Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewPreparationDuring The ScanHow to Cope With the MRI ExperienceResults
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Overview
Preparation
During The Scan
How to Cope With the MRI Experience
Results
Learning that you need to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test can be intimidating.
Although exact experiences may vary somewhat, MRIs are performed in a broadly similar way in imaging centers around the country. Reading a little about MRI used to diagnosis brain disorders may put your concerns to rest as you learn what to expect.
What Is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)is a non-invasive radiographic study used to diagnose medical problems. Much like anx-ray, the technique allows the visualization of structures that would otherwise be inaccessible without surgery.
This is accomplished with the use of a large magnet, rather than X-ray radiation, while the patient lies on a table. The pulse of the magnet affects the water molecules of the body and the resulting changes can produce images. MRI is especially helpful in specific areas of the body, including the brain.
An MRI may be ordered if your healthcare provider suspects that there is a structural abnormality that may be causing your symptoms.
Preparation for an MRI
Prior to an MRI, most individuals will have a conversation with their healthcare provider to discuss the reason for the test. As part of this, a careful assessment of your history will occur. This typically involves a checklist to ensure that the MRI can be performed safely.
As MRI scans are done with a large magnet, it will be important to identify any metal that may be present in your body.Certain metals within your body may prevent you from getting an MRI, and you may be asked about:
Beyond these considerations, it will be important to remove other metal objects such as jewelry, body piercings, hearing aids, removable dental work, etc.
What Occurs During an MRI Scan
In most cases, an MRI will be performed while you lie flat on your back on a movable examination table. You will be positioned so that the area of the body that needs to be scanned is accessible to the MRI machine.
You may lie with a neck and head brace, padding, or sheet to make you more comfortable. There may be a few belts put in place to help you remain in place. In some cases, a helmet-like structure called a brain receiver coil may be placed around the head.
If you are to receive contrast material with your study, an intravenous (IV) line will be placed prior to the test beginning. As the test can be noisy, earplugs, headphones, or other hearing protection devices may be used. In some cases, you may be able to listen to music.
The examination table will move in and out of a large tube during the study. A mirror may be put into place above your eyes so that you can see out of the machine.
The MRI itself will typically consist of a series of imaging sequences. This may require that you lie still for seconds or minutes at a time.
The technologist will prompt you over a two-way intercom as the test proceeds. Depending on what is being imaged, the entire MRI test may last for about 45 minutes to an hour.
There are some common concerns related to having an MRI. The test is generally safe and painless, with little risk for complication, but there are a few elements that may lead to discomfort and distress.
The biggest concern most people have is feelingclaustrophobic. This occurs when someone is placed in a confined space, such as the MRI tube, and feels anxiety as a result. Although the use of mirrors may help, some people may need medications to help them feel more relaxed.
If you are concerned that you will become claustrophobic, you should make your needs known prior to the test. The use of open-ended (or open-sided) MRI machines can also alleviate this feeling.
If you are significantly obese, the MRI machine may be too small to fit you inside. The size restriction varies based on the machine, and alternatives can typically be found.
What Happens After an MRI Scan
After the MRI is complete, there may be a brief recovery period if you have been given medications to feel more relaxed. Otherwise, there typically is no delay in returning to your normal activities, allowing these tests to be done as an outpatient. However, if you were given a medication to help you relax, you may need someone to drive you home.
White Spots on a Brain MRI
A Word From Verywell
If necessary, an MRI can be a well-tolerated procedure, providing valuable insight into your medical condition. If you are concerned about tolerating the test, don’t simply refuse to do it. Talk to your medical provider about your concerns and the potential use of medication to reduce anxiety during the testing.
