The MRI Experience: What to Expect During and After the Scan

Have you ever wondered what it feels like inside an MRI machine? This article will guide you through the entire MRI experience, from changing your clothes to resting after the scan. We will discuss the noise, claustrophobia concerns, and necessary pre- and post-scan precautions.

Preparing for the MRI

Before your MRI, you need to prepare in a few important ways. Firstly, you will need to remove any metal objects from your body and change into a hospital gown. These gowns are usually provided, and there may be a changing room with cubicles for privacy. All metal items, including jewelry and hearing aids, must be removed and stored safely. This step is crucial as the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field that can be dangerous when metal is nearby.

Your belongings will be locked up, and a staff member will hold the key during the exam to ensure no metal objects enter the MRI room. This regulation is in place to protect the safety of the patient and the machine itself.

The MRI Procedure

Your journey into the MRI machine begins with a visit to the front desk where you will check in. After discussing any concerns with the technician, you will change into the hospital gown and wait for your turn in the examination room.

Once you are alone in the MRI room, you will lie down on a motorized table. The table will then move into the core of the magnet, which is a narrow tunnel-like structure. This part can be a bit intimidating, but the technician will be there to guide you and monitor your progress from a nearby room.

The MRI machine will start to make a rhythmic clicking and sometimes a repetitive pulsating noise. This is completely normal and necessary for the imaging process. It is important to remain still during the exam so that the machine can produce clear images. The table may move multiple times as different scans are taken.

A technician will communicate with you throughout the procedure. If you feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable, the technician can adjust the space slightly. You can also request headphones or music to help minimize the noise and pass the time more comfortably.

Injecting Contrast

Depending on the type of MRI you are having, you may be given a contrast agent. This substance helps highlight certain areas of the body for the MRI machine to capture more detailed images. If you are given contrast, you should drink plenty of water before and after the scan to help flush it from your system.

Some people may require EKG leads to monitor their heart during the scan. This is especially true for certain types of cardiac MRI scans. In rare cases, someone with severe claustrophobia might need sedation to complete the scan.

Open MRI Scanners

For those who experience severe claustrophobia, there are open MRI scanners available. These machines have a more open design, allowing you to see the ceiling and lights above you, which can help reduce anxiety and fear during the scan.

After the MRI is complete, the table will be moved out of the magnet, and you will be helped off the table. You will then be taken back to the changing room, where you can collect your belongings and change back into your clothes. The entire process typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour.

Following your MRI, you will receive the results at a later date. Your doctor will review the findings and discuss any necessary next steps with you. It is important to follow up with them to discuss the results of the scan and any further treatment that may be required.

To recap, the MRI experience involves changing into a hospital gown, undergoing the noisy and sometimes enclosed environment of the machine, remaining still during the scan, and possibly receiving a contrast agent. After the scan, you will be helped out of the machine, changed, and your results will be reviewed by a physician.