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How to Prepare for an MRI: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients

How to Prepare for an MRI: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients

Did your doctor advise getting an MRI done for that injured leg? Don't worry, and don't be confused about the process to get it done. Read on to know the dos and don'ts before getting the MRI done.

Getting an MRI scan might trigger panic in some patients, both new and old. While a panic reaction might be common for patients, but happens mostly due to a lack of knowledge about the procedure. What the machine is, how it works, precautions the patients should take - are unknown to most patients. The result is panic.

Well, you might think that asking a patient to remain calm is one thing, and getting it for yourself is a whole different story. You might not be completely wrong to think this way. To help you gain confidence before doing the MRI scan, we will walk you through what to expect and what you should do to prepare yourself before an MRI scan.

Let’s start the discussion by understanding what MRI is.

MRI: Explanation

MRI is the acronym for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which means that the machine uses radio waves and powerful magnets to scan the body parts of patients. An MRI scan helps to create an image on the computer, and then these images can be used to diagnose what is going on inside the patient's body.

The scan uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to align the patient's body's hydrogen protons and then uses radio waves to knock them out of alignment.

The moment the radio frequency turns off, hydrogen protons snap back in alignment and release energy as signals. The coils used in the MRI machine detect the released energy from the hydrogen protons.

If you are looking to get an MRI scan, get in touch with our MRI Clinic in Montreal today. 

Prepare Before an MRI

Has your doctor advised you to get an MRI scan done? No need to panic, read our following guide with care and prepare yourself mentally.

Tell Your Doctor if you have Claustrophobia

Are you claustrophobic? It means that you feel uncomfortable in a closed space. You feel anxious and panicked without comprehensible reasons. The best thing to do before you take an MRI Appointment at the Montreal clinic would be to talk to your doctor.

People who have suffered from claustrophobia might find it difficult to lie still on the MRI scan table for a long time. Depending on the scanning requirement, the patient might have to lie there for about an hour. So, it is better to consult the doctor for claustrophobia.

If you suffer from this issue, your doctor might suggest that you take counselling sessions or prescribe medicines for you to cope with the issue. It may also happen that you need to take the medicine just before the MRI scan, so that you function properly during the scanning procedure.

Do not wear Jewellery

Wearing jewellery during the MRI scanning process is a big NO. The main reason is that in the MRI scanning machine powerful giant magnet is used. The powerful magnet might attract jewellery, and it may damage them.

It would be better if you left the jewellery back at home. In case you have a metal plate inside your body, due to an accident in the past, let the doctors know of this.

Do not hide any issues from the doctor

You should also disclose if you have any of the following issues:

  • Kidney issue
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • You have a pacemaker in your heart
  • An insulin pump attached to your body
  • Shrapnel in the body or a wound from a bullet
  • Cochlear Implants

Even if you have any other medical issues, disclose them before the MRI scan, and after careful analysis of the issue, your doctor will decide if it is safe to run the MRI scan on you. Get in touch with us for a private MRI in Montreal to get the best personalised care for your needs.

Things to Avoid Before an MRI

Now you know the things that you need to do to prepare yourself for an MRI scan. Let's talk about the things that you should not do before going for an MRI scan in a MRI private clinic in Montreal.

  • Avoid New Piercings: Do not get any new piercings before going for an MRI scan. Firstly, no piercing jewellery is allowed to be worn during the scan session. On the other hand, if the piercing has not healed completely, the channel might shrink due to the powerful magnetic field. So, better get over with the MRI scan and then go for the piercing.
  • Never Neglect a Doctor's Instructions: Do not disobey the doctor's directions before the MRI scan. Follow all the directions by word. If the doctor has told you to take certain diets, do some exercise, or stop medication before the MRI scan, do that. The doctor's advice will help you make the scanning process go smoothly.
  • Never Disrupt MRI Schedule: Try to follow all the directions provided by your doctor before the MRI scan. Continue the medication as you have been following, if your doctor has not told you to stop them. If no special guidance is received, try following your regular lifestyle. Follow the MRI schedule as directed by the technician and the doctor, and the scanning process will go smoothly.

Take an MRI appointment at the Montreal clinic and get it done without a shred of anxiety in a patient-focused environment.

Expectation during MRI

The experience differs depending on the person. However, you should arrive at the clinic at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Fill out all the paperwork and check with the technicians to remove any jewellery, hairpins, or hearing aids. If you are wearing a brass with wires, you need to remove that as well.

When you are lying on the table, be still. Otherwise, the image will come out blurry, and you might have to go through the entire process again.

Don't panic when you hear noise from the MRI machine. You can expect a loud thumping noise from the machine due to the rapid on and off of electricity in the gradient coil. You can also feel the vibrating noise of the coil.

Book your slot for the MRI clinic in Montreal to get the scan done smoothly.

Things to Expect After an MRI

If your doctor has given you a sedative to ease your claustrophobia, you might still feel the effect after the scan is done. For your safety, book a ride back home.

Also, look for any allergic reaction if contrast medium is used before the MRI scanning. If you see any, consult your doctor

Book an MRI Scan at Our Clinic

If you want your MRI scanning to be done smoothly, book your appointment today. With our patient-focused approach, we offer the best service in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long would it take for an MRI scan to complete?

In general, an MRI scan will take about 15-20 minutes. However, it all depends on the area to be scanned. In case the doctors need a detailed scan, then it will take more time to complete the scan, approximately 45-60 minutes.

What are the different types of MRI scans?

There are three types of MRI scans - Closed MRI, Open MRI, and Functional MRI. 

Can I get an MRI result immediately?

Yes, in an emergency scenario, you might ask for the preliminary results of an MRI. However, in general cases, to generate an MRI report, it will take about 24-48 hours. The radiologist will review the image and analyse the issue, then prepare a report for the doctors.

What is a contrast medium used during MRI?

Contrast medium is a gadolinium-based agent, helping the internal body structures appear brighter than the surrounding parts. It helps get a clearer image when an MRI scan is done. The technician might introduce it into your system intravenously, orally, or rectally.

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