Frequently asked questions about MRIs.
Q: How long does an MRI scan take?
A: The length of the exam itself depends on the type of study being performed. MRI exams take an average of 20 to 45 minutes. There are a few variables that will determine time, including the part of your body we are scanning and whether your scan requires a contrast dye.
Q: What body parts can the MRI scanner evaluate?
A: Physicians use the MRI scanner to examine one part of the body at a time. The scanner can take pictures of the head, neck, back, abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, foot, blood vessels, and more.
Q: I’ve heard that an MRI can be very claustrophobic, especially for larger people. Is that correct?
A: Some patients feel claustrophobic in standard MRI scanners. Our wide-bore MRI is designed to accommodate larger patients and to minimize claustrophobia for people of all sizes.
Q: What does the MRI scanner look like?
A: The MRI scanner is wide open on both ends, well lit and ventilated.
Q: Why is the scanner so noisy?
A: The scanner works with strong magnetic fields. Inside an MRI machine there are parts called gradients. During a scan the gradients turn on and off so fast that they create a sound.
Q: Will my head be in or out of the scanner?
A: The area of the body being scanned will be in the center of the scanner. For many procedures — with the exception of scans of the head, neck, chest and upper abdomen — your head will remain outside the scanner.
Q: Will I need a driver?
A: If your healthcare provider prescribes an oral sedative for your exam we advise that you do have a driver.
Q: Is there any risk to having an MRI?
A: An MRI is very safe. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine, nor have any side effects been reported. Patients with a pacemaker, certain types of aneurysm clips or certain other implants should not have an MRI. (See below for more about metal implants and scans.)
Q: What about radiation?
A: There is no radiation exposure associated with an MRI.
Q: May I have an MRI exam when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: While an MRI scan has no known side effects, it is not recommended for pregnant women unless your healthcare provider believes it’s much more important to get an MRI.
Q: Why is it so important to remove ALL metallic objects before I enter the MRI scanning room?
A: You’ll need to remove all external metal objects—jewelry, clothing, etc.— for safety reasons related to the machine’s magnetic fields and because they appear on the MRI image.
Q: Will there be a problem if I have had surgery in which metal has been implanted?
A: As a general rule, no. However, please be sure to inform your technologist of any prior surgeries before your exam. Patients with the following should NOT have an MRI:
- Pacemakers
- Defibrillators
- Certain aneurysm clips
- Certain neurostimulators
- Certain implants that are not MRI-safe
- Tissue expanders
Q: If I have a metal implant in my body, how will I know if it is MRI-safe?
A: All implants that are placed by a surgeon have a manufacturer name and model number. Some surgeons give their patients cards with the manufacturer name and model number. The facility where the implant was placed should have record of what was implanted.
Q: I am scheduled for an MRI joint / shoulder arthrogram. Is the procedure painful?
A: During the injection of a contrast dye, you may feel some slight pressure or discomfort as the joint is distended. The sensation is temporary and will pass within four to six hours after the procedure. Some soreness may also be present at the injection site for up to 24 hours.
Q: How soon after my joint injection may I resume normal activities?
A: You may resume regular activities immediately after the procedure. The radiologist will recommend, however, that you limit strenuous or “stress-bearing” activities on the affected joint for 24 hours following the procedure.
Q: How is an MRI different from a CT?
A: An MRI does not use X-ray radiation and a CT does. Instead, it creates high-quality images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves. It can detect certain diseases much earlier than other medical imaging techniques can, making it the diagnostic tool of choice for many physicians and many cases.
