If you’re dealing with persistent, unexplained symptoms like sharp pain, chronic numbness or noticeable muscle weakness, you’re likely searching for answers – and relief. Your healthcare professional may recommend a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan as a crucial step in this diagnostic journey. The fundamental question, though, remains: Can an MRI scan definitively reveal nerve damage?

Overview

While often considered the go-to imaging tool, a standard MRI scan offers an incredibly detailed view of soft tissues, including the spine, discs and surrounding nerves. It is exceptionally effective at detecting structural issues that commonly cause nerve damage. For example, an MRI can clearly show a herniated or bulging disc in the spine that is physically pressing on, or compressing a nerve root (a condition often called a pinched nerve or radiculopathy). It can also identify growths, tumors or scar tissue that impinge on nerve pathways. In these cases, the imaging indirectly confirms the nerve injury by showing its clear mechanical cause. However, a standard MRI is not designed to perfectly visualize the integrity and internal function of the nerve itself. Here’s everything you need to know about effectively detecting nerve damage.

What is an MRI?

An MRI, short for magnetic resonance imaging, is a diagnostic technique that uses a strong magnet, radio waves, and a specialized computer to generate detailed images of the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels inside the body, per the Cleveland Clinic. The foundation of MRI technology lies in the discovery of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in the 1940s. The transition from NMR to MRI began in the early 70s when research, such as that of Dr. Raymond Damadian, recognized the potential of NMR for imaging the human body, as noted by Midwestern Career College.

MRI is commonly used to diagnose a wide range of health conditions in the brain, spinal cord, joints and internal organs. As explained by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the procedure is also used to monitor treatment and provide detailed views of soft tissues. The test is handy for detecting issues like tumors, cancer, strokes, heart and vascular diseases and injuries to ligaments and soft tissues. Visualizations of certain nerves using MRI may help determine if there is an injury or inflammation, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

How it works

MRI works using a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed and clear images of the body’s organs, soft tissues and bones. The powerful magnetic field from the machines forces the protons in your body’s water molecules to align in the same direction. A pulse of radio waves is then sent into the body, which knocks the protons out of alignment, pushing them into a higher energy state.

When the pulse is turned off, the protons realign and release energy in the form of signals that are detected by the MRI scanner. A specialized computer then analyzes the signals to generate a detailed cross-sectional 2D image of the body. As explained by Tunde Rasheed, B.Sc. Researcher, “The transformation of cross-sectional 2D images into 3D images helps radiologists interpret and understand your condition. Thereby ascertaining the appropriate treatment options.”

Contrast agents, such as gadolinium, can be used to make particular tissues, including those with inflammation or nerve lesions, more visible by altering the magnetic properties of the nearby water molecules, per a study shared by the National Library of Medicine.

What an MRI can detect​

An MRI scan detects a wide range of conditions by creating highly detailed images of soft tissues and body organs. This procedure is particularly useful in diagnosing issues in the brain, spinal cord and musculoskeletal system, such as tumors, stroke damage and spinal cord.

MRI can detect:

  • Compressed nerves
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Tumors affecting nerve pathways
  • Multiple sclerosis lesions
  • Inflammation or infection around nerves

These conditions can contribute to nerve damage symptoms by directly compressing or expanding on the nerve, interfering with signals and resulting in issues like pain, numbness or malfunction, according to Mayo Clinic.

Limitations​

While this medical procedure proves to be a valuable diagnostic tool in detecting certain conditions, a study published in the Neurotherapeutics Journal highlights its limitations in diagnosing peripheral nerve damage, particularly small fiber neuropathy. This can lead to false-negative results and, therefore, requires correlation with clinical examinations and other tests.

Since MRI comes with its own challenges, studies show that more advanced procedures like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and quantitative magnetic resonance neurography (QMRN) can offer more detailed and more precise information about nerve microstructure and function. This can improve the detection of small fiber neuropathy. However, it is important to note that these advanced techniques are more specialized and not widely available.

