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MRI scan Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.

Answers to questions about MRI scan

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

I'm having an MRI scan but I'm scared of enclosed spaces - what should I do?

If you're anxious about being in enclosed spaces, tell your radiographer before having the scan. There are several things that can be done to make the scan easier for you.

Explanation

The MRI scanner is open ended so you won't be completely enclosed at any time. The newer scanners are much shorter and wider than older ones, have a light inside and a slight breeze flowing through them.

Your radiographer will be able to see and hear you during the scan. If you feel worried during your scan, tell the radiographer straight away. You will be given an alarm call button to hold during the scan, which you can press to get your radiographer's attention.

There are several things that can be used to make the scan easier for you. In some hospitals, music is played to help you relax - you may take a CD or tape with you. You could also have a relative or friend in the MRI room with you.

If you're very anxious, you may be offered a sedative to help you relax during the scan. Sedation temporarily affects your co-ordination and reasoning skills, so you mustn't drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards. If you're in any doubt about driving always follow your doctor's advice, and please contact your motor insurer so that you're aware of their recommendations. This means if you had a sedative, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Further information

Sources

  • Information for adult patients having an MRI scan. Royal College of Radiologists, November 2000. www.rcr.ac.uk, accessed 12 March 2008
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How do I know if I'm having an allergic reaction to the contrast medium (dye)?

An allergic reaction to the dye used in MRI scans is very rare, and can involve sweating, rash, difficulty in breathing and vomiting.

Explanation

If you have any history of allergies, you must tell the radiographer before your scan.

If you feel unwell during your MRI scan, tell the radiographer immediately. You will be given an alarm call button to hold during the scan, which you can press to get your radiographer's attention. Allergic reactions to the dye are very rare. If you have an allergic reaction, the symptoms are sweating, rash, difficulty in breathing and vomiting.

Medicines are available to help with any allergic reaction and your radiographer will know what to do.

If you have an allergic reaction, you will be monitored for a few hours afterwards.

Further information

Sources

  • MRI scan. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org, accessed 12 March 2008
  • European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines on contrast media. ESUR, 2007, version 6.0. www.esur.org
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Can I have an MRI scan if I have metal or gold fillings in my teeth or a titanium dental implant?

Tooth fillings, braces and titanium implants aren't affected by the magnetic field but they may affect the quality of your scan if you're having your brain, ears, sinuses or jaw scanned.

Explanation

It's safe to have an MRI scan if you have tooth fillings or braces. However, it's possible that these may affect the quality of your scan. You may also feel a tingling sensation in your affected teeth during the scan.

If you have any fillings or dental implants let your radiographer know about them before your scan. If your dental implants are easily removable (for example some braces can be taken out and put back in) your radiographer will ask you to remove them for the scan.

Sources

  • Metal of choice for medical applications. Titanium Industries Inc. www.titanium.com, accessed 20 March 2008
  • Hinshaw DB, Holshouser BA, Engstrom HIM et al. Dental material artifacts on MR images. Radiology 1988; 166:777-779. http://radiology.rsnajnls.org
  • Husband JE. A guide to the practical use of MRI in oncology. London: Royal College of Radiologists, 1999
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2008

 

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