Magnetic Resonance Imaging

What to Expect

Preparing for the Procedure in the Hospital

• Description of IV, site preparation, and medications that may be administered - If a contrast medication and/or sedative is to be given by an intravenous line (IV), an IV line will be started in your hand or arm. The contrast medium is used to provide increased enhancement of the tissue being examined. Sedative medication may be given if you have claustrophobia and/or anxiety that would make it difficult for you to remain still during the procedure. The contrast medium and/or sedative may be given by mouth, depending on the circumstances. You will be asked to remove any metal objects (such as jewelry, hair clips, or barrettes) and clothing or belts with metal hooks, buttons, or buckles (you will be given a gown to wear if you need to remove your shirt or blouse).
  
  
• Consent forms - Your physician will explain the MRI procedure, its purpose, any risks, and the expected outcome before the procedure. You should read through the consent carefully before signing it. If you have any questions or need more information, ask your physician.
  

During the Procedure

• Description of the room, monitoring devices, positions, and equipment that will be in use - The MRI scanner is located in a large room. A narrow table slides into the hollow tube-shaped scanner. You may have an IV line for contrast medication. The contrast medication may be injected prior to the procedure or during the procedure. The MRI physician and staff will be in an adjacent room where the equipment controls are located. However, they will be able to see you through a large window and will be monitoring you constantly during the procedure. You will be given a call bell device so that you can let the staff know if you need anything during the procedure. You will wear a set of headphones to help protect your ears from the loud noise of the scanner and so that you can hear instructions from the MRI staff.
  
  
• Anesthesia - Anesthesia is not required for MRI unless you have claustrophobia and/or anxiety to an extent that it will interfere with your ability to remain calm and very still during the procedure. A sedative may be given to you by mouth or IV before the procedure, as needed. NOTE: If you are given a sedative, you will need to have someone take you home following the procedure, as you should not drive for several hours after taking a sedative.
  
  
• Basic description of the procedure:

• • After the IV is started (if necessary), you will lie on the narrow table of the scanner.
    
    
  • You will be positioned by a staff member.
    
    
  • You will be given a call bell to hold in your hand so that you can notify the staff if you need assistance.
    
    
  • If you are feeling claustrophobic or anxious, you may be given oxygen by nasal tube for comfort.
    
    
  • Once you are positioned correctly, the table will slide slowly into the scanner. Your arms will be at your sides. You will be in a small enclosed space; however, both ends are open, and there will be light inside the tube.
    
    
  • Once inside the scanner, the staff will give you instructions through the head phones. You will hear loud banging or knocking noises as preliminary adjustments are made. There may be music playing in the head phones when you are not receiving instructions.
    
    
  • Once the procedure begins, you will need to be very still at all times so that movement will not adversely affect the quality of the images.
    
    
  • At intervals, you will be instructed to hold your breath, or to not breathe, for a few seconds. You will then be told when you can breathe. You should not have to hold your breath for longer than a few seconds, so this should not be uncomfortable.
    
    
  • If the MRI is being done "with and without contrast," you will receive contrast medication through your IV partway through the procedure. You may feel some pressure at the IV site when this happens. If you feel any stinging, burning, or pain at the site, let the staff know, as this may indicate that the medication did not go into your vein, but rather into the surrounding tissue.
    
    
  • Once the procedure is finished, the table will slide out of the scanner. You will be assisted in getting up. If an IV was inserted, it will be taken out.
    
    
  • If you received sedation for the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area for monitoring for a period of time, until you are alert enough to leave. If you did not receive sedation, you will be allowed to leave immediately after the procedure.
    
    
• Procedure time - An MRI takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. However, unforeseen circumstances such as scheduling delays or inadequate scan quality necessitating repeats may delay the procedure start time or length.

After the Procedure

• Recovery - If you did not receive sedation for the procedure, you will be allowed to leave after the procedure is completed and resume normal activities, unless your physician instructs you differently. If you did receive sedation, you will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored until you are alert enough to leave. You will need to have someone take you home.
  
  
• Length of stay - Without sedation, none. With sedation, approximately one to two hours, depending on your recovery from the sedation.
  
  
• Recuperation time - Without sedation, you should be able to resume your previous activities immediately, unless your physician instructs you differently. With sedation, you may feel groggy, tired, or sleepy for a period of several hours after the procedure. However, the sedation effects should disappear within a day or so.
  
  
• Outcome - The results of an MRI will likely confirm or rule-out the particular diagnosis being investigated. Additional tests or procedures may be scheduled, depending on the MRI results.

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