I have been having a lot of really bad headaches lately and doctor has given me many medication for migranes which have failed. I am very nervous. Also can you have an MRI if you are pregnant? I am not sure if I am.
2006-09-08 14:48:16 · 21 answers · asked by Mommy of 2 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
The MRI machine is basically a big square with a hollow tube in the center. You’ll lie on your back or your side, depending on what exactly is being imaged. Your main job will be to stay still and relax. The procedure itself is absolutely painless. You might hear a sort of knocking sound as the MRI captures its images, but this is just a normal part of the way it works. Being pregnant shouldn't matter one bit, but do mention to the technician that you might be.
A really cool thing about the MRI is that it can image tissues (especially arteries and the like) without the need for the contrast injections that radiological diagnostics sometimes require.
The cross-sectional 2- and 3-D images that the MRI produces are amazing, and will provide your health care professional with some extremely valuable information to help figure out what might be wrong.
There’s no danger from having an MRI. Some people who experience a lot of claustrophobia might report feeling uncomfortable in the relatively small tube, but in the absence of that, it’s perfectly painless.
I had one a few years ago, and believe me I’m a total CHICKEN when it comes to anything medical. It’s all I can do not to faint during a blood test! But the MRI was like being asked to relax and take a nap!
Don’t worry!
2006-09-08 15:04:17 · answer #1 · answered by mz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure about the pregnancy thing, they will ask you prior to the MRI if you are pregnant.
I can tell you about having an MRI, I had one in 2000, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor (non-cancer). Back working full time in 8 months. No problems ever since.
Here is what to expect:
First off, it doesn't hurt. They might have to give you a shot that has dye in it part of the way through, the shot might sting a little.
The main thing is that you have to remain very still. Expect to hear knocking or hammering that will be soft then get louder and more repetitive. It is sort of annoying, but not painful. No one told me what to expect when I had it and that part was a big surprise for me.
Expect it to take a while. If you are having headaches, it is likely they will do an MRI with and without contrast. Hence use of the dye.
You will lie on a bedlike object and they will slide you into a tube. It can be clostraphobic, unless it is an open MRI and then it still can be a bit closing in. Just breathe deep and keep your eyes shut as much as possible. Usually they play music to help relax you. Your station of choice.
I hope this helps. Good Luck and God Bless that all will be well.
2006-09-08 14:57:52 · answer #2 · answered by damsel36 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An MRI is very safe, and the best way possible to diagnose your problem.
It does NOT hurt, but you will experience loud "Jack-Hammer" like noises during the testing.
You will be talking to the Radiologist the entire time through a microphone, and they can stop the test if you feel the need.
The only thing most people dislike is the tight, confining tube you will be in during the testing.
Your Dr. can prescribe something to calm you before the test if this is a problem, or you can request an "Open MRI", which is a solution to many people who panic in confined spaces.
Be sure and tell the Radiologist you may be pregnant--just to be safe.
You can take someone with you if you wish. My Husband held my toes the entire time, and it really helped me to relax.
Good Luck Sweetie!!
2006-09-08 15:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An MRI doesn't hurt at all. It's a specialized type of xray. You lie on a table and it slides you into a large tube-like machine. You don't feel anything. If you are uncomfortable in small spaces it might make you feel a little anxious but other than that there is no discomfort at all. It may not be possible to have one while you are pregnant, or they may be able to just do an MRI on your head. I don't know, but be sure the technician and your doctor know that you are pregnant.
2006-09-08 14:56:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one when I was four years old, I can tell you what I remember. The process is completely painless, if not somewhat nervewracking. You lie down on a small cot-like bed, at the base of an angled tube. They are not especially roomy, but not claustrophobic, either. It is important to stay still and to avoid blinking excessively. The cot will slide on a track into the tube. Inside the tube there is a very bright lightbulb. The bulb will flash when they take the MRI's. (Again, completely painless). You are free to move any part of your body other than your head (since they are taking pictures). Don't sweat it. At the end, you get to see some pretty cool pictures of the inside of your skull!
2006-09-08 14:59:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anamu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have an MRI if you are pregnant. Make sure you tell the operators first. The MRI won't hurt at all. The only problem I've had is claustrophobia. You can avoid claustrophobia by closing your eyes and relaxing as soon as you lie down on the table. You'll be fine.
2006-09-08 14:53:21 · answer #6 · answered by ralph.cramdon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will do a pregnancy test if there is any reason to think you might be pregnant. MRIs don't hurt at all. You have to lie really still in a very small tunnel, but if you have claustrophobia, they can give you something to calm you down. Take someone with you in case they have to do that because you will not be able to drive.
2006-09-08 14:56:17 · answer #7 · answered by TXChristDem 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an MRI is a magnetic image of you. Depending what you are getting scanned, you may have some prep work, but if you did, you would have already started. That is the most unpleasant part. Go tomorrow and relax. It's loud in the tube, so just let them take pictures. No worries.
2006-09-08 14:54:05 · answer #8 · answered by MJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
MRI's do not hurt. You will lie on a flat bed/board and you will be placed inside a tube. A large electromagnet will spin around you inside the tube but, you won't feel a thing... they may need to start an IV on you if the need to give IV contrast dye and of course the needle stick will hurt but, only temporary. As for the possible pregnancy, i'm not sure...
2006-09-08 14:52:44 · answer #9 · answered by emsa5804 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does not hurt at all but it is a bit loud. If you are pregnant or think you are tell the Dr right away because it can hurt the baby but if they are only doing your head they can do other methods so it won't hurt the baby or even may want to reShe . It depends on you Dr.
2006-09-08 16:14:43 · answer #10 · answered by randrnorman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