MRI Precautions

What have been advised to do before MRI?

A year back I went to the MRI scan center along with my grandmother as she was prescribed to get done brain MRI due to some underlying medical condition. Initially, we had no clue what is it actually and how does it take place, because till that day we had mere heard about CT scan or X-ray.

Besides, grandmother was very scared and anxious and was praying to whole almighty to get it done safely. Meanwhile, I gathered all the information from the concerned people as well as the posters hanging up there. Because patients should not be nervous (Claustrophobic) during this test and if he/she is nervous, the doctor either give them medicine to relax or get done an open MRI.

You must know: MRI and it’s applications.

It was very easy going test despite those stringent safety measures. This write-up will work as a primary guide before actually to MRI.

How do you prepare before entering MRI room?

There is no preparation you need to do at home, all start at the hospital.

  • You should have informed your concerned doctor about your health problems such as kidney or liver disease.
  • If you recently had surgery
  • If you have any allergies to food or medicine
  • If you are asthmatic
  • If you are pregnant or might be pregnant
  • No metal is allowed. Though doctors present there will ask you to remove if any metal jewelry you are wearing or any metallic thing you carry with you have to keep outside that room. It is your charge also to keep metallic things outside. Because the magnetic field in the room attracts metal that can cause problems during tests. These include-
  • Filling or other dental work
  • Pins, screws or surgical staples
  • Body piercing
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Metal joints or artificial limbs, etc
  • If you have tattoos
  • Metal chips or clips in or around the eyes
  • Some types of metal coils placed within blood vessels
  • Earphones or headphones are provided by the staff to ward off the loud noises of the scanner.

There is some personal stuff advised to keep outside before this test;

  1. Cell phones
  2. Watch
  3. Eyeglasses
  4. Keys
  5. Underwire Bra
  6. Coins
  7. Dentures (false teeth)
  8. Belts and buckles
  9. Wigs
  10. Hearing aids, etc

Every year, approximately 10 million patients undergo MRI procedures. MRI has been shown to be extremely safe as long as proper safety precautions are taken. In general, the MRI procedures are painless. And it doesn’t cause tissue damage of any kind.

Can you eat and drink before MRI?

You can eat and drink normally before the test. But in some particular cases, the patient is advised not to eat or drink before four hours of the scan. Whereas depending on the area of your body would be underscan, you would be asked to drink a large amount of water beforehand.

Mothers should not breastfeed their babies for 24-48 hours after intravenous contrast is given. However, it is not yet confirmed. It is advised not to have an MRI during the first three months of your pregnancy to avoid risk if any.

There is no need to worry, everything would be informed beforehand either by your physicians or staff at MRI center.

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