How can one prepare for an MRI examination?
May 3, 2022 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Helma Rothwiller
Dear Doctor,
My name is Sandra Meyer and I have an MRI examination scheduled soon. Since I have never had such an examination before, I am thinking about how best to prepare for it.
First of all, let me explain the situation: My treating doctor has advised me to undergo an MRI examination to further investigate certain areas of my body. I have already made an appointment and now wonder how I can best prepare for it.
The current situation is that I have not yet received any specific instructions on how to prepare for the MRI examination. However, I have read that it is important not to wear metal objects and not to eat certain foods before the examination. I also wonder if I should wear certain clothing during the examination.
My concerns mainly revolve around whether I could do something wrong and potentially influence the results of the examination. I also wonder if the examination could be painful and how long it will take.
Therefore, my question to you as a radiology expert: How can I best prepare for the MRI examination? Are there specific things I should consider to achieve optimal results? Are there specific clothing requirements to follow and do I need to pay attention to anything specific to make the examination as comfortable as possible?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Sandra Meyer
Dear Mrs. Meyer,
Thank you for your question regarding the preparation for your upcoming MRI examination. As a radiology expert, I would like to provide you with some information and tips to help you prepare for the examination.
Firstly, it is important to know that an MRI examination is a painless and non-invasive method to obtain detailed images of internal organs and tissues. It is a very safe examination method that does not involve any radiation exposure.
When it comes to preparing for the MRI examination, there are some important points to consider. It is advisable not to wear any metal objects before the examination, as they can interfere with the magnetic field. This means that you should remove jewelry, watches, piercings, hair clips, and other metal objects. You may also be asked to wear clothing without metal parts to ensure a smooth examination process.
Furthermore, it is recommended not to consume heavy, hard-to-digest foods before the MRI examination, as this can lead to unwanted movements in the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to consume easily digestible foods and to drink enough water to keep the body well hydrated.
It is also important to provide all relevant information regarding your health and medication intake to the medical staff. You may need to discontinue certain medications before the examination, so it is important to list all the medications you are taking and discuss them with your treating physician.
Regarding the duration of the examination: An MRI examination usually lasts between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the area of the body being examined. During the examination, you will be slid into the MRI machine on a bed, which looks like a tunnel. It is important to lie still during the examination to obtain usable images.
Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of remaining calm and relaxed during the MRI examination. If you have any concerns or discomfort during the examination, you can inform the medical staff. You will be accompanied throughout the examination and can ask questions at any time.
I hope this information helps you prepare for the MRI examination. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Helma Rothwiller
