MRI Scan

Why is this procedure done?

MRI scan is an imaging test. It uses strong magnetic and radio waves to take pictures of the inside of your body. The doctor looks at the pictures on a computer. The test shows many details about your organs, tissues, and bones. Your doctor may order an MRI to: � �

See if you have any problems inside of your body from an injury or illness. Problems of the head, chest, spine, bones, joints, stomach, and pelvis can be found.
See results after treatments
Check results from other tests that are not normal
Know how much of the body is affected by an illness
Look at tissues or body parts for a defect or deformity

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What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- You may be given a dye called "contrast " � for this procedure. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dye or shellfish.
- Any chronic health problems you may have. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have sickle cell anemia, kidney problems, diabetes, anxiety, or fear of closed spaces.
- Any metal devices or implants in your body. These may include heart valves, pacemakers, or implantable defibrillators. You may have ear implants, a joint replacement, or an IUD. If you have had surgery, you may have metal plates, pins, screws, or staples and clips from other surgical repairs.
- If you have ever worked around metal. Welders and metal workers may have small pieces of metal under their skin.
- If you are or may be pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- If you are not able to stay in a closed space for 30 to 45 minutes. You may be given drugs to help you relax during the test.
- Your weight. MRI machines may have a weight limit.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order an x-ray to check for metal objects in your body.
You may be asked to take off all metal. This would include jewelry, watch, hairpins, or hearing aids.
If you have been given a drug to help you relax, you will need to have someone to drive you home after the test.

What happens during the procedure?

The staff may place an IV in your blood vessel if you need contrast dye. The dye is used to make the pictures clearer. You may feel warm or flushed for a minute or two when the dye is given.
You will lie on a narrow exam table. When the test starts, the table is moved into a large magnetic tunnel at the center of MRI scanner.
You are alone in the MRI room during the test. The staff will be close by where they can see you while you are having the MRI. They also use special tools to watch your heart rate and breathing.
The MRI machine often makes loud and knocking noises while it is working. Earplugs or headphones help block the noise of the MRI machine during the test. They also allow the staff to talk with you.
It is important that you hold very still and do not move during the test.
The magnetic field is created and radio waves are sent from the scanner. The waves react in your body and respond with signals. These signals are received by the computer. Then, it makes them into pictures of your organs, bones, and tissues.
When the test is over, the exam table moves out of the magnetic tunnel and the IV is taken out.
The test takes about 1 hour.

What happens after the procedure?

If you came from home, you should be able to go home after your test.
If you are in the hospital, you will go back to your room.
Your doctor will look at the pictures with the staff and the MRI expert.
After the review is done, your doctor will talk about your test results with you. Your doctor may ask you to plan a visit to talk about the test results.

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
If you have been given drugs to relax you, do not drive or run machinery for at least 24 hours.
Drink lots of fluids to help flush the dye out of your body.
Your doctor will let you know when you can go back to your normal activities and diet after the test.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.

What problems could happen?

Sometimes patients may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Allergic reactions may range from mild hives to (rarely) anaphylactic shock.
You may feel very nervous during the test if you have a problem with small spaces or anxiety. Ask your doctor for drugs to help with these feelings.

Where can I learn more?

American College of Radiology � �
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr � �
Cancer Research UK � �
http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/tests/mri-scan#prep_for_sun � �
International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine � �
http://www.ismrm.org/public/ � �
NHS Choices � �
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/MRI-scan/Pages/Introduction.aspx � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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