Tips For Preparing For Your MRI Test

If you have an MRI scheduled so that in-depth and clear images can be taken of your brain, then you will need to prepare for the test before arriving at the imaging center. There are a few important things that you will need to think about and do before the test. Keep reading to learn about a few of these things.

Prepare Your Clothing

Your physician may have informed you to leave your jewelry at home before leaving for the MRI. This is extremely important. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and strong magnets are used to create images of the brain as well as other organs of the body. Since magnets are used, any metals that are attracted to a magnet will be pulled strongly to the inside of the machine. This can be extremely dangerous. 

Not only do you need to take off jewelry, but you will also need to wear clothing that is free of metal. This means that you should not wear items with snaps or zippers. You should prepare for this ahead of time so you have an appropriate outfit to wear. When you pick out your outfit, consider a comfortable cotton one. Cotton is best because you will need to remain still and calm in the MRI machine for about 45 minutes to an hour. 

If you forget to wear clothing without zippers and snaps, then the MRI imaging facility will provide you with a hospital gown to wear instead. While this means you can still go through with the imaging test, you may not want to wear this type of gown. 

Talk About Your Claustrophobia

If you do not like confined spaces, then you may be nervous about going through with the MRI. You will only have a few inches on the side of your body once you are moved into the machine. Some newer MRI devices are fitted with mirrors inside the chamber to help you see and to also eliminate claustrophobia concerns. However, if you feel nervous about the confined space, let your physician know about this beforehand.

Many people can be given mild sedatives to keep anxieties at bay during the MRI procedure. In general, conscious sedation will be used, so you will be drowsy but awake during the procedure. An oral sedative can be prescribed to get this effect -- benzodiazepine is the type of medicine that is most often used.

If you want a sedative, then you will need to arrange for transportation to and from the imaging test. You also will need to take the medicine about 30 minutes before the test, so you may want to arrive up to 45 min early and take your medication once you get to the imaging center.

For more information on MRI imaging, contact companies like Kenai Peninsula Imaging Center, LLC.