A full brain MRI typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, but can range from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the specific areas scanned, if contrast dye is needed, and if detailed images are required, with some modern machines completing scans much faster. You'll lie still on a table that slides into a tunnel, and must remain still for clear images, while wearing hearing protection for the machine's loud noises.
How long does a brain MRI take? A brain MRI can take about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. It may take longer if you're getting a brain MRI with contrast. Your healthcare provider will be able to give you a more exact time range based on the specific reason for your scan.
Yes, an MRI can cause ear pain, primarily due to the extremely loud, percussive noises generated by the machine's gradient coils, which can lead to temporary (or rarely, permanent) hearing changes, fullness, ringing (tinnitus), and earache, especially without adequate ear protection like earplugs or headphones. The intense sounds (sometimes exceeding 130 dB) vibrate the coils, creating disruptive mechanical noise that affects the inner ear, making proper hearing protection essential for patient comfort and safety.
On the day of your MRI session, please:
While most MRI scans are safe, noninvasive, and do not affect driving ability, certain factors can temporarily impact your coordination or alertness. If your exam involves gadolinium-based contrast or light sedation to help with anxiety or claustrophobia, it may not be safe to drive yourself afterward.
If you have concerns about claustrophobia, inform your provider and technologist ahead of time. In most cases, a brain MRI does not require your whole body to go into the scanner.
Proper preparation ensures that the MRI images are clear and free from distortions. Eating or drinking before certain types of MRIs can introduce variables, such as movement in the gastrointestinal tract or the presence of fluids, that may compromise the scan's accuracy.
This test doesn't cause pain. But it does make a loud noise, and some machines involve being in an enclosed space. These things may not be comfortable for some people. A brain MRI doesn't use radiation and is considered very safe for most people.
Can a subject wear deodorant for an MRI scan? It is recommended to refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and chest area prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the possibility of localized burns because these items may have metal in them.
Increased movement can result in the images being blurred or of poorer quality but being in an enclosed space can cause some people to become stressed, and in some more extreme cases, cause panic attacks.
Will a brain MRI show ear problems? Yes, a brain MRI will look at your ear's inner structures and auditory nerves as part of the scan, though it's not routinely used for hearing problems. An IAM MRI is more effective at getting a detailed image of the ears and surrounding areas.
Diabetes, migraines, thyroid disorders, anemia, and certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis are among the chronic conditions that have been linked to tinnitus.
3. Be Honest With Your Doctor
Before your scan, we will place a cannula (a thin, plastic tube) into a vein in your arm, which we will inject a contrast dye through during the scan. This makes certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly on the images. An MRI scanner is a short cylinder that is open at both ends.
A brain MRI typically takes 20–45 minutes. You'll be asked to lie still inside the MRI machine while the scan takes place. It's painless, but you may hear some tapping or humming noises, which are normal. If you feel anxious or claustrophobic, our team is trained to help make the experience as comfortable as possible.
It's not unusual for individuals to feel claustrophobic during an MRI scan. These scans are essential for maintaining your health, so it's important to be prepared. If you're worried about claustrophobia during an MRI, knowing effective management strategies can be very beneficial.
You Can Have Metal Fillings and Get an MRI!
MRI magnets don't attract every type of metal, so they won't attract any type of metal that isn't ferromagnetic. You only need to be concerned with things like nickel, iron, and cobalt.
Greasy foods should be avoided even if you aren't required to fast because they can upset your stomach and make it difficult for you to lie still. Avoiding caffeine-filled drinks will also help you remain still for the duration of your MRI.
If you're having an MRI of the head, you can shower and wash your hair the morning of your MRI. This includes brain MRI and pituitary MRI. Do not use any hair products, such as hair spray or hair gel. Don't wear any metal objects.
Many MRI procedures don't require your head to go inside the machine at all, but if you need a head or upper spine MRI, you'll appreciate the fact our machine provides a full 12 inches of clearance between your face and the wall – relieving stress for our patients with claustrophobia.
Here are some ideas for what to do during your MRI:
Every MRI machine comes equipped with “a call button” that a patient holds as they undergo an MRI, which they can squeeze to immediately alert the technologist. “It helps that patients have that control, and they can let us know if they are scared or nervous whenever they want during the MRI.”
Eating or drinking triggers processes in the body to digest what has just been ingested. This involves peristalsis - involuntary muscle contractions throughout the digestive tract to move the food through the digestive system. These muscle movements can cause smearing or anomalies in the MRI image (known as artifacts).
You may need an injection of MRI contrast (or gadolinium) as part of this scan. MRI contrast is a colourless liquid injected into your blood stream during the scan. It will be injected via a small needle (cannula) into a vein in your arm. The contrast agent improves the quality of the images produced by the scan.
While an MRI cannot directly diagnose dementia, it can identify a variety of changes in the brain that are associated with different types of dementia.