Preparing for Your MRI

January 23, 2020

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRIs, are often recommended to help officially diagnose injuries and conditions. If you have an upcoming MRI and don’t know what to expect, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is here to answer your questions!

Before Your Exam

There is not much that you have to do before having an MRI. Eat, drink, and take any medications normally unless instructed otherwise. Arrive early so you have enough time to fill out any forms and ask any questions you may have. If you are receiving an MRI contrast, an IV catheter will be inserted before the scan begins.

During the Exam

Most MRIs take between 45 minutes to one hour. You will be required to lay as still as possible, and the technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds if necessary. Most of the time, you will be provided with headphones or ear plugs to minimize the sound of the MRI.

Many people are nervous about MRIs because they are afraid of feeling claustrophobic. There is always a two-way intercom between the patient and the technician, so if you feel any discomfort, you can always let them know. At Beacon, our first priority is making sure you feel comfortable with your imaging. If you’re worried about any part of the procedure, mention this to the technician beforehand so they can answer your questions and help you feel more at ease.

After the Exam

If you’ve had an IV inserted, it will be removed after the scan. You will be contacted as soon as your doctor is able to look at your scans and determine if anything was found. Although extremely rare, if you feel any adverse reactions after your scan, contact your technician or doctor immediately.

If you want to know more about MRIs at Beacon, please visit our imaging page and schedule an appointment today!