MRI FAQ

Most MRI scans take 30-60 minutes, depending on the body part being imaged:

• Brain MRI: 30-45 minutes
• Spine MRI: 45-60 minutes
• Knee/shoulder/joint MRI: 30-45 minutes
• Abdominal MRI: 45-60 minutes
• Cardiac MRI: 60-90 minutes

Plan for approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours total appointment time, including check-in, changing, and preparation.

For most MRI scans (brain, spine, joints, extremities), you can eat and drink normally before the exam.

For abdominal or pelvic MRI, you may need to fast for 4-6 hours beforehand. Follow the specific instructions provided by your imaging center.

If receiving contrast, drink plenty of water before and after to help flush it from your system.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without metal:

• Sweatpants or yoga pants (no zippers or metal buttons)
• T-shirt or sweatshirt (no metallic print)
• Sports bra (no underwire) or no bra
• Slip-on shoes for easy removal

If your clothes contain metal, you'll be given a gown to wear. Many patients prefer to wear a gown regardless for simplicity.

Yes, all jewelry must be removed — rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and body piercings. The magnetic field can pull on metal and cause injury, or create artifacts that affect image quality.

It's best to leave valuable jewelry at home. The imaging center will provide a locker for your belongings.

Yes! Claustrophobia affects 5-10% of MRI patients, and there are many effective strategies:

• Mild sedation: Your doctor can prescribe medication (like lorazepam) to take before the scan
• Open MRI: Less confining machines with open sides
• Wide-bore MRI: Larger opening (70cm) than standard machines
• Music/headphones: Listening to your favorite music helps many patients
• Keep eyes closed: Most patients find this significantly reduces anxiety
• Feet-first positioning: For many scans, your head can stay outside or at the edge of the machine

Tell your doctor about your anxiety beforehand so they can help arrange accommodations.

Yes, in most cases a support person can stay in the MRI room with you. They must complete the same metal screening questionnaire and remove all metal objects. They won't be able to touch or speak to you during sequences, but their presence can be very comforting.

Ask about this option when scheduling your appointment.

You'll be given a squeeze ball or button that alerts the technologist immediately. You can also simply speak — they can hear you through the intercom at all times.

The scan can be paused or stopped anytime. The technologist can slide you out of the scanner for a break. Remember: the machine is open at both ends, and you're never trapped.

The loud knocking, buzzing, and thumping sounds (up to 100 decibels, like a loud concert) are completely normal. They're caused by electrical currents passing through gradient coils, which vibrate against the powerful magnet.

Different imaging sequences produce different sound patterns — some sound like rapid tapping, others like a continuous hum. You'll be given earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing, and many facilities can play music during the scan.

Most patients don't feel anything unusual. You might notice:

• A slight warming sensation in the area being scanned (normal and temporary)
• Cool air flowing through the scanner
• A cool sensation when contrast is injected (if used)
• A slight metallic taste briefly after contrast injection (rare)

The MRI itself is painless. The main challenge is staying still for the duration of the scan.

MRI creates images by detecting tiny signals from your body. Even small movements can blur the images, similar to taking a photo with a shaky camera. If images are blurry, sequences must be repeated, extending your scan time.

Each sequence lasts 2-8 minutes. You can relax between sequences when the machine goes quiet. The technologist will let you know when each sequence starts and when it's okay to move slightly.

MRI contrast involves injecting a gadolinium-based agent through an IV. It helps radiologists see certain structures more clearly, particularly:

• Tumors and their borders
• Areas of inflammation
• Blood vessels
• Infection
• Scar tissue vs. recurrent disease

MRI contrast is different from CT contrast (which uses iodine). If you've had a reaction to CT contrast, you may still safely receive MRI contrast.

Gadolinium contrast is generally very safe. Allergic reactions occur in about 0.5-2% of patients (much lower than CT contrast) and are usually mild (nausea, headache, injection site irritation).

Important exceptions:

• Patients with severe kidney disease (GFR <30) should generally avoid gadolinium due to risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
• Pregnancy: Gadolinium is avoided unless absolutely necessary
• Previous reaction: Inform staff if you've reacted to MRI contrast before

Many pacemakers implanted since 2010 are MRI-conditional, meaning they're safe under specific conditions. Your cardiologist must verify your device's compatibility and may need to adjust settings before and after the scan.

Important: Bring your pacemaker/ICD identification card to your appointment. The imaging team will verify compatibility before proceeding. Older pacemakers may not be MRI-compatible.

MRI is generally considered safe during pregnancy because it doesn't use ionizing radiation. However:

• First trimester MRI is typically avoided unless medically necessary
• Gadolinium contrast is avoided throughout pregnancy unless essential
• Always inform staff if you're pregnant or might be

Your doctor will weigh the benefits of the scan against any theoretical risks for your specific situation.

Yes. Dental fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants are safe in MRI. They may cause some local image distortion if scanning the head/jaw area, but they are not dangerous and won't be pulled out by the magnet.

Timing varies based on urgency:

• Routine outpatient: 24-48 hours
• Urgent cases: Same day
• Emergency (ER): Often within hours

A radiologist interprets your images and sends a written report to your ordering physician, who will discuss the findings with you. Many healthcare systems also provide portal access to view your results online.

Yes. You can request a CD or digital copy of your images from the imaging center. This is useful if you need to see a specialist or get a second opinion. Some facilities now offer online image access through patient portals.

There may be a small fee for physical media. Request copies at checkout or call the radiology department afterward.

Your ordering physician will review the radiologist's report and contact you to discuss the findings. Depending on what's found, next steps might include:

• Additional imaging (different MRI sequences, CT, ultrasound)
• Referral to a specialist
• Follow-up MRI in several months to monitor changes
• No further action if findings are incidental and benign

Many "abnormal" findings are actually common, benign variations. Your doctor will explain what the findings mean for you specifically.