MR neurography is a specialised MRI examination designed to show peripheral nerves and the tissues around them.
What is MR neurography?
MR neurography uses specialised high-resolution and fat-suppressed MRI sequences to make nerves more visible. It can show nerve size, signal, continuity, surrounding scar tissue, muscle denervation and possible sites of compression or injury.
It is different from a routine MRI because the field of view, image orientation and sequences are tailored to the nerve pathway.
Why might it be requested?
- Persistent numbness, tingling, weakness or neuropathic pain.
- Suspected nerve entrapment or compression.
- Traumatic nerve injury or possible discontinuity.
- Symptoms that are not fully explained by a routine spine or joint MRI.
- Post-surgical symptoms, scarring or complex anatomy.
- Planning for a targeted injection, surgery or other treatment.
Before and during the scan
Provide the referral, a clear description of the symptom location and any previous imaging reports, nerve-conduction study, operation report or treatment history. The radiologist and MRI team may adapt the coverage to follow the suspected nerve pathway.
You will be positioned so the nerve remains close to the receiving coil. The scan may take longer than a routine regional MRI because thin, high-resolution sequences and more anatomical coverage are required. Keeping still is essential.
What can and cannot be shown?
MR neurography can identify structural changes in many peripheral nerves and surrounding tissues. However, nerve symptoms can also arise from microscopic, metabolic or functional problems that are not visible on MRI.
Electrodiagnostic testing, ultrasound, spine MRI, blood tests and clinical examination may provide complementary information. A normal MR neurography study does not exclude every nerve disorder.
After the scan
The report should identify the nerve segments assessed, any abnormality and whether another site of compression or pathology is suspected. The result is interpreted with the neurological examination and other tests before treatment is planned.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
Is MR neurography painful?
No. The main challenge is remaining still and maintaining the required position.
Does it replace nerve-conduction testing?
No. MRI shows anatomy, while nerve-conduction and EMG testing assess electrical function – they look at things differently and for complicated pathology they may be complementary.
Will I need contrast?
Not always. Contrast may be useful for selected tumours, inflammation, infection or post-operative questions.
| Important: Accurate symptom localisation and relevant prior tests help the MRI team design the most useful nerve examination. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-1013 [Patient information: MR neurography is a specialised MRI examination designed to show peripheral nerves and the tissues around them.]
