The procedure typically will last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of scan required by your physician. You just need to be as still as possible during the exam. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the MRI exam. A technologist will be able to see you at all times.
If you need to cough or get an itch, tell them and they can get you out, or give you a short break between sequences. Then you are moved out of the machine, released, have your plastic tube removed and can go home.
Anaesthesia and sedatives
An MRI scan is a painless procedure, so anaesthesia (painkilling medication) isn't usually needed. If you're claustrophobic, you can ask for a sedative to help you relax.
You will be given earplugs to wear, but you will still be able to hear and talk with MRI staff through a microphone. Please notify the technologist if you have any problems during the MRI. A coil might be placed around the part of your body being scanned such as your head, knee or abdomen.
Then we will move you inside the scanner. While you are inside the scanner, you should relax and watch the movie! This is when it is very important to stay perfectly still! Try not to move your head, your mouth, your hands, or the rest of your body.
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.
How long does an MRI scan take? A single scan may take a few seconds or 3 to 8 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. The total scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are needed.
The Morning of Your MRI
You can brush your teeth in the morning, just be sure to spit the water out!
In most cases, a family member or friend may enter the MRI room with you and stay with you throughout your exam. If the situation allows, they may even hold your hand or pat you on the knees so that you know that they are there with you.
What Happens During an MRI? The MRI room will likely be cold; this ensures a proper working environment for the machine's magnets. During the MRI, you'll lie completely still on a narrow table inside a large, tunnel-shaped scanner that's open at both ends.
Be sure to wear clothing that does not have any metal in it (zippers, buttons, etc.). If your clothes do have metal in them, you'll be given a hospital gown to change into for your scan. Normally you can wear your underwear and socks during the scan, unless your radiologist is concerned about metal microfibers.
Can a subject wear deodorant for an MRI scan? It is recommended to refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and chest area prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the possibility of localized burns because these items may have metal in them.
That's because when you lie flat, gravity can't help move food and acid down the esophagus and through your digestive tract. If you often experience esophageal reflux, you may want to limit the amount you eat or drink before your MRI or abstain from eating and drinking for a few hours prior to your MRI.
Radiologists recommend fasting prior to undergoing a CT or MRI with contrast because of the possible side effects of the contrast agents. While rare, side effects of contrast can cause nausea or vomiting during the test. Vomiting while lying down could cause food blockages in your airway, known as asphyxia.
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.
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.
Consider Avoiding the Bathroom for Several Hours Prior to the Scan. 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.
Your comfort is our first concern while you are having a MRI scan. You will be in constant communication with the MRI technicians and you can stop the scan at any time.
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 magnetic fields that change with time create loud knocking noises which may harm hearing if adequate ear protection is not used. They may also cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation that may feel like a twitching sensation. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scan could lead to heating of the body.
Propofol will be given through an I.V. to induce sleep. This medication has a short duration of action and a rapid recovery time and is administered to make sure you remain asleep during the entire MRI study.
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.
You should be offered earplugs and/or headphones to make the noise sound less loud. You may also be able to listen to music through the headphones to make the MRI exam more enjoyable. If your exam includes a contrast agent, the MRI technologist will place a small intravenous (IV) line in one of your arms.