If you search the results on this What Should You Know Before Getting an MRI Scan? Few individuals will state that they like having an MRI. In case you are like most individuals, you will probably react with this: your palms begin sweating, your hands tremble, and your heart and mind start racing in fear as you consider the worst possibilities when your doctor recommends getting an MRI or you get a letter requesting you to get one.
Notify Your Physician If You Suffer from Claustrophobia
You will recline back in a confined, tube-shaped machine during the MRI. Depending on the study, the time spent in the machine is varying, up to an hour at most. In patients with a past history of claustrophobia, this can be quite stressful. To make it easier for you, discuss with your physician ahead of the study and relate your history of and anxiety about claustrophobia. Your doctor is able to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication that you can take prior to the study, and this medication will help relax you while undergoing the MRI.
Leave Your Jewelry at Home
Wearing metal is clearly high on the list of things to do or not do before getting an MRI. Since an MRI is essentially a giant magnet, the MRI technicians will require you to remove everything metal from your body before you go into the machine, including rings and jewelry you have on. If all you wear are bargain pieces, it might not be a big issue. If it’s on the other hand removing pricey items of jewelry that have cost a lot of money and can’t be easily replaced, then maybe it would be best to leave them all behind entirely.
Be truthful to your doctor
Certain conditions might alter the MRI exam; for instance, any metal implants in your body might be an issue since this scan is basically a gigantic magnet. Some things to watch out for are.
- A history of kidney illness
- A history of diabetes
- Pregnancy
- A pacemaker
- An implanted drug delivery system, like an insulin pump
- Past shrapnel or bullet injuries
- Cochlear implants
What Does an MRI of the Brain Show?
From viewing MRI pictures, your physician is able to view blood flow and fluid around the brain and use these to conclude abnormalities in the brain concerning arteries and veins. An MRI brain scan also reveals brain lesions. A brain lesion is seen as a light or dark spot that does not resemble normal brain tissue. Brain lesions can occur as a result of multiple sclerosis or as a result of an infection or a tumor. Overall, a brain MRI will allow your physician to review blood flow and tissue status in the following brain structures.
Cerebrum: The cerebrum is the front portion of the brain that deals with movement, body temperature, touch, vision, hearing, reasoning, emotions and learning.
Brainstem: Brainstem is the center of the brain. This area has to do with eye and mouth movement, sensory input, hunger, awareness, heart function and involuntary muscle movement.
Cerebellum: The cerebellum is the posterior part of the brain that controls voluntary muscle movement and assists you in holding posture and balance.
How to Prepare for a Head MRI
You don’t usually have to do much to get ready for a head MRI. You can probably eat, drink and take your medications normally. Your doctor might have told you not to drink or eat four to six hours before the test if you had the doctor order a scan of other areas of your body, like your stomach area.
Conclusion
A head MRI is a simple and safe test that gives clear images of your brain to detect any potential abnormalities. What Should You Know Before Getting an MRI Scan? With good preparation and dialogue with your physician, the experience can be pleasant and very useful for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I undress for an MRI?
Although most individuals will have to be dressed down into a hospital gown for an MRI, it varies based on the body region being imaged and the procedure of the imaging center.
Q. What should you not do before an MRI?
Do not wear metal jewelry or clothing with metal zippers or hooks before an MRI, and you will need to take off all electronics.
Q. How long does a head MRI take?
30 TO 60 Minutes
Q. When to worry about MRI results?
If the MRI results are significant, your physician will typically contact you early on, typically 24 to 48 hours.
Q. What preparation do I need to do before an MRI scan?
The most critical preparations for an MRI scan include removing all metal from your body and informing your doctor ahead of time about any internal metal or medical hardware.
