MRI scan: what can you expect?

Many people feel a little nervous before an MRI scan. That is understandable: an unfamiliar machine, a tunnel, a lot of noise. Knowing what will happen usually makes it much easier to relax. Below, we explain step by step how the examination goes.

What is an MRI scan?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The scanner makes images using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. No X-rays are involved. A computer turns the signals into detailed images of, for example, the brain, the spine, the joints or the abdominal organs. At AZ Monica Campus Deurne we work with a new Siemens MAGNETOM Sola 1.5 tesla scanner.

Before the examination

• What to bring: your doctor's prescription, your identity card and, if you have them, images or access codes from previous examinations elsewhere.
• Medical questionnaire: you can fill in the questionnaire for an MRI examination in advance. You will find it under our documents.
• Implants and metal: the magnetic field attracts metal. Therefore, tell us in advance about any implant or device in or on your body, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator, insulin pump or glucose sensor, cochlear implant, vascular clips, a heart valve or stent, and metal fragments (especially in the eye). Also tell us about medication patches, piercings, tattoos and permanent make-up. Bring your implant card: we will check whether, and under which conditions, the scan can be done safely.
• Eating and drinking: usually you can eat and drink normally, even if a contrast agent is needed, and you take your usual medication. For some examinations, such as an MRI of the abdomen, you need to fast; you will be told when you make the appointment.
• Clothing: you remove all metal objects, including your glasses, hearing aid and removable dentures. For an examination of the head or neck, it is best not to wear make-up or hairspray.

During the examination

• You lie on a table that slides into a wide, short tunnel, open at both ends.
• The scan takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the body part.
• The scanner makes a loud, knocking noise. You receive headphones with music and, on request, extra earplugs.
• Lying still is important: the more still you lie, the sharper the images.
• You hold an alarm button in your hand and can always get in touch with us.
• Sometimes a contrast agent is needed. You receive it through a drip (IV line); this is discussed with you beforehand.

A medical imaging technologist guides you throughout the examination. In consultation with the radiologist, the scan is tailored to your doctor's question.

Suffering from claustrophobia?

Let us know in advance when you make the appointment, and tell the technologist as well. The wide, short tunnel and the music already help a lot. Your treating doctor can also prescribe a sedative. If you take it, do not drive a car, ride a bicycle or ride a motorbike yourself that day, not even to come to us. Have someone bring you and pick you up, do not drink alcohol and tell us on arrival that you have taken the medication.

Is an MRI safe?

MRI does not use radiation and has no known long-term effects. During the scan you may feel some warmth, a slight tingling or brief dizziness. If you feel heat, stinging or pain, press the alarm button immediately: we will stop.

Contrast agent. The gadolinium-based contrast agent is generally very safe. Briefly feeling some warmth or nausea is possible. An allergic reaction is rare: about 1 in 1,000, and almost always mild, such as itching or a rash. A severe reaction occurs in fewer than 1 in 10,000; our team is prepared for this. Tell us in advance if you have ever reacted to a contrast agent, if you have asthma, or if you have severe kidney disease or are on dialysis.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell us if you are (or might be) pregnant. An MRI without contrast agent can be done when it is medically necessary, even early in pregnancy. An examination that can wait is preferably postponed until after the first three months. We only give a contrast agent during pregnancy when it is really necessary. After receiving a contrast agent, you can simply continue breastfeeding.

After the examination

The radiologist reviews all images and writes a report for your referring doctor, who will discuss the result with you. You also receive a code with which you can view the images and the report online yourself. How this works is explained on the Results page.

Where can you go?

An MRI scan is performed at AZ Monica Campus Deurne, Florent Pauwelslei 1, 2100 Antwerp. Appointments and questions: +32 3 320 57 70. More practical information can be found on our MRI scan page.

Dr Cedric Bohyn, radiologist at Radiologie Antwerpen