Neurological Diseases
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shoeibi A, Khodatars M, Ghassemi N, Jafari M, Moridian P, Alizadehsani R,et al.Epileptic Seizures Detection Using Deep Learning Techniques: A Review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 27;18(11):5780. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18115780.Wang F, Zhu Z, Zhou C, Zhu Y, Zhu Y, Liang C, et al.MRI brain structural and functional networks changes in Parkinson disease with REM sleep behavior disorders.Front Aging Neurosci. 2024 Mar 15;16:1364727. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1364727.American Migraine Foundation.SPOTLIGHT ON: HEADACHE, MRI AND BRAIN IMAGING.American Heart Association.Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI).Gruber B, Froeling M, Leiner T, Klomp DWJ.RF coils: A practical guide for nonphysicists.J Magn Reson Imaging. 2018 Jun 13;48(3):590–604. doi: 10.1002/jmri.26187.Enders J, Zimmermann E, Rief M, et al.Reduction of claustrophobia during magnetic resonance imaging: methods and design of the “CLAUSTRO” randomized controlled trial.BMC Med Imaging. 2011;11:4. doi:10.1186/1471-2342-11-4Additional Reading"MRI of the Body.“American College of RadiologyandRadiological Society of North America.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shoeibi A, Khodatars M, Ghassemi N, Jafari M, Moridian P, Alizadehsani R,et al.Epileptic Seizures Detection Using Deep Learning Techniques: A Review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 27;18(11):5780. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18115780.Wang F, Zhu Z, Zhou C, Zhu Y, Zhu Y, Liang C, et al.MRI brain structural and functional networks changes in Parkinson disease with REM sleep behavior disorders.Front Aging Neurosci. 2024 Mar 15;16:1364727. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1364727.American Migraine Foundation.SPOTLIGHT ON: HEADACHE, MRI AND BRAIN IMAGING.American Heart Association.Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI).Gruber B, Froeling M, Leiner T, Klomp DWJ.RF coils: A practical guide for nonphysicists.J Magn Reson Imaging. 2018 Jun 13;48(3):590–604. doi: 10.1002/jmri.26187.Enders J, Zimmermann E, Rief M, et al.Reduction of claustrophobia during magnetic resonance imaging: methods and design of the “CLAUSTRO” randomized controlled trial.BMC Med Imaging. 2011;11:4. doi:10.1186/1471-2342-11-4Additional Reading"MRI of the Body.“American College of RadiologyandRadiological Society of North America.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Shoeibi A, Khodatars M, Ghassemi N, Jafari M, Moridian P, Alizadehsani R,et al.Epileptic Seizures Detection Using Deep Learning Techniques: A Review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 27;18(11):5780. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18115780.Wang F, Zhu Z, Zhou C, Zhu Y, Zhu Y, Liang C, et al.MRI brain structural and functional networks changes in Parkinson disease with REM sleep behavior disorders.Front Aging Neurosci. 2024 Mar 15;16:1364727. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1364727.American Migraine Foundation.SPOTLIGHT ON: HEADACHE, MRI AND BRAIN IMAGING.American Heart Association.Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI).Gruber B, Froeling M, Leiner T, Klomp DWJ.RF coils: A practical guide for nonphysicists.J Magn Reson Imaging. 2018 Jun 13;48(3):590–604. doi: 10.1002/jmri.26187.Enders J, Zimmermann E, Rief M, et al.Reduction of claustrophobia during magnetic resonance imaging: methods and design of the “CLAUSTRO” randomized controlled trial.BMC Med Imaging. 2011;11:4. doi:10.1186/1471-2342-11-4
Shoeibi A, Khodatars M, Ghassemi N, Jafari M, Moridian P, Alizadehsani R,et al.Epileptic Seizures Detection Using Deep Learning Techniques: A Review.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 27;18(11):5780. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18115780.
Wang F, Zhu Z, Zhou C, Zhu Y, Zhu Y, Liang C, et al.MRI brain structural and functional networks changes in Parkinson disease with REM sleep behavior disorders.Front Aging Neurosci. 2024 Mar 15;16:1364727. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1364727.
American Migraine Foundation.SPOTLIGHT ON: HEADACHE, MRI AND BRAIN IMAGING.
American Heart Association.Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Gruber B, Froeling M, Leiner T, Klomp DWJ.RF coils: A practical guide for nonphysicists.J Magn Reson Imaging. 2018 Jun 13;48(3):590–604. doi: 10.1002/jmri.26187.
Enders J, Zimmermann E, Rief M, et al.Reduction of claustrophobia during magnetic resonance imaging: methods and design of the “CLAUSTRO” randomized controlled trial.BMC Med Imaging. 2011;11:4. doi:10.1186/1471-2342-11-4
“MRI of the Body.“American College of RadiologyandRadiological Society of North America.
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