Before a head MRI, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the procedure is completed safely and efficiently. Firstly, you should always tell the doctor about any metal objects you may be wearing, including jewelry, piercings, plates, screws, or other objects.
Some metal objects may require removal before the MRI, as they can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI machine. Additionally, you should discuss any medications you are taking as some may require adjustment ahead of the MRI.
In addition to informing the doctor about any existing metal objects and medications, you should also not consume any food or drink for about four hours before your head MRI. This includes coffee, tea, and any other caffeine-containing beverages, as caffeine may raise your heart rate and blood pressure.
You should also not use any lotions, oils, or perfumes before an MRI, as they may contain metallic particles that can affect the MRI’s results. Finally, it is important to leave any electronic devices and other items at home, as they are not allowed in the MRI room.
What should I avoid before a brain MRI?
It is important to avoid any products with metal before a brain MRI. This includes jewelry, watches, clothing that has metal accents, eyeglasses, belts, and other items. It is also important to consider the presence of permanent body piercings, as they contain metal and may lead to a MRI artifact.
Additionally, you should inform your physician of any recent dental work, such as fillings, crowns, or braces as this can lead to MRI artifacts as well.
For safety reasons, you should also remove all hearing aids, hairclips, and any other accessories for which you may be wearing before entering the scan room. It is best to follow the instructions provided by the radiologist when it comes to the items you should leave outside of the MRI room.
In some cases, you may even need to avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before your appointment.
Finally, be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including any vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies. Certain substances can affect the quality of the MRI scan or even create a safety risk, so if your doctor has any concerns, they may recommend another type of imaging.
Can I drink coffee before MRI brain scan?
In general, you can drink coffee before an MRI brain scan. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and make sure that you are well hydrated at the time of the appointment. You should also let the MRI staff know if you have consumed caffeine or other substances prior to the scan.
If you have had large amounts of caffeine or other substances within the six hours prior to the scan, your doctor may recommend delaying the scan until they can be sure that the substances are out of your system.
Additionally, if you are scheduled for a contrast MRI, you should inform your doctor and the MRI staff of your caffeine consumption. They may need to delay the procedure until the caffeine has been eliminated from your system.
How long does an MRI of the brain take?
An MRI of the brain typically takes anywhere between 15 to 90 minutes. The actual scan time varies greatly depending on the type of scan that is being conducted and the specific requirements of the exam.
For example, an MRI to evaluate a stroke may take as little as 15 minutes while an MRI of the brain to detect a tumor may take up to 45 minutes. In addition, the individual patient’s anatomy may cause the scan to take longer than average, especially if there is a lot of vascular detail to review.
Preparation prior to the scan, such as the injection of contrast material, can also influence the total duration of the MRI of the brain.
Does hair interfere with MRI?
No, hair does not interfere with MRI scans. An MRI is a type of imaging that looks inside of the body, and does not depend on light for imaging, so the thickest of hairdos will not block the powerful magnets.
While the magnets used in MRI scans make it necessary for any metals—such as those found in body piercings or hair clips and accessories—to be removed prior to the scan, the hair itself will not hinder the magnetic imaging process.
Though it is possible that someone with long hair may find it uncomfortable to lay down for an extended period of time, the hair itself is not an issue when it comes to MRI scans.
Should you drink a lot of water before an MRI?
The general answer to this question is yes – drinking extra water before an MRI is recommended. It can help prevent the chance of dehydration during the MRI procedure, and it could also assist with the quality of the images.
Since MRI machines use a powerful magnetic field, it is not possible to have any metal objects in or around the area while the scan is being done. Since the body is made up of a lot of water, it is important to make sure you are properly hydrated before entering the machine.
In most cases, drinking water before the MRI is encouraged but it is important to talk to your doctor about the specifics for your case. If you are having a procedure that requires the use of a contrast dye, you may be instructed to drink more water before the test.
Drinking extra water can help reduce the chance of kidney damage from the contrast dye.
Regardless of the details, it is generally a good idea to drink plenty of water before an MRI. It can help ensure that you remain hydrated during the test and can make the images produced of a higher quality.
Before the test, make sure you talk through all the particulars with your doctor or healthcare professional to make sure you are taking the necessary steps for your individual procedure.
Is there anything you shouldn’t do before an MRI?
Yes, there are certain precautions that you should take before an MRI scan. Generally, you should not eat or drink anything for a few hours prior to the imaging, if you require an injection of contrast material.
You should not wear any jewelry, watches, or other metallic objects during the scan, as these can interfere with the magnetic field of the scanner. It is also important to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, as some of these may be contraindicated before an MRI, and they may need to be paused or adjusted prior to the test.
Additionally, you should also inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, such as a cardiac pacemaker, implanted aneurysm clip, joint replacement, or shrapnel in your body. Finally, be sure to let the technician know if you are claustrophobic or feel uncomfortable in tight or enclosed spaces, so that he or she can take appropriate measures to help you feel more at ease.
Can you keep your eyes open during an MRI?
No, you cannot keep your eyes open during an MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces strong magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses which could produce potential harm to your eyes if they were kept open during the scan.
Additionally, the bright light used may cause you discomfort. Depending on the type of MRI scan, you may be asked to wear ear plugs and/or a blindfold to further protect your eyes from the bright light.
Many scans require you to remain still for long periods of time, so the blindfold can help with this as well. Your doctor will tell you if it is safe to keep your eyes open during your specific scan.
Most scans require you to keep your eyes closed for safety.
How long before MRI should I not eat?
It is generally recommended to refrain from eating or drinking at least two hours prior to having an MRI scan. This is because MRI contrast dyes often include a compound called gadolinium, which can interact with food and can lead to nausea, vomiting and other side effects.
Additionally, having food in your stomach may make it more difficult for the scanner to get good images, since movement can affect the quality of the scan. For this reason, it is generally recommended to avoid food for at least two hours before your MRI scan.
It is also important to make sure you are adequately hydrated and well rested before the scan.
