I just have a few things to add-do not wear anything metal (zippers, buckles, glasses, underwire bras, etc.) The machine is a very large and powerful magnet, and you don't want to get stuck to it! ![]() Also, do not wear eye makeup or lipstick (some makeup has metallic flakes)-I never wear any makeup when I have an MRI. I had my ninth MRI this year and I have gotten used to them. Be sure to ask your tech specific questions before you have the imaging done, you should feel more comfortable knowing what is going to happen. At my most recent MRI, I brought a cd and they played it for me and I listened to it through the headphones. If you're cold, request blankets (I always get cold during the MRIs.) They can do a number of things to make you more comfortable. Just ask. If a cd of your films is available after you have the MRI, you should request it so you have your own copy. If you have the option of an "open" or "closed" MRI, always choose the closed one. The closed one takes images with a much better resolution, which can be more easily read. I advise against the open MRI (I have had one) because the films are hard to read. Take care. Meri Some sites for info on the MRI: "An MRI scan is a painless radiology technique which has the advantage of avoiding x-ray radiation exposure. There are no known side effects of an MRI scan. The benefits of an MRI scan relate to its precise accuracy in detecting structural abnormalities of the body. Patients who have any metallic materials within the body must notify their physician prior to the examination or inform the MRI staff. Metallic chips, materials, surgical clips, or foreign material (artificial joints, metallic bone plates, or prosthetic devices, etc.) can significantly distort the images obtained by the MRI scanner. Patients who have heart pacemakers, metal implants, or metal chips or clips in or around the eyeballs cannot be scanned with an MRI because of the risk that the magnet may move the metal in these areas. Similarly, patients with artificial heart valves, metallic ear implants, bullet fragments, and chemotherapy or insulin pumps should not have MRI scanning. During the MRI scan, patients lie in a closed area inside the magnetic tube. Some patients can experience a claustrophobic sensation during the procedure. Therefore, patients with any history of claustrophobia should relate this to the practitioner who is requesting the test, as well as the radiology staff. A mild sedative can be given prior to the MRI scan to help alleviate this feeling. It is customary that the MRI staff will be nearby during MRI scan. Furthermore, there is usually a means of communication with the staff (such as a buzzer held by the patient) which can be used for contact if the patient cannot tolerate the scan." http://www.med.harvard.edu/AANLIB/sigsors.html |
