Are you scheduled for an MRI scan in Brooklyn, NY, soon? If so, you might already feel anxious about it.
Although about 40 million Americans have these scans performed annually, they still cause anxiety in many people. In some cases, those going through the scans even abandon them altogether while they’re taking place due to their elevated anxiety levels.
If you worry about what it will be like to have an MRI, learning what to expect might help bring your anxiety levels back down to earth. Check out our MRI appointment guide below to discover what to expect.
Getting Ready for an MRI
A doctor might ask you to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan performed for various reasons. Here are several common reasons why they may instruct you to schedule an MRI in Brooklyn, NY:
- Brain conditions (aneurysms, strokes, tumors, etc.)
- Spinal cord issues (herniated discs, spinal compression, spinal stenosis, etc.)
- Internal organ conditions (issues with kidneys, liver, spleen, etc.)
- Soft tissue injuries (joint problems, ligament tears, muscle strains, etc.)
If you feel apprehension about having an MRI, you should speak with your doctor about why it’s necessary as part of your MRI scan preparation process. They will explain how it will help them treat you more effectively, which might make you feel better about the situation overall.
You should also advise your doctor if you suffer from claustrophobia. Roughly 12% of the U.S. population has this condition, which causes an intense fear of closed spaces. If you have it, your doctor might arrange for a facility to provide you with oral medication or even IV sedation to minimize anxiety.
Additionally, your doctor may choose to schedule an open MRI rather than a closed one to alleviate your claustrophobia-induced concerns. They can also explain the differences between an open MRI vs. a closed MRI for first timers. Talking to them about an MRI will reveal what to expect from beginning to end and help put your mind at ease.
Showing Up for an MRI
Some people worry about what they must do in the hours leading up to an MRI. You will be happy to hear that an MRI facility won’t require you to do anything out of the ordinary before conducting a scan. You are welcome to work through your regular routine before attending an MRI.
The only thing you should keep in mind before showing up at a facility is what to wear for an MRI. You should steer clear of wearing anything with metal on it, such as:
- Glasses
- Jewelry
- Hairpins
- Belts
- Underwire bras
You should also show up early at a facility. This will give you more than enough time to complete the necessary paperwork and have the MRI procedure explained by an experienced technician. Even if you have had these scans before, you should have the process broken down for you again, especially if you will have a cutting-edge procedure like a 3T MRI performed.
Going Through an MRI
Once fully prepped for an MRI, a technician will provide several useful items. These include:
- Blankets
- Earplugs
- A call button to alert them to any issues
From there, they will ask you to lie down on a padded table they will use to slide you into an MRI machine. They will also tell you when to put on your earplugs and discuss the loud banging sounds that most MRI machines make to prevent them from frightening you. When getting an MRI, knowing what to expect in this regard is essential since these sounds often cause many people to suffer from anxiety and claustrophobia.
Most importantly, a technician will emphasize staying as still as possible during your procedure. They may share valuable tips and tricks to help you maintain your composure and avoid moving too much once things get underway.
Recovering From an MRI
The good news for those who undergo MRIs is that the recovery process is short. After the MRI, you can typically go about your business as usual.
The only people who will need to take time to recover are those who receive oral medications for anxiety or IV sedation. In these instances, you will need to arrange for a ride home after an MRI and prepare to take it easy while the medications wear off.
Preparing for an MRI and Not Sure What To Expect? Contact Us Today
Studies suggest that over half of those who have MRIs performed suffer at least some anxiety during screenings. Remember this if you feel nervous about an upcoming scan, as it indicates that you are not alone.
You should also prioritize picking the right facility to reduce your anxiety. City Wide Radiology, a facility with extensive experience diagnosing neurological disorders with MRI scans, is an excellent example of one you can count on to perform an MRI after revealing what to expect beforehand.
Book an appointment today. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
FAQs
Seek answers to other commonly asked questions about MRIs.
What Should You Not Do Before an MRI?
You should not put on any clothing with metal on it or metal accessories before an MRI. You should also not forget to let your doctor know if you have metal implants, medical devices, or metal debris in your body.
Do You Leave Your Clothes On for an MRI?
You may sometimes leave your clothes on for an MRI, but many facilities will ask you to remove them and put on hospital gowns in case your clothes contain tiny metal threads or other metal fragments. When preparing for an MRI and determining what to expect, ask a facility if you will need to remove your clothing.
How Long Does an MRI Scan Take?
An MRI scan typically takes between 15 and 90 minutes, though more complex scans may take upward of two hours, if not longer. Your doctor can give you a better idea of how much time to allot for an MRI scan.
