What happens during an MRI scan. The staff will ask you to lie on the bed, and will place a receiver around the part of your body being scanned. Straps or pillows may be used to help you keep still during the scan; however you will be able to remain comfortable.
The MRI scanner is well lit, and has a fan to ensure you are at a comfortable temperature. You will be required to lie still during the MRI scan but will be made as comfortable as possible with the use of pads, a pillow, and supports.
It's important that patients remove all clothing prior to their MRI exam. We ask patients to remove: All outer clothing, including shoes. Bras or any undergarment that could have metal in it.
The Upright MRI is the only MRI scanner that can image patients in any position, whether it's sitting, standing, bending or lying down. This allows it to image any part of the body.
MRI scan procedure
In most cases, you are asked to undress and put on a cotton gown. You are instructed to lie on the scanner's table. The table then slides into the cylinder. An intercom inside the MRI scanner allows you to talk with the radiography staff.
Typically you will lie on your back for an MRI. If it is painful for you to lie on your back or in the same position for long periods of time, you may want to speak to your physician about taking something for the pain before your MRI. Also, if you are claustrophobic, speak to your physician prior to your appointment.
You will be asked to remove any clothing containing metal and all jewelry. You will be provided metal free clothing to change into such as gown, shorts or pants.
Many MRI procedures don't require your head to go inside the machine at all, but if you need a head or upper spine MRI, you'll appreciate the fact our machine provides a full 12 inches of clearance between your face and the wall – relieving stress for our patients with claustrophobia.
Does your whole body go into the machine for a brain MRI? In most cases, your whole body won't go into the MRI machine tunnel if you're only getting a head or brain MRI.
How long is my MRI exam? The length of your exam will depend on what is ordered by your doctor, or the body part of interest. In general exams will take 45-60 minutes and up to 2 hours for specialty exams. On average, brain and spine exams may last about 45 minutes.
Since the MRI machines are magnets, it is best to not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination. These items contain metals that might interfere with the magnetic field inside the MRI machine and cause you to have distorted images and wrong results.
You will be in constant communication with the MRI technicians and you can stop the scan at any time. We have a fan in case you get warm, blankets in case you are cool and bolstering pillows to help you stay comfortable during a long scan.
Lying still is critical to insuring that the MRI pictures taken will be accurate and clear. Prior to the scan, the Board Certified Anesthesiologist will put you into a very light sleep to help you relax and minimize any fear or anxiety.
If you have to go to the bathroom, then go to the bathroom. On the other hand, do not go to the bathroom unless you must. There is a chance that you may be asked to drink some contrast material before the scan. You do not want this contrast material to mistakenly leave your body because you went to the bathroom.
Various clothing items such as athletic wear (e.g., yoga pants, shirts, etc.), socks, braces, and others may contain metallic threads or metal-based anti-bacterial compounds that may pose a hazard. These items can heat up and burn the patient during an MRI.
You won't have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test. But you may be tired or sore from lying in one position for a long time. If a contrast material is used, you may feel some coolness when it is put into your IV.
5. Brain imaging can reveal unsuspected causes of your anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by many things, such as neurohormonal imbalances, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or head injuries. Brain scans can offer clues to potential root causes of your anxiety, which can help find the most effective treatment plan.
Medication
If you need additional support for your anxiety, your referring provider may prescribe a benzodiazepine to take prior to the exam. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and can typically relax an anxious patient enough to complete an MRI.
As a result of the foreign body's ease of movement in the strong magnetic field at this period, your vision is seriously threatened. Because of this, radiologists advise keeping your eyes closed throughout an MRI to protect them.
Yes, the machine is loud and it doesn't let up. While inside the MRI machine, you can listen to music with headphones or you can just ask the technician for ear plugs to help drown out the noise.
Counting numbers or listening to music: Counting slowly or listening to a soothing melody can help distract you and make the time pass quickly while you are in the scanner. Talk to the Technician: In most instances, you can speak to the technician throughout most of the procedure.
On imaging, the vaginal tampon takes the shape and orientation of the vaginal canal and resembles air in attenuation, because of the gas between the fibers. Occasionally, the string of the tampon may also be seen. Radiologists need to recognize a vaginal tampon, to not get confused with a pathology (21, 22).
The MRI room will likely be cold; this ensures a proper working environment for the machine's magnets.