How To Have An Easier MRI Experience

MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields to generate images. The standard imaging protocol in MS suggests use of a minimum 3 Tesla (3T) "closed machine" for best results. The imaging sequences focus on the white matter and grey matter of the brain and/or spinal cord before and after venous administration of a contrast agent, gadolinium, to enhance certain anatomical features.

Here are some things you need to know to make your MRI experience less stressful and more successful.

Before the MRI

Dress comfortably. Because the MRI scanner is basically a large magnet, you must not wear clothing with lots of metal rivets, buttons, or zippers. To avoid the need to disrobe and put on a hospital gown, I prefer to go to my MRI appointment wearing sweatpants and a comfortable T-shirt. That way, the only clothing I have to remember to take off in the dressing room is my underwire bra. Don’t worry, the technician will double-check that you aren’t wearing anything that would interfere with the MRI.

Remove body jewelry, watch, and wallet. Consider leaving your jewelry at home for safe keeping. You will be asked about metal in the body — such as a pacemaker, cochlear implants, joint replacements, or metal fragments — because in certain circumstances, an MRI can cause damage to the equipment itself or to body tissue when metal is involved. Some metals, such as titanium clips from a breast biopsy, do not pose a problem.


Read this post in its entirety:
What It’s Like to Have an MRI Test for MS