The MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Test

What is it?

• a method of taking pictures inside your body
• a large magnet uses the natural magnetic properties with your body to collect data. A powerful computer changes this data into pictures called "image."

How long does it take?

• about 45 to 90 minutes

Why is an MRI performed?

• to show areas where body chemistry has been disturbed by disease or illness

Does it hurt?

• no, you will feel no pain or treatment. No needles or injections ar used.
• the MRI is not an X-ray

Where is it conducted

• the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center
• Lower Level of Colloton Pavilion

What is an MRI scanner?

• a large magnet with a space in the center
• you will be slid into the magnet on a couch

• 9,000

What should you do to prepare for the test?

• notify your doctor if you have any metal or metal fragments in your body
• notify your doctor if you have fears about being enclosed in a small space (claustrophobia). If so, a mild sedative may be given to relieve you of anxiety.
• if a sedative is used, bring someone to drive you home.
• eat normal meals
• continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor gives other instructions

How is it performed?

• you will be asked to put on a hospital gown and remove watches, jewelry, or any other metal objects you might be wearing
• you will lie down on the scanning couch, arms at your side, and your head cradled in the head rest. If you have long hair, it will be tucked into the head rest.
• for a head and neck image, you will be slid into the scanner head first
• you will be asked to keep as still as possible while images are being made
• you may breathe normally throughout the test
• as the scan begins, the couch will slide into the giant magnet
• you will hear some peculiar machine-like noises during the test

What if I feel sick in the scanner?

• if you experience any anxiety or feel sick, talk through the two-way microphone with the technologists. Most scanner rooms are equipped with a TV camera so that you can be seen clearly throughout the test. Someone is always available to make you feel comfortable.

• there are no after-effects from the MRI scan. You should feel just as you did before the scan.
• the images will be reviewed immediately for quality. If more images are needed, they will be taken right away. If not, you may go back to your hospital room, the clinic or go home.

See related Patient Textbooks about Neurology.

See related Patient Topics Diagnostic Imaging, Neurology or Procedures and Therapies.

See related Provider Textbooks about Neurology.

See related Provider Topics Diagnostic Imaging, Neurology or Procedures and Therapies.

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