How to Prepare for an MRI Scan

Kumar A
4 min readDec 30, 2021

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Preparing for any MRI Scan may bring anxiety, especially if it is your first experience. Not knowing what to expect during the process and the uncertainty of the results is a lot to think about.

To help clear your mind, you should first be aware that MRI Scan service is a non-invasive medical procedure. It is an important imaging technique that allows your doctor to examine your organs, tissues, and skeletal system and is used to help diagnose many different medical conditions. Aruna Diagnostics offers best MRI Scan in Hyderabad with high end technology. They provide all the Health Checkup Packages for the individuals.

What is an MRI?

MRI scan is an image scanner that uses powerful waves and magnetic fields to scan your body. These pictures give your Radiology specialist detailed information without having to undergo an attack procedure.

MRIs are usually prescribed to help your doctor diagnose your condition. There are other ways to see the inside of your body such as a CT scan or X-ray, but the advantage of MRI is that it will not detect ionizing radiation.

Why Is It Done?

In short, MRIs are performed to examine your organs, tissues, and skeletal system. The scanner provides your doctor with images that have a high resolution of the inside of your body. MRI is often used to examine the brain and spinal cord to help diagnose tumors, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. But that is not all.

MRI is often used to take pictures of the heart and blood vessels to determine if there is a blockage or swelling in the blood vessels, structural problems in the aorta, and more. MRI scans can also help to take pictures of other internal organs to look for tumors or other abnormalities and are used to take pictures of your bones and joints.

How to Prepare for an MRI Scan

If your doctor arranges for an MRI, take a deep breath and do not be afraid. The good news is preparing MRI is very simple. And you can find comfort in knowing that the process is complete. The only thing you have to do is stay still during the process.

However, it is a good idea to stay informed about the process and know what to expect. Let’s look at a few ways you can prepare yourself.

Tell About Your Medical History

The first step in preparing an MRI is to talk to your doctor. Let them know about your medical history as some conditions may require a few changes in the procedure.

The scanner is actually a large magnet that can cause problems especially if you have a metal implant. Things like a pacemaker, cochlear implants can cause some problems. But rest assured, your doctor will use a wide range of conditions to ensure that it is safe to do an MRI.

If You Have Claustrophobic, Tell Your Radiology Specialist

If you do not already know, during the MRI you are inserted into a closed tube-shaped machine. The duration of the scan will vary from person to person but in some cases, it may take an hour. While this is not a problem for some people, those with claustrophobicity may feel very uncomfortable.

If you have claustrophobic or are concerned about having a machine, be sure to inform your doctor. Your Radiology specialist may be able to help you control your emotions or give you the help you need to stay calm during surgery.

Leave Jewelry At Home

Since an MRI machine is basically a large magnet, you cannot wear any jewelry. Technology will therefore require you to remove any metal from your body, including jewelry. If you often wear important or sensitive pieces make sure you leave them at home. This will help to reduce the risk of losing those essentials.

What to Avoid Before MRI

Before your MRI Scan, there are a few things you should be aware of that you should avoid doing. As mentioned, you will need to remove any metal before scanning, including jewelry. With this in mind, do not get a new piercing before your scan. You will be asked to remove the jewelry that has been the problem of new piercing that has not yet healed.

Next, your doctor may prescribe certain lifestyle changes prior to your scan such as avoiding certain foods, changes in your exercise levels, taking certain medications, etc. Make sure you follow their instructions to help your MRI go smoothly and help produce the best results. .

Lastly, if your doctor does not give you any changes, it is important that you maintain a regular routine before the scan such as continuing to take your medication and participating in your normal daily activities. This will help to provide the most accurate results.

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