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By Mayo Clinic staff
During the test
The MRI machine looks like a tunnel that has both ends open. You lie down on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tunnel. A technologist monitors you from another room. You can talk with him or her by microphone.
The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. The procedure is painless. You don't feel the magnetic field or radio waves, and there are no moving parts around you.
During the MRI scan, the internal part of the magnet produces repetitive tapping, thumping sounds and other noises. Earplugs or music may be provided to help block the noise. If you are worried about feeling claustrophobic inside the MRI machine, talk to your doctor beforehand. He or she may make arrangements for you to receive a sedative before the scan.
An MRI typically lasts about an hour. You must hold very still because movement can blur the resulting images. In some cases, contrast agents are injected into your veins to enhance the appearance of certain tissues or blood vessels in the images.
During a functional MRI, you may be asked to perform a number of small tasks — such as tapping your thumb against your fingers, rubbing a block of sandpaper or answering simple questions. This helps pinpoint the portions of your brain that control these actions.
After the test
If you haven't been sedated, you may resume your usual activities immediately after the scan. Nursing mothers shouldn't breast-feed for 36 to 48 hours after an MRI if a contrast material was used. Very rarely, the contrast material can cause hives and itching.
A radiologist — a doctor specially trained to interpret MRIs — will analyze the images from your scan and report the findings to your doctor. Your doctor will then discuss any important findings and next steps with you.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
- Safety: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/index.cfm?pg=sfty_mr&bhcp=1. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
- MRI of the head. American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=headmr. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
- Cardiac MRI. American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=cardiacmr. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
- MR angiography (MRA). American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=angiomr. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
- MRI of the body (chest, abdomen, pelvis). American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=bodymr&bhcp=1. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
- MRI of the musculoskeletal system. American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=muscmr. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
- MRI of the breast. American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=breastmr. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
- Welker K (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 26, 2008.
- Functional MR imaging (fMRI) - Brain. American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=fmribrain&bhcp=1. Accessed Sept. 29, 2008.