Risks and safety considerations​

Before an MRI scan, your safety is usually a top priority. Your healthcare provider will follow the necessary standards and also require you to follow the established guidelines to ensure the procedure is successful without compromising your overall health. Generally, MRI is considered safe because it does not involve ionizing radiation. This means there is no exposure to radiation. Radiation exposure can put you at risk of severe health conditions like cancer as it affects your body cells, leading to abnormal cell growth. Another risk associated with this procedure is an allergic reaction to contrast agents. If a contrast agent is used, there is a risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, especially in patients with severe kidney disease.

If you have metal implants or a pacemaker, inform your healthcare provider in advance before the procedure. The implants can cause tissue burns, projectile effects and malfunction, which can lead to severe injury. In fact, a study found that the presence of metal implants and pacemakers in a patient’s body during an MRI scan can be dangerous due to excessive magnetic field interactions. Additionally, the implants can interfere with the magnetic field, creating imaging artifacts that hamper the scan and make it difficult for medical professionals to read and understand the scan data.

For your own safety, ensure you inform your radiologist of any metal implants before entering an MRI room. Also, ensure you follow facility guidelines, such as wearing a gown issued by your healthcare expert.

Alternatives or additional tests​

Alternatives to an MRI scan include:

  • CT (computed tomography) scan: This test procedure uses X-rays to generate a detailed cross-sectional image of soft tissues, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
  • X-ray: This technique uses a limited amount of radiation to create an image of body tissue.
  • Ultrasound scan: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of body organs and tissues. This is a safe and non-invasive option that does not use radiation.

Can an MRI show nerve damage and neurological issues?

Yes, an MRI is an indispensable tool in modern medicine for detecting both nerve damage and a wide array of neurological issues. It utilizes a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed, high-resolution images of the body’s soft tissues, making it particularly effective for visualizing the central nervous system.

For the brain and spinal cord, an MRI can clearly identify serious conditions such as strokes (ischemic or hemorrhagic), brain tumors and degenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by showing the characteristic lesions. Beyond the central nervous system, standard MRIs can detect peripheral nerve damage caused by structural problems – for instance, showing a herniated disc that compresses a spinal nerve root.

Bottom line​

Although an MRI can be used to diagnose and detect some causes of nerve damage, it is not a definitive test for all nerve problems. This limitation necessitates the use of advanced procedures, such as diffusion tensor imaging. A full diagnosis often requires combining imaging with neurological exams and functional tests. This can help medical experts make informed decisions and guide them in selecting treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a CT scan or MRI better for nerve damage?​

MRI scans are generally better for visualizing soft tissues, such as nerves and the spinal cord.

    Why would a neurologist order an MRI?​

    To investigate structural issues in the brain or spine that could explain neurological symptoms.

      What symptoms require an MRI?

      Unexplained numbness, weakness, vision problems or coordination issues may prompt an MRI to rule out severe conditions.

        Citations

        Cleveland Clinic. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Cleveland Clinic. Published May 9, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4876-magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri

        Lieber K. The History of the MRI: The Development of Medical Resonance Imaging. Midwestern Career College. Published May 20, 2024. https://mccollege.edu/aas-in-magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-technology/about-the-mri-technology-career/the-history-of-the-mri-development-of-medical-resonance-imaging/

        National Institute of Biomedical imaging and Bioengineering. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Published 2025. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri

        Cleveland Clinic. CT Scans and MRIs: What’s the Difference? Cleveland Clinic. Published December 15, 2023. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ct-scan-vs-mri

        Ibrahim MA, Dublin AB. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Gadolinium. National Library of Medicine. Published April 30, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482487/

        Mayo Clinic. Peripheral nerve tumors – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-nerve-tumors/symptoms-causes/syc-20355070

        Kollmer J, Bendszus M. Magnetic Resonance Neurography: Improved Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathies. Neurotherapeutics. Published online December 2, 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-021-01166-8

        Ranzenberger LR, Snyder T. Diffusion Tensor Imaging. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537361/

        Kim YH, Choi M, Kim JW. Are titanium implants actually safe for magnetic resonance imaging examinations? Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2019;46(1):96-97. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2018.01466

        Mayo Clinic. CT Scan. Mayo Clinic. Published May 7, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/about/pac-20393675