Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scan)

Prior to Procedure

In the days leading up to your MRI exam:

• You may be asked to avoid using hair gel, spray, lotions, powders, and cosmetics before your MRI
• If your doctor prescribes a sedative:
  
  • Arrange for a ride to and from the exam
  • Do not eat or drink at least 4 hours before the exam
  • Take it 1-2 hours before the exam, or as directed
• If you have not been prescribed a sedative, eat or drink normally, unless your doctor or the technician tells you otherwise

Once at the MRI center:

• You will be asked about the following:
  
  • Medical history
  • Pregnancy, if female
  • Allergies
  • Prior head surgery
• You'll remove any metal containing objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, glasses, wigs (with metal clips), and/or nonpermanent dentures
• An x-ray may be taken beforehand if there is doubt as to whether there are metal objects in your body
• You'll also remove all objects from your pockets including your wallet and watch or time piece

During Procedure

• You may be given ear plugs or stereo headphones to wear, due to the loud banging noise the MRI machine makes during the exam
• You may receive an injection of contrast imaging dye
• Often, a family member or friend will be allowed to remain in the MRI examining room with you

Anesthesia

None, unless you are claustrophobic, in which case your doctor can prescribe a sedative, such as Valium, to take before the exam.

Description of the Procedure

You lie very still on a sliding table. Depending on your medical condition, you may have monitors placed to keep track of pulse, heart rate, breathing, etc. The table is slid into the MRI's narrow, enclosed cylinder (unless it is an open MRI). The MRI technician leaves the room, and each of the MRI sequences is performed. The technician gives you any necessary directions, such as to hold your breath momentarily, via the intercom. You are able to talk to the technician through this intercom as well.

If a contrasting dye (usually Gadolinium) is needed, a small IV needle is inserted into your hand or arm before you are slid into the MRI machine. First, a saline solution is dripped into your vein to prevent clotting. Then, usually two-thirds of the way through the exam, the contrasting agent is injected.

When the MRI exam is completed, you are slid out of the machine, the IV needle is removed, and you are asked to dress and wait in the waiting room until MRI images can be checked to be sure no additional images are necessary.

After Procedure

You will be asked to wait until MRI images are examined to determine if more images are needed. If so, more images will be taken at that time.

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure is about 40-90 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

The MRI exam is painless. If you have a contrast dye injected, there may be a momentary stinging when the IV needle is inserted, and you may also feel a slight cooling sensation as the dye is injected.

If you are claustrophobic, you may find this exam very difficult. A conventional MRI machine is a very small, enclosed cylindrical tube, and you need to lie very still in it for an extended period of time. However, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative for the exam. Also, ask your doctor about having the exam done in an open MRI machine, which is much larger then a conventional MRI and is usually open on the sides and in the front and back.

Possible Complications

Allergic reaction to contrast dye, if used (rare)

Average Hospital Stay

This is an outpatient procedure, there is no hospital stay.

Postoperative Care

• If you took a sedative, do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the sedative wears off completely.
• If you are breastfeeding and receive a contrast dye injection during the MRI exam, wait at least 24 hours after the exam before breastfeeding again, unless told otherwise by your doctor.