How to prepare for an MRI:
- Let them know if you have claustrophobia
- Leave your accessories at home
- Speak to your doctor about your medical history
- Avoid getting new piercings
- Follow the prescribed changes
- Eat, and take medications normally
- Dress comfortably in loose clothing
- Arrive for your appointment early
Getting an MRI scan is a common diagnostic test that many patients go through. If you’ve been told that you need an MRI, then you may be feeling apprehensive about it — which is common, especially when you don’t have a clear idea of what to expect from this exam.
To help you feel more comfortable for your upcoming appointment, we’ve prepared a simple guide on how to prepare for an MRI scan. While every patient’s experience will be different, this should help you have a clearer picture of what to expect during the procedure.
Let Them Know If You Have Claustrophobia
You will be required to lie still in a relatively small and enclosed tube-shaped space for the duration of the exam. This can be a very difficult and scary prospect if you have claustrophobia.
If you suffer from this fear, then you should let your doctor know about it. Talking about this ahead of time and explaining your concerns will give your doctor the chance to help you before the procedure. They can help you better cope with the fear, and may even prescribe medication to help you stay calm during the exam.
Leave Your Accessories At Home
An MRI machine is essentially a giant magnet, so bringing in any metal items into it is a huge problem. We recommend leaving any jewelry or accessories, such as your watch or necklaces, at home.
The MRI technicians will also remind you to remove any metal items on you, such as credit cards, glasses, coins, and the like before entering the machine. While it’s unlikely anything will happen when the MRI machine is on, it’s always better to be safe than to risk damaging them.
Speak To Your Doctor About Your Medical History
Some medical conditions can complicate the MRI procedure. So, be sure to thoroughly discuss your medical history with your doctor before proceeding with the exam. Specific things to note are:
- If you have metal implants
- If you have a pacemaker
- If you are pregnant
- A history of kidney problems or diabetes
- If you have an implanted drug infusion device like an insulin pump
- Past wounds involving bullets or shrapnel
- Inner-ear implants (ex:cochlear implants)
Your doctor should also run through a list of questions to make sure they are not overlooking anything important from your medical history. Be sure to state everything honestly so that they can check if it’s safe to perform the MRI.
Avoid Getting New Piercings
As we mentioned, anything metal on your person should be removed before stepping into the MRI machine. That also includes any piercings or earrings that you are wearing. While this shouldn’t be a problem for old, healed piercings, it will be difficult (and painful) to do if you have a fresh piercing. So, we highly recommend avoiding getting any new piercings in the weeks leading up to your MRI.
Follow The Prescribed Changes
This is less common, but your doctor may prescribe some lifestyle changes in the weeks prior to your MRI scan. For example, you may be instructed to exercise more, take a new medication, or switch diets before your exam. If so, be sure to follow all of these changes down to the last detail.
Following these instructions closely will ensure your MRI goes as smoothly as possible. It is also crucial in producing accurate results that your doctors will use to prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.
Eat, And Take Medications Normally
If your doctor has not said otherwise, then there’s great news for you — there is no special diet that you have to follow before an MRI scan! There is no particular food or drink restrictions, so you are free to continue eating the food you want, or usually do.
Dress Comfortably In Loose Clothing
Before leaving for your MRI appointment, we suggest dressing in loose-flowing and comfortable clothes. The amount of time you have to spend in the machine differs from patient to patient, so it’s best to be in clothes that you don’t mind wearing and lying down in for an extended period. Avoid using any articles of clothing with metal zippers, buttons, aglets, etc.
If you are having a head or neck MRI, you should not be wearing any makeup. You should also let the MRI technicians know if you have any tattoos or artificial marks (including microblading, eyeliner tattoos, and the like) so that they can adjust accordingly.
Arrive For Your Appointment Early
Like with any medical appointment, it is best to arrive for your MRI scan early — we recommend getting there 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you enough time to fill out any forms, and get settled before your MRI scan.
Note that your MRI scan will take about 30 to 45 minutes. And, this exam should have no physiological side effects, so you should be fine to drive or commute home right after your appointment is finished.
Key Takeaway
Once you know how to prepare for an MRI, your appointment will seem much less daunting. Remember that this exam is crucial for giving your doctor invaluable insight into your condition, and is necessary for giving you the best treatment.
At Perpetual Health Medical Center – Las Pinas, we take our patient’s comfort seriously — and are committed to providing high-quality imaging care and making your experience as stress-free as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our medical services, and how we can help you.
