Not many people will say they enjoy getting an MRI. If you are like most people, you may have this reaction when your physician suggests an MRI or you receive a letter to have one: your hands start shaking, your palms start sweating, and your heart and mind race with fear as you contemplate the possibilities.
If your physician has suggested having an MRI scan you may well be in shock just like this. First of all, you should know that you are human, and the above reaction is one we all have, and you are most certainly not alone! The MRI scan itself is not as impressive as you might expect, even if the thought of it can be scary! You will simply lie still for a little while during this easy process.
It’s one thing to say to yourself not to worry; it is another to do it. to give you the confidence you need to walk into your MRI with the least amount of tension or worry. We want you to know what you can expect so that you can be prepared. We are going to walk you through the MRI preparation, we are going to help you understand the MRI process and, what you can do and not do before, during and after the MRI. You will be feeling a lot more comfortable when you face the MRI fully armed with knowledge.
How to prepare before an MRI?
Did your doctor order or recommend an MRI for you soon? If so, breathe….you’ll be fine. Don’t get too anxious. If your concern is anxiousness about the MRI, try redirecting that anxiousness toward the prep work for your scan. You should do this before an MRI.
Inform Your Doctor If You Have Claustrophobia
You will be lying down in a cylindrical, closed machine during the MRI. The amount of time you will spend in the machine depends on the study, maybe up to an hour. For patients who have had experience with claustrophobia, this can create a high level of anxiety. To make the process more bearable, talk with your physician before the study and explain your fears as well as your history of claustrophobia. Your physician may write an order for an anti-anxiety medication that you may take before the study, to help you stay calm during the MRI.
Leave Your Jewelry at Home
Wearing metal is obviously high among the things to avoid before having an MRI. Because an MRI is practically a huge magnet, the MRI technicians will ask you to take off everything metal from your body before you enter the machine, even rings and jewelry you are wearing. If you all you wear are cheap pieces, it may not be a big deal. If it is on the other hand taking off expensive pieces of jewelry that have cost a lot of money and can’t easily be replaced, perhaps it might be better to leave it all behind altogether! Although it probably is very unlikely anything could happen during your scan, it’s probably just safer to reduce the risk of losing them.
Be Honest With Your Doctor
Some situations may change the MRI exam; for example, any metal implants in your body could be a problem as this scan is essentially a big magnet. Specific items to be cautious of include:
– A history of kidney disease
– A history of diabetes
– Pregnancy
– A pacemaker
– An implanted drug delivery system, such as an insulin pump
– Previous shrapnel or bullet wounds
– Cochlear implants
When your doctor assesses the safety of an MRI, they will consider an extensive list of conditions like those mentioned previously. Be upfront and honest with your doctor. Any deception regarding any part of your health history can impact your scan results! Reviewing your health history might be the most important aspect of preparation for an MRI.
What to Avoid Before an MRI?
Having learned a bit about how to prepare for an MRI in the future, let’s turn our attention to the other side of things—what not to do leading up to an MRI? Here are a few of the top considerations.
Do Not Get Any New Piercings
When you report for your MRI, you will need to remove all body piercings and body jewelry. If you have healed piercings, this generally will not pose a problem. If you have a newly healed and theoretical piercing, it may start to close up rapidly during the course of the MRI observation. In order to avoid the loss of existing piercings, please do not get any new piercings in the weeks leading up to your MRI.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
You should trial and follow your doctor’s orders if they advise you to try another diet and avoid certain foods before your MRI. Likewise, if your doctor advises you to change your routine, try a new medication, discontinue an old medication, or increase your level of activity, you should do what they say. This will only make your MRI go more smoothly and be accurate when it gives your doctors and care team the best chance for giving you the best care they can.
Do Not Change Your Normal Routine
Whatever changes your doctor suggests, make sure to stick to those!! If you are not given any recommendations and your scan is in days or even weeks, try to stick to routine as best as you can. This means to keep doing your normal activities, and taking any prescribed medications as directed. Sticking to your pre-MRI routine means that you can be confident that you are getting the most consistent scan possible, and that any changes in your normal routine did not lead to incorrect results.
Conclusion
Undergoing a head MRI may seem overwhelming, but having a basic understanding of the process and how to prepare for your visit, will save you valuable time in the process and help put your mind at ease. Many people feel anxious or nervous. That is a completely normal feeling! Following the recommendations to inform your doctor about your situation, properly preparing for the scan, and not making changes to your routines before the scan, are all the ways you can make the scan more productive and enjoyable for you. One final point: you won’t be able to wear your jewelry during the scan, and please be honest with your doctor about your medical history. Moreover, if you are concerned about claustrophobia, ask your doctor about any other options that may be available.
A head MRI is safe, painless, and an important diagnostic tool that helps your medical staff care for your needs. With the proper planning and accurate perspective, the experience will likely not be as frightening as you had previously perceived it to be. Please take a deep breath and know that you are taking the next logical step towards better health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I wear or bring to a head MRI?
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing without any metal. You will most likely be asked to put on a hospital gown and you will need to remove all metal, including jewelry, watches, eyeglasses and hairpins.
Q. Can I eat or take my medications before the scan?
You can usually eat and take your regular medicines, but check with your doctor if you are not sure. If a contrast agent is used, you may be asked to fast for a few hours in advance of the appointment.
Q. Are there any medical conditions I should tell my doctor about?
Always be sure to tell your doctor, and the MRI staff, if you have any metal implants, pacemakers, artificial joints, kidney problems, allergies to contrast dye or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q. What can I expect during the MRI scan?
The scan will not hurt, and on average it will take 30–60 minutes. You will be lying very still in a tube-like machine. The machine can be a little loud, but you will usually be given ear plugs or headphones.
Q. What if I’m claustrophobic or worry about the scan?
If you suffer from claustrophobia or anxiety, please tell your doctor prior to the scan. They will consider prescribing you some medicine, or possibly an “open” MRI to make your appointment more comfortable.
