The MRI machine is noisy and sounds like a very loud dial-up modem. You will be given earplugs to help minimize the noise. Some machines allow for the use of headphones. If yours does, the technician will provide those to you and will set up the music you would like to listen to (you can select anything on Spotify). Eye masks are also available at most locations upon request.
Coils are used to help generate high-quality images. Like protective football gear, one is placed loosely around your head and two more on your upper and lower abdomen. An automated voice will ask you to take a deep breath and hold during portions of the scan to prevent movement that could blur the images. After 15-20 seconds, it will tell you to breathe normally. If you’re unable to hold your breath for the entire time, it is helpful if you exhale and inhale very slowly.
The length of time in the machine and the magnets that are used can cause you to get warm during the scan. Since you are trying to lay as still as possible you may experience muscle twitching – this is quite normal. Lastly, since we are getting images from the top of your head to the base of your pelvis, this requires you to be in the MRI machine for at least an hour (this is an average time – height, weight and movement play a role in how long a scan lasts). If you would like to have a countdown during your scan, please notify your radiology technician prior to starting your scan (e.g. “Tell me every 15-20 minutes that that amount of time has passed” or “Tell me when I only have 20 minutes left”)
