MRI scans after an accident

In plain English: an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a strong magnet and radio waves to build detailed pictures of soft tissue: discs, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, nerves and the brain. It doesn't use radiation.

What it's good at, and what it isn't

An X-ray shows bone. A CT scan is fast and is usually the first choice in an emergency to check for bleeding or fractures. An MRI is slower but far better at showing a torn meniscus, a herniated disc pressing on a nerve, a rotator cuff tear or ligament damage in the knee or wrist.

It has limits. Most whiplash and many soft tissue injuries don't show up. A standard brain MRI is often normal after a concussion, even when symptoms are real. A clear scan rules some things out. It doesn't prove you're fine.

The degeneration argument

Here's what insurers look for. Spine MRIs of adults often show disc bulges, wear and arthritic changes, even in people who have never had back pain. When your report says "degenerative changes", expect the insurer to argue your symptoms come from age, not the accident.

The answer is usually in the timeline. If you had no back complaints in your medical records before the crash and constant pain after it, the law in the UK, US and Canada generally lets you recover for making an existing condition worse. Doctors can also sometimes spot signs of a fresh injury, such as swelling or fluid, that point to recent trauma.

Getting the most from your scan

• Tell the doctor ordering it exactly where the pain is and how the accident happened, so the right area is scanned.
• Ask for the written radiology report and, if possible, a copy of the images on disc or via a portal.
• Find out if you've had earlier scans. A comparison can show what changed.
• Don't read the report alone and panic, or relax. Have your doctor explain it.

Waiting times and cost

In the UK, NHS waits for non-urgent MRIs can be long. Your solicitor may be able to arrange a private scan, with the cost claimed back from the insurer, particularly under the Rehabilitation Code. In the US, your health insurer or PIP may pay first and then claim repayment from your settlement. In Canada, provincial health plans cover medically necessary scans, but waits vary widely by province.

Next: medical records · causation · what to do after an accident.

Related terms