Do you need to go for an MRI? For many people, the thought of lying in a huge tube-like machine for a long period can be quite intimidating – especially for those who can’t stand confined spaces. The truth is that MRI scanners are relatively safe, but it may help to know what to prepare for. So, what do you need to know before going for an MRI scan?
In this article, we’ll give a quick breakdown of what an MRI scanner is and what you need to do to prepare for a scan.
What is an MRI Scan?
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a medical imaging machine that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves. It produces images of the body and internal organs to help doctors properly investigate and diagnose a range of different conditions. MRI scanners are pretty distinctive machines in that they resemble huge, futuristic doughnut-shaped machines. It features a large hole with a platform in the middle of the tube for people to lie on.
How does an MRI work?
When a patient goes for an MRI scan, they lie on the platform, which slowly moves into the scanner until the person is in the center. The magnetic field works with radio waves and hydrogen atoms to create cross-sectional images of the body, allowing doctors to see inside the body. You can click here to read more about 3T Quantitative MRI.
What are the risks of having an MRI scan?
MRIs are generally quite safe to use; however, because of their magnetic field, they’re not recommended for people who have any metal components in their bodies. These metal components in the body could be a safety concern as they might experience a force due to the magnetic field and could distort the results from the scan. Therefore, you should always let your doctors know if you have any of the following:
- Metal joints
- Artificial heart valves
- Heart defibrillators
- Implanted drug pumps
- Implanted nerve stimulators
- Pacemakers
- Metal clips
- Metal pins, screws, plates, stents, or surgical staples
- Cochlear implants
- Bullets, shrapnel, or any other metal fragments
- Intrauterine devices
In addition, undergoing an MRI scan when pregnant has yet to show any negative effects on the fetus. However, we don’t fully understand the effects of a magnetic field on babies yet, so always tell your doctor first. Other things your doctor should know about before doing an MRI is if you have claustrophobia or are unable to lie on your back for 30 – 60 minutes at a time.
How do you prepare for an MRI?
So, you’ve been booked to have an MRI scan. Now what? Well, there are some ways to prepare for the MRI. Some procedures require you not to eat or drink before; however, for an MRI, you can do everything as usual.
When you arrive for your MRI, you’ll need to change into a medical gown and remove all your belongs, like:
- Dentures
- Jewelry
- Hearing aids
- Watches
- Glasses
- Hairpins
What you can expect during the test
Sometimes it’s going for the actual test that scares people – mostly because they don’t really know what to expect and are scared of confined spaces. However, you don’t need to be scared at all because you’ll have trained professionals with you the whole time. You will also be able to communicate with them through a microphone throughout the scan.
When you get into the MRI room, you’ll see the large machine with the bed platform. You will then be asked to lie down on the sliding platform, and it will move you, or someone will gently push you into the center of the machine – this depends on how advanced the machine is.
When the machine starts, you won’t feel anything; it’s a painless procedure. The only thing you’ll hear is the repeated tapping or thumping sounds from the magnet as it works. If this sound bothers you, you can put in some earplugs. For some people, a contrast material is injected into them to assist in making certain details clearer for the scan. This contrast material is called gadolinium.
The doctors conducting the scan might also ask you to perform certain tasks, like moving your fingers or squeezing something to see the reactions in your brain. Usually, MRI scans take 15 minutes or more, but this depends on the extent of the scan and what they require you to do.
What to expect after the scan
After the scan, you’ll be helped out and taken to a room where you can get changed into your clothes. You might need to sign a few forms or pay for the scan if you aren’t on medical insurance. Should you not have paperwork to sort out or payments to settle, you’ll be free to go and resume your everyday activities.
If you were sedated for the MRI scan, they might keep you there till you’ve regained consciousness and can function properly again. The radiologist will inspect your scans and pass the relevant information on to your doctor, who will touch base with you.
Final thoughts
MRI scans have revolutionized the medical industry, giving doctors a non-invasive method of checking internal organs to help create a more accurate treatment plan. You don’t need to stress when getting ready for your scan because, generally, MRIs are safe. However, you need to remember, when you go for an MRI, to ensure you have nothing made of metal on you or alert your doctor if you have a metal component in your body or if you are pregnant.
This article was written for WHN by Christie Wrey who is an avid writer and works for SEOPartners. She is passionate about writing content on all things health, fitness, and lifestyle. When she is not writing, she’ll be out exploring nature.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/mri-scan
