| An MRI scan is a painless procedure that lasts | | | | may reduce the noise level. If all else fails, your |
| between 20-45 minutes. Wear something comfortable, | | | | physician may use sedation. It is important that the |
| depending on the body part being scanned you need | | | | patient stay still during the test sedation may become |
| to wear a hospital gown. You will have to fill out an | | | | necessary if the patient cannot remain still for the |
| MRI safety questionnaire to ensure your safety. Metal | | | | 20-45 minutes required to administer the exam. Today, |
| objects can cause the greatest safety risk, not only | | | | many MRI centers provide a newer option called, an |
| will they affect the quality of the scan, but it is possible | | | | Open MRI. Patients with severe claustrophobia may |
| that they can create a danger. | | | | want to consider this option if available locally. |
| Questions like, do you have dental magnets, a | | | | Once in place, the technician will leave the room and |
| pacemaker, or a heart stint in your body are routine | | | | administer the test from an adjacent room where the |
| questions to expect before the test. Items other than | | | | technician can see the MRI machine. When the exam |
| metal will probably not cause a safety hazard, | | | | begins you will hear a clanging sound created by the |
| however they will affect the quality of the MRI scan. | | | | magnetic resonance. As the test proceeds the |
| They will ask you about removable appliances like | | | | technician will ask you at various times to hold your |
| hearing aides, eyeglasses, and dental appliances. The | | | | breath and then let it out. The technician will always be |
| procedure may involve the administration of a contrast | | | | able to hear you should you have any discomfort. |
| material that is either swallowed or injected | | | | After the exam is over the bed will slide back out, get |
| intravenously. The contrast may create a warm | | | | dressed, and you are on your way. Other options you |
| sensation throughout the body. | | | | may want to consider include; extremity MRIs where |
| Once ready, the patient lies on the movable bed, which | | | | one of the body parts goes inside the tube. MRI is a |
| will slide into the large tube. Patients with claustrophobia | | | | diagnostic tool used by physicians to determine a |
| should speak with a physician about a relaxant to | | | | number of ailments not seen by a normal x-ray or CT |
| reduce anxiety during the test. The clanging noise itself | | | | scan. Always ask your physician to explain the |
| may be too much to listen to and in that case earplugs | | | | available options. |