One MRI of the brain will usually take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
The specific type of MRI scan being performed can also determine the length of the exam.
Scans performed without contrast take less time than those that receive contrast dye which may take an additional 10-15 minutes to complete.
Experience happens during a brain MRI
The experience of a brain MRI is painless; however, some may still think it is uncomfortable to lie still for more than 30 minutes. Some people may feel anxiety as they have been confined in a small space in the MRI machine longer than they would prefer.
Brain MRI will happen in the general steps below. You will lie down face up for the most part of the exam on the MRI scanning table.
After you’re lying down on the scanning table, the technologist will put around your head a head coil, which is a special helmet type device. Some head coils have a small mirror that is attached to the head coil and may allow you to see out of the scanning machine, or may have a small screen so that you can watch television. You need to be very still during the exam to obtain the highest quality images. It is normal for the targeted area of your body to feel somewhat warm.
If this is bothering you, communicate it to the radiologist or technologist. The needle may be a little uncomfortable for a moment, but that is relatively brief. Afterward, you may have some bruising. Some people describe a metallic taste in their mouth for a short time after having the contrast injected.
The machine for a brain MRI
In most cases your whole body will not be placed in the MRI machine tunnel when you are getting a head or brain MRI.
MRI of the brain take
On average a brain MRI will take 30 minutes to 1 hour. If your procedure includes contrast, it will take longer.
Conclusion
Typically, a brain MRI scan is scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes, but may take longer if the imaging requires detail or if contrast has been used. After your scan, the radiologist reviews the images and writes a report that your doctor can typically access within a routine time frame of one to two days. The radiologist may have some flexibility in the way they communicate results. If you are in a health system or part of a health system that communicates results differently and there is no urgency to the results, we have heard of some cases where it can take one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can you fall asleep during a brain MRI?
Absolutely, you could fall asleep during a brain MRI, and in most instances, it is considered beneficial if you can help with relaxation and minimize motion. Whether you fall asleep while in an MRI scanner often comes down to whether you are comfortable in the scanner, and if you were given sedatives.
Q. Why does brain MRI take so long?
30 to 60 minutes
Q. Why fast for brain MRI?
The purpose of fasting prior to brain MRI, especially one with contrast, is mainly to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting, which may be harmful while lying down during the scan due to the risk of airway obstruction. The contrast media, usually gadolinium, can cause nausea and/or vomiting. Vomiting while supine could cause choking.
Q. What is the reason for an urgent MRI?
An urgent MRI (uMRI) is performed when there is a clinical suspicion of a serious or life-threatening condition requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Q. What are the types of brain MRI scans?
There are 2 types of brain MRI scans, such as structural and functional.
Q. How to find the best imaging centre in Rohini Delhi?
You can just type the best imaging centre near me or best imaging centre in Rohini on Google or directly contact carebox for consultation.
