An MRI scan is a common diagnostic procedure that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues within the body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, this technology does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe choice for many patients. While the procedure is non-invasive and painless, the environment and need for stillness can be challenging. This guide provides practical steps and coping strategies to make your MRI experience successful and comfortable.
Essential Preparation Steps
Preparation involves strict adherence to safety protocols regarding metal. Due to the powerful magnet, you must remove all metallic items, including jewelry, watches, hairpins, and body piercings, as these can be hazardous and distort the images. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal components such as zippers, snaps, or metallic threads. If your clothing contains metal, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Prior to the scan, inform the staff about your complete medical history, especially any surgical implants or metal devices like pacemakers, surgical clips, or certain dental work. The magnetic field can interfere with these devices. Some scans, particularly those of the abdomen or those using a contrast agent, may require fasting, typically four to eight hours before the procedure. If a contrast dye (gadolinium) is being used, inform the staff about any kidney problems or allergies.
Understanding the Scan Environment
The MRI machine is a large, tube-shaped device, often called a bore, with a movable table that slides you into the center. Once inside, you will experience loud, repetitive noises produced by the machine’s gradient coils rapidly switching on and off. These sounds can range from rhythmic tapping and clicking to loud clanging and whirring. You will be provided with earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to protect your hearing and reduce the sound intensity.
To capture high-quality images, you must maintain absolute stillness for the entire duration of the scan, which can range from 15 to 60 minutes or longer. Even small movements can blur the resulting images, requiring sections of the scan to be repeated. The bore of the machine can feel confined, which may trigger claustrophobia in some individuals. The room temperature is usually kept cool to manage the machine’s heat, and you may be offered a blanket for comfort.
Active Strategies for Comfort
Managing anxiety and the need for stillness is often the most challenging part of the MRI experience. Controlled breathing is an effective technique to calm the nervous system. A common method is “box breathing,” where you slowly inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four, repeating the cycle until you feel relaxed. Focusing on the rhythm of your breath can serve as an internal anchor that distracts from the confinement and noise.
Visualization techniques help redirect your focus away from the immediate environment. You can mentally transport yourself to a peaceful, beautiful place, like a quiet beach or a mountain trail, engaging all your senses in the imagined scene. Actively using the provided auditory distractions, such as listening to music or a podcast through the headphones, can help minimize the impact of the machine’s sounds. You can also practice progressive muscle relaxation by gently tensing and releasing various muscle groups, such as your hands or jaw, to reduce physical tension without moving the area being scanned.
If you experience severe claustrophobia or anxiety, discuss this with your ordering physician before the appointment. They may prescribe a mild sedative to help you remain calm and still during the procedure. Communicating your concerns to the MRI technologist upon arrival is also important. They can provide extra support, padding for better positioning, or confirm whether an open or short-bore machine is an option.
Post-Scan Communication and Next Steps
Throughout the scan, you will be given a communication device, often a squeeze ball or call button, allowing you to signal the technologist immediately if you need to stop the procedure due to discomfort or an emergency. Do not attempt to move or get up until the technologist confirms the scan is fully complete and the table is moved out of the bore. The technologist will assist you in getting off the table and removing any coils or monitoring equipment.
If you received a sedative before the scan, you will need a short recovery period at the facility, and someone must drive you home, as you will not be permitted to drive for up to 24 hours. If a contrast agent was administered, you may be asked to wait briefly to ensure you do not have an immediate reaction. Once the procedure is complete, the images are sent to a radiologist, a specialist who interprets the scans and prepares a detailed report for your ordering physician.
The timeline for receiving results can vary. Routine scans typically take a few days to two weeks for the full report to be finalized and sent to your doctor. Urgent findings are often prioritized, and preliminary results may be communicated to your physician within 24 to 48 hours. Your ordering physician will then schedule a follow-up consultation to discuss the results and determine the next steps in your care.