what is a mri scan like?

Question

hi having first mri scan soon just wondered if anyone has had one and if they could tell me what its like thanks

Answer 1

I am claustrophobic and had an MRI scan a couple of years ago. I was so nervous but determined to not let myself down. I folded my arms on my chest, tightly closed my eyes and when the machine started making the noise, I realized it was in a rhythm so I counted the beats so to speak. I concentrated on counting and not on where I was and it worked a treat. It was soon over and was painless. You can do it

Answer 2

There are two different kinds of MRI machines. It depends on which type you will be getting. An Open MRI is really simple. You lay on a flat surface and then the scanner will be positioned above. You are not closed in for this type of MRI. It's very noisy. For the traditional MRI you are enclosed in a tube. You are still laying on a flat hard surface. For both types you have to lay very still for about 45 minutes. They do have to place a needle in your arm and run they dye through your veins. Don't be scared. It's really a piece of cake. The hardest part is not moving.

Answer 3

The MRI scanner is a large white tube that they slide you inside. When the scan is taken you can hear an electrical hum and a slight rumble as the electro magnet turns around the outside of the tube. Depending on what the scan is for you can be lying inside the tube for ages, I was inside it for an hour. They do give you a buzzer to use should you need it. Oh and it is important that you keep very still so as not to spoil the images they are taking.

Answer 4

It's like being put in a very tight space, with your head stuck still.
Then this noise starts which sounds like a pneumatic drill. You have a mirror above your head - handy to do your make up (if only you could move your hands), dunno why they put a mirror there cos they might as well just put plain glass (that's where they check to see if your ok)
You'll be given a pump like thing, this is in case you freak out or feel uncomfortable at any point.

Normally it doesn't take all that long but it does feel rather long whilst your in the MRI.

Answer 5

it can be a little claustrophobic and noisy, but most scanners often provide music (u can even take ur own in most cases and they will play it through to u). some people feel a warm feeling if they are beingscannedfor a long time but this is not always the case and nothing to worry about.

the staf will also give u a little button to press if u begin feeling anxious orjustwantto hear a friendly voice, as there are 2 way talk back systems as standard

most important thing is to relax and listen to the staffs advice and u will be fine!! hope this helps :-)

Answer 6

You have to lay very still in a table that the technician will slide into a long tube. It becomes a very tight fit, so if you are at all claustrophobic you will want to have some meds to relax you. Once inside the tube you have to lay absolutely still for the duration of the test, i have had 2 of them, one was about 20 minutes the other 45 minutes. It is very LOUD...you will hear clicking, humming and banging. the technician will speak to you threw a speaker and let you know what to expect so nothing will startle you. I strongly suggest that you do not open your eyes, just lay still, and zone out. It is painless, and well worth the results, its great technology.

Answer 7

You lay on your back and are strapped down to stop you moving. You then slide into a tunnel like structure and when you are still the scan start and you feel nothing.
Nothing at all to worry about it is no worse than diving under the duvet and staying still for a few minutes.
Best of luck with it.

Answer 8

I haven't had one but my hubby has. It really is nothing to worry about as it is a completely painless procedure. You have to remove all jewellery items, glasses, etc, lie flat on your back on a movable bed. The bed then moves back into a chamber thing and you have to keep as still as you can for a certain amount of time whilst the machine takes xrays of you. Then that's it.

The machine takes xrays of you as if you were being very thinly sliced horizontally. There's no pain at all just that you have to keep as still as possible and then I suppose there is the feeling of being in a confined space but that's all. Honest.

Answer 9

Oooh I've had one. I hope your'e not claustrophobic....I am and it took me all my strength to not totally freak the f**k out in their. It's very noisy and close, it's lasts about 30-45 minutes. I nearly fainted by the time I came out I'd worked myself into that much of a state.

Good Luck

Answer 10

had 4 over the last few years. If you are claustrophobic it can be intimidating. You do have a panic switch and are in voice contact with the operators who offer words of encouragement if you are nervous of enclosed spaces. Just remember to tell them beforehand, my nurses were brilliant when they were aware of my claustrophobia.