ongoing headaches, dizziness, or memory issues
While an MRI cannot diagnose a concussion on its own, it can help explain why symptoms persist.
Spine and Nerve Damage Imaging
Car accident MRIs also commonly cover all or parts of the spine. Imaging can identify problems that don’t appear on X-rays, including:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Annular tears
- Nerve root compression
- Ligament strains from whiplash
A full-body MRI can also detect spinal cord damage, including bruising, swelling, or compression. The assessment is often critical in explaining ongoing weakness, numbness, or balance problems.
Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal Injuries That May Appear
Physicians consider MRI scans the gold standard for evaluating soft tissue injuries. These include muscle tears, ligament sprains, tendon injuries, and deep bruising, all of which can cause persistent pain and limited mobility.
Injuries to the shoulder, knee, hip, or ankle may involve cartilage or labral damage that can only be seen on an MRI scan.
Finding Internal and Pelvic Injuries
Although doctors prefer CT scans for acute internal organ trauma, MRIs can help evaluate delayed complications or pelvic soft tissue injuries.
In some cases, an MRI provides additional detail about structures near nerves or blood vessels. This trauma is often difficult to detect, making imaging key to thorough injury evaluation, especially when dealing with unexplained symptoms.
Open MRIs Compared to Closed MRIs After an Accident
Choosing between an open MRI and a traditional closed scanner depends on patient needs and diagnostic goals.
Closed MRI systems are typically the traditional solution, though they come with accessibility challenges. Open MRIs maintain image resolution while offering greater comfort for patients with pain, limited mobility, or claustrophobia.
Both options are available for car accident MRIs, depending on clinical priorities and patient needs.
Modern equipment, certified technologists, and board-certified radiologists ensure the imaging process is efficient and patient-focused, regardless of the chosen route. Clear instructions and careful positioning maximize image quality while minimizing discomfort during the MRI exam.
Do You Need To Schedule an MRI in Brooklyn, NY?
Multi-region imaging can be invaluable when symptoms persist after auto collisions. City Wide Radiology helps patients around the Metro region with precise diagnostics and compassionate care.
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of open MRIs after accidents, work with your physician to choose the right imaging approach for your injuries. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Call City Wide Radiology today at (718) 236-6800 to schedule imaging at one of our convenient Brooklyn locations.
FAQs About Full-Body MRIs After an Accident
Here are answers to some common patient questions about post-accident MRI imaging.
How Long Does a Multi-Region Open MRI Appointment Usually Take?
The length of your appointment may vary depending on the number of areas scanned, but most multi-region MRI appointments last between 45 and 90 minutes.
Can I Move or Take Breaks During the MRI Scan If I’m Uncomfortable?
If you need to move or take a break during your MRI, your technologists can pause the exam. Communication is maintained throughout to ensure your comfort and safety.
Will I Receive My MRI Exam Results Directly?
Your MRI results are typically sent to your referring provider, who can explain the findings and discuss appropriate next steps in your care plan.
How Long After an Accident Can an MRI Still Be Useful?
A car accident MRI can be useful weeks or even months later if symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily activities despite other treatment. A traumatic brain injury, for example, can persist for multiple months with symptoms progressing slowly over time. We recommend consulting your provider to understand the right diagnostic options for your needs.