Stenosis
Stenosis means narrowing of a passage, such as a blood vessel, airway, spinal canal, or other tube-like structure in the body.
When to get help quickly: Urgency depends on the organ involved. Narrowing that affects the brain, spinal cord, breathing, major blood flow, or bowel drainage may need rapid assessment.
Common symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the narrowing is and may include pain, weakness, dizziness, trouble swallowing, reduced blood flow, nerve symptoms, or shortness of breath.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show where the narrowing is, how severe it is, and whether it is affecting nearby organs, nerves, or blood flow.
What radiology does
Imaging helps show where the narrowing is, how severe it is, and whether it is affecting nearby organs or tissues.
What usually happens next
Treatment may range from monitoring to medicines, stenting, surgery, or decompression depending on the site and symptoms.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- MR MyelographyMR myelography is a specialized, radiation-free MRI scan used to create detailed images of your spinal cord and the surrounding fluid space. It helps detect spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or nerve root pressure.
- Carotid Artery StentingA Carotid Artery Stenting procedure focuses on the two large arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain. It uses a small balloon and a metal mesh tube to open narrowed areas in these vital arteries, designed specifically to prevent a major stroke.
- Carotid Doppler UltrasoundA carotid Doppler is an ultrasound of the neck arteries that supply the brain. It checks for narrowing or plaque that could increase the risk of stroke — and it is painless, quick, and radiation-free.