If you’ve been ordered to have an MRI performed, you might feel a bit uneasy about being in an enclosed space. Fortunately, most scans don’t take long to complete, and some facilities have an open MRI design so that you’re not in a traditional tube. Here are a few things to expect at your appointment.
Fears
If you’ve never experienced MRI imaging, then you need to let your doctor or the technician know if you’re claustrophobic or if you feel uncomfortable in enclosed areas. You can perform your daily routine as you normally would unless your doctor tells you not to take any medications. You could be asked to change into a gown before the scan begins depending on the area of your body that’s being examined. You can request a sedative if you feel anxious, but you need to have someone drive you home if this is what you choose.
The Process
The technician will explain what will happen during the MRI imaging process from the time you arrive until you leave. You’ll usually be given earplugs as the machine can be loud. There is typically a button that you can push if you feel overwhelmed in the machine. It’s important to listen to the instructions given once the scan begins as you could be asked to hold your breath or breathe normally. Try to stay as still as possible during the scan. Noises that you might hear include thumping or whirring from overhead while the machine scans your body.
Learn more about this type of test by contacting Open MRI of Orlando at https://www.openmrioforlando.com/.
