You will lie down on a table that slides into the MRI machine. The table slides through a large magnet shaped like a tube. You may have a plastic coil placed around your head. After the table slides into the machine, a technician will take several
pictures
of your brain, each of which will take a few minutes.
How long does it take for an MRI procedure?
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a painless procedure that lasts
15 to 90 minutes
, depending on the size of the area being scanned and the number of images being taken.
What should you not do before an MRI?
The absolute most important thing not to do before an MRI is
to lie or leave out information when talking to your doctor
or the MRI technicians. MRIs are not safe for certain people. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be asked to delay the MRI, if possible.
What do they give you before an MRI?
You will be asked to fill out a patient history form before your exam. A
non‐iodine contrast medication
may be injected into your vein through an IV line to make a better, clearer picture. Notify your physician and the MRI technologist if you have had a reaction to gadolinium in the past.
What happens if you move during an MRI?
If you move, the MRI scan
pictures may not be clear
. Your primary care physician may order you a mild sedative if you are claustrophobic (afraid of closed spaces), have a hard time staying still, or have chronic pain. You will hear very loud banging noises during the series of scans.
Does an MRI require fasting?
Fasting – before undergoing a pelvic or abdominal MRI scan,
you will be advised not to eat or drink for at least five hours before the procedure
. In most other cases, it is usually not necessary to avoid food or drink prior to the scan.
Can you wear a bra during an MRI?
For women,
if possible, do not wear an underwire bra
(the metal can throw off the magnetic field). Sports bras are usually good and we have hospital gowns to change into if necessary. The clasps on the back of a regular bra are not a problem, but avoid wearing bras that have metal parts on the straps.
Why do I feel drained after an MRI?
Gadolinium, a rare earth metal, is used to as a “contrast agent” to improve the quality of images in around 30% of MRI scans. But some patients claim they have experienced debilitating pain,
chronic fatigue and involuntary muscle spasms
after being injected with the chemical.
What does an MRI report show?
MRI is sensitive to changes in cartilage and bone structure resulting from injury, disease, or aging. It can detect
herniated discs, pinched nerves, spinal tumors, spinal cord compression, and fractures
.
What is the prep for an MRI with contrast?
Preparation for your MRI Appointment:
Do not have anything to drink 1-hour before your appointment time
. If you have experienced previous nausea or vomiting with Gadolinium in the past, contact your referring physician concerning an anti-emetic prescription. Take your medications as usual unless otherwise instructed.
What will a patient be asked to do during an MRI?
On the day of the procedure, patients will be asked to
remove anything metal, such as jewelry and eyeglasses
. The patient will then disrobe in private and put on a hospital gown. The room that contains the MRI machine will have a table that the patient lies on.
Can I wash my hair before an MRI?
Unless you’re told otherwise,
you can shower and wash your hair the morning of your MRI
. Don’t use any hair products (such as hair spray or hair gel). Don’t wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings.
How long do you sit in an MRI machine?
An MRI exam usually takes
20-90 minutes
to perform, depending on the type of study being performed. Your child will lie on the movable scanning table while the technologist places him or her into position. The table will slide into the tunnel and the technician will take images. Each scan will last a few minutes.
Should I drink water after MRI?
It is very important to
drink plenty of water before and after the contrast injection
. Staying well hydrated helps the technician get the needle in your vein painlessly. It also helps flush out the Gadolinium after the procedure is over.
Can you feel unwell after MRI?
If you’re feeling sick after receiving an MRI,
you’re not alone
. Many patients who received MRIs have come forward with the same claims of toxic side effects. It turns out that an element used to make the MRI results easier to read may be dangerous to the human body.
Do MRI techs know results?
The Imaging Center’s protocol is to
tell patients their results must come from their doctor
. “Plenty of patients ask, but techs should not give information and should not even react to what they’re seeing on the image,” Edwards said.
