What to know before having a

ahsan65@gmail.comMay 5, 2025

0 0 5 minutes read

Planned for an MRI? You may be wondering what to expect.

“MRI” means magnetic resonance imaging. It is a painless scan performed to take a closer look at your internal organs and structures. Using radio waves, magnets and computer technology, MRI produces detailed images to clarify the results of another test, monitor a condition or diagnose.

It is not uncommon to be worried about having an MRI. A “closed” MRI involves being slipped into a cylindrical tube and staying there for half an hour or more – an experience that can feel claustrophobic for many. In an “open” MRI, you are positioned between two large flat magnets, one above you and one below you, with nothing on each side of you. An open MRI attenuates claustrophobia for many people, but the images are not as clear as in a closed MRI. Thus, for some tests, a closed MRI is necessary. Here are some things to know that can help you make your mind comfortable before your appointment.

1. MRIs are noisy

You can hear the indicator and the blow during an MRI, but there are ways to adjust it so that you can relax.

“Noise comedy earphones or foam or silicone ear caps can block part of the noise,” explains Raj Dasgupta, MD, associate program director of internal medicine residence at Huntington Health in Pasadena, California. Alternatively, you may want to listen to soothing music inside the MRI tube.

Some people (especially children) who could be frightened by sound may need to take a slight sedative to stay still during the test.

2. Anxiety is normal

Certain estimates suggest that between 4 and 37 percent of patients suffer from anxiety during an MRI, with 1 to 15% with severe forms of anxiety, claustrophobia or panic attacks; 10 to 14% of MRI examinations are interrupted prematurely due to these symptoms.

“Good technology will guide you through everything step by step and check with you during the scan. Some places offer open MRIs, which are less claustrophobic, or give you a button to support if you need a break, says Dr. Dasgutta.

Here are some tips that could help relieve your stress before and during imagery.

Let your doctor know in advance that you are anxious. They could suggest medication to help you relax.
Close your eyes. As simple as it may seem, keeping your eyes closed throughout the imagery can prevent you from fixing on the tight space.
Bring a friend. You may need the authorization of the hospital or the office, but having someone you trust nearby can relieve part of your concern.
Do deep breathing exercises. Focusing on your breathing instead of your environment can help you relax.

3. Metal things can cause problems

Loose metal objects, such as jewelry and piercings, can hurt you during an MRI when pulled to the very powerful MRI magnet.

“These can interfere with the magnetic field that MRI uses and also pose a potential safety risk,” said Brynna Connor, MD, family medicine practitioner in private practice in Austin, Texas.

“Beyond the burns potential, metallic objects can also distort MRI images, making them less precise and more difficult to read,” explains Dr. Connor. “Articles that are not located in the area in which you get an MRI should not be a problem, but the safe bet is to always remove jewelry or piercings.”

If you have metal inside your body, such as a heart stimulator, joint replacement or surgical clips, you may not be able to have an MRI. As a rule, you will fulfill a questionnaire before the test that will ask you questions about this.

4. Makeup without makeup is the best

Although makeup is generally safe, some cosmetics contain metals that can interact with MRI magnets.

To limit any unnecessary problem, especially if the scan is from your head, do not wear makeup or nail polish on the day of.

If you want to make an additional effort, you can also minimize your use of hair products, anti -personnel and solar screens – which can also contain metals – on the day of your test.

5. Tattoos can burn

During an MRI, skin irritation or burns can result when the dyes in heating tattoos. To avoid this, you can receive an ice pack to place on the tattoo during the test.

“It is important to publicize the technician in MRI on tattoos, especially if they are large or near the pictorial area, and if they have been finished using metal ink, because metal ink can potentially warm up during the scan,” explains Connor.

6. Radiation is not a problem

Unlike X -rays and computed tomography, MRIs do not emit radiation. As mentioned earlier, MRIs use radio waves and magnets to create body images. There is no risk of exposure to radiation during an MRI.

According to Connor, MRIs are the best option to examine soft tissue, which is why they are often used to assess neurological, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular problems.

Because computed tomography can be done much faster than MRI, Dasgupta says that CT scanners are often preferred to MRI for emergencies, or when an MRI cannot be done due to inevitable problems such as metal implants.

“X-rays are preferred to computed tomography or MRI for initial assessments of bone fractures, dislocations or to check foreign objects, due to their speed, lower cost and availability,” he adds.

7. Some MRI use a contrast dye

An MRI with contrast involves injecting a dye into the blood circulation via an IV. The realization of this version of the scan increases the visibility of:

Tumor
Inflammation
Infection

In addition to IV, this version is a little different because you could also ask you to fast for several hours before the procedure.

Rarely, people have an allergic reaction to contrast coloring and can feel nausea, headache, dizziness or rash. “If you have already had an allergic reaction to Dye, certainly tell your doctor in advance,” said Dasgutta.

8. The accessory results are typical

The accessory results are things that appear during MRI but do not cause problems. It may seem frightening, but they are common and generally require no other action.

“It is not uncommon to have an accessory conclusion following an MRI, especially when digitizing areas such as the brain or the abdomen,” explains Connor.

According to Dasgupta, these results sometimes lead to another scan for a more in -depth examination, but most of the time, they prove to be harmless.

9. A repetition analysis may be necessary

It is important to remain completely motionless during an MRI – something that is not always easy to do. It is estimated that 10 to 15% of MRI exams should be redone due to excessive movement during the scan. Too many movements can obscure results. Sedation can help reduce movements, but you may be able to come back for a repeated scan.

The point to take away

MRIs are imaging tests that look at the organs and internal structures. They are painless and without radiation.
Anxiety is common, but there are ways to remedy it.
It is important to remove piercings, jewelry and other removable metal items before the test.
Speak with your doctor in advance if you feel anxiety or claustrophobia.