You will be given a set of specially designed headphones (except for brain and neck scans) and allowed to listen to a radio station of your choice during your exam or, we can provide you with earplugs. Believe it or not, about 25% of our patients actually fall asleep during their exam despite the noise!
In fact, some patients fall asleep during the MRI exam. A technologist will be able to see you at all times. For your convenience, an intercom system is built in, so that if you need anything, the technologist will be right there. There is also a patient emergency squeeze ball to alert your technologist, if necessary.
The magnetic fields that change with time create loud knocking noises which may harm hearing if adequate ear protection is not used. They may also cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation that may feel like a twitching sensation. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scan could lead to heating of the body.
5. Brain imaging can reveal unsuspected causes of your anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by many things, such as neurohormonal imbalances, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or head injuries. Brain scans can offer clues to potential root causes of your anxiety, which can help find the most effective treatment plan.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a painless procedure that lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and the number of images being taken.
They urge care and advise closing the eyelids since open eyes may disrupt or trigger movements within the scanning instrument. Your eyes may occasionally be given a liquid injection to keep them quiet and cold.
You can have your eyes open during the scan, although some patients find that closing their eyes or putting a washcloth over them helps keep their nerves calm. If you close your eyes, though, please be sure not to fall asleep. While you sleep, your body can twitch and move, ruining the MR images being taken.
For moderate anxiety, your physician may prescribe a benzodiazepine, such as Xanax, Ativan, or Valium. If so, you will take this medication prior to your exam, according to your doctor's instructions.
You must lie very still during the scan. If you move, the MRI scan pictures may not be clear. Your primary care physician may order you a mild sedative if you are claustrophobic (afraid of closed spaces), have a hard time staying still, or have chronic pain.
Patients can be positioned in several different ways.
The Upright MRI is the only MRI scanner that can image patients in any position, whether it's sitting, standing, bending or lying down. This allows it to image any part of the body.
Wear clothing without any metal. This includes your bra. Metal can heat up in the MRI environment, causing burns. Some newer fitness clothing will have metal in it.
Patients with certain conditions that may prevent them from staying still in the MRI machine, such as claustrophobia, anxiety, or any condition that causes physical pain, may qualify for an MRI with sedation. What medications are used? Propofol or Versed will be given through an I.V. to induce conscious sedation.
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.
One possibility is that the magnetic field created by the MRI machine somehow acts as an antidepressant. Scientists have been investigating the idea that magnets can relieve depression for more than a decade.
Radiologists recommend fasting prior to undergoing a CT or MRI with contrast because of the possible side effects of the contrast agents. While rare, side effects of contrast can cause nausea or vomiting during the test. Vomiting while lying down could cause food blockages in your airway, known as asphyxia.
Also. don't wear makeup. Some cosmetics contain metals that can interact with MRI magnets, so on the day of the MRI don't wear makeup or nail polish. Also, minimize hair products and forgo antiperspirants and sunscreens, which contain metals, just to be safe.
As a patient, it is vital that you remove all metallic belongings in advance of an MRI examination, including external hearing aids, watches, jewelry, cell phones, and items of clothing that have metallic threads or fasteners.
The technologist will ask you several times to hold your breath and stay still to be able to get good pictures. You will be asked each time to hold your breath for twenty seconds. This part is very important because we cannot do the MRI examination, if you cannot hold your breath long enough.
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.
But Yes you can Wear Sanitary pads while having an MRI. If you are wearing a sanitary pad before an MRI, it is important to inform your healthcare provider, who will provide instructions on how to remove it before the scan.
While the MRI procedure itself causes no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly in the case of a recent injury or invasive procedure such as surgery.
Why do we use pineapple juice? During the MRCP, the pancreatobiliary ducts can be obscured by the high-intensity signal from the stomach and duodenum. Pineapple juice has a high natural manganese content that increase T1- and decreasing T2- signal intensity.
Unless you've been given medication or a sedative, you can resume your daily activities. Once your MRI scan is complete, you'll be escorted back to the changing area to retrieve your belongings. If your doctor gave you any medication or sedation, DO NOT attempt to drive yourself home.
Having a support system may also help you get through your exam. In most cases, a family member or friend may enter the MRI room with you and stay with you throughout your exam.