I have now had 7 MRI scans at different hospitals/clinics (NHS and private). Therefore, I thought I should write my own guide based on my experiences! I have also attached the MRI leaflet I was given prior to my most recent MRI scan. I hope this guide helps.
What is an MRI?
"Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body." Source: NHS MRI Scan
Before your scan
You should receive some guidance from your hospital/clinic confirming the date/time of your appointment, along with an MRI scan guide.
If you're anxious or you have claustrophobia like me, you can ask your GP if they can prescribe something to help. My GP prescribed Diazepam.
What happens at the hospital?
You will need to complete a patient safety questionnaire e.g. to check if you're pregnant or have any metal in your body.
When ready, you will be taken to a dressing room to change into a gown.
Remember to remove all jewellery! You're normally given a locker to put your valuables in. You're not allowed to take anything in to the scanner room with you.
What happens during an MRI scan?
The MRI scanner is a large tube. You will lie down on a bed that will slide into the tube.
The radiologist will normally provide you with some headphones to listen to music and hear any instructions from them.
You will also be given a call button to press/squeeze in case of emergency.
You may be given some breathing instructions during the scan.
The radiologist will come back into the scanning room to get you when the scan has finished.
How long does the scan take?
It can be 30 to 60 minutes from my own experience. I normally fall alseep!
When will the results be ready?
This depends on your hospital/clinic. For example, with a private clinic, the results could be ready in the same week. From my experience with the NHS, the results can take 2 - 6 weeks.
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