Can i eat before an mri

You will lie on a padded table that moves into the tunnel. The scanning is done while you are in the center. You must lie still. Stay relaxed inside the MRI unit. Movement can distort the image. The test takes 20 to 90 minutes.

You will be made as comfortable as possible. You will be given a squeeze button to call the technologist if you need anything. The staff will also be able to watch you at all times through a glass window.

You will be given earplugs to wear, but you will still be able to hear and talk with MRI staff through a microphone. Please notify the technologist if you have any problems during the MRI. A coil might be placed around the part of your body being scanned such as your head, knee or abdomen. This coil is really a special radio receiver that improves the picture and is usually contained in hard white plastic. If the coil begins to become uncomfortable during the scan, tell the MRI technologist.

In some cases, a frame may be placed over the body part being scanned, such as the head or chest. This frame contains receivers that pick up the signals sent out by your body during the scan and it can help to create a better-quality image. A computer is used to operate the MRI scanner, which is located in a different room to keep it away from the magnetic field generated by the scanner.

But you'll be able to talk to them, usually through an intercom, and they'll be able to see you at all times on a television monitor. A friend or family member may be allowed to stay with you while you're having your scan.

Children can usually have a parent with them. Anyone who stays with you will be asked if they have a pacemaker or any other metal objects in their body. They'll also have to follow the same guidelines regarding clothing and the removal of metallic objects.

To avoid the images being blurred, it's very important to keep the part of your body being scanned still throughout the whole of the scan until the radiographer tells you to relax. A single scan may take from a few seconds to 3 or 4 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. Depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken, the whole procedure will take 15 to 90 minutes. The MRI scanner will make loud tapping noises at certain times during the procedure.

This is the electric current in the scanner coils being turned on and off. You'll be given earplugs or headphones to wear. That is why bone injury or disease is usually investigated with regular x-ray examinations rather than MRI scanning. You may be asked to wait while the radiographer checks the quality of the pictures.

In some cases, you may be asked to get back into the MRI scanner so that more pictures can be taken. If the pictures are satisfactory, you can get dressed and go home.

There are no known long-term side effects from undergoing MRI. The MRI scan does not use ionising radiation to achieve its pictures. Be guided by your doctor but, generally, there are no special after-care instructions. A radiologist and other specialised doctors will examine and interpret the scan images.

You will need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the results. The MRI scan will help the doctor to plan appropriate treatment, if necessary. The MRI scanner is a complicated piece of equipment that is expensive to use and found only in specialised centres. Alternatives to MRI depend on the medical condition under investigation, but could include:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound. A person with alcohol related brain impairment ARBI might experience problems with coordination, thinking, planning and memory. If a person with alcohol related brain impairment is aware of their memory limits, they can learn how to deal with them.

People with alcohol related brain impairment benefit when their life is organised and follows a good structure.

Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Before an MRI, you should expect to be asked to change into a hospital gown.

This minimizes the risk that you will accidentally wear metal during the test. Alternatively, you may be asked not to dress in clothing with underwire, buckles, belts, zippers, or buttons. This step of removing metal is critical because MRI scanners generate strong magnetic fields. This can lead to injuries or distorted images if a metal is present.

The absolute most important thing not to do before an MRI is to lie or leave out information when talking to your doctor or the MRI technicians. MRIs are not safe for certain people. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be asked to delay the MRI , if possible. Even so, there is not enough long-term research on the effects on the baby.