What to Expect During Your MRI

Um técnico de radiologia realizará a sua RM num dos nossos hospitais ou num centro de imagiologia. A RM dura de alguns minutos a uma hora ou mais, e todos os pacientes precisam de retirar todo o metal e vestir uma bata de hospital.

Durante a ressonância magnética, o doente deita-se numa mesa dentro do aparelho de ressonância magnética. O aparelho tem a forma de um tubo comprido ou de um anel aberto e achatado (RMN aberta). Tem de ficar o mais imóvel possível enquanto o técnico tira uma série de fotografias.

Poderá ser necessário um corante de contraste para realçar determinadas partes ou sistemas do corpo, como os vasos sanguíneos. Não há risco de exposição a radiações com uma RM.

• Listen to what an MRI sounds like

Preparing for Your Visit

• Clothing & metal: You’ll be asked to remove metal items (jewelry, watches, hairpins, hearing aids, piercings, etc.) You will be required to change into a hospital gown.
• Medical history: A Technologist will screen you for:
  • Pacemakers, implants, metal fragments, or surgical clips
  • A history of kidney problems
  • Claustrophobia or anxiety
• Food & drink: Most MRI’s don’t require fasting, but some do—follow your appointment instructions.
• Contrast media: Some MRI’s use contrast. If so, it’s given through an IV and usually causes only a cool sensation.

What Happens During an MRI

• You’ll lie on a padded table that slides into the MRI scanner (a short tunnel).
• The technologist can see and hear you the entire time and you’ll have a call button if you need help.
• Staying still is very important, movement can blur the images.
• Exams typically last 20–60 minutes, depending on the study.

Noises to Expect During an MRI

MRI scanners are loud during image-taking because of rapidly changing magnetic fields. The sounds are normal and expected. Common types of noises MRI’s can make:

• Knocking / Banging: Rhythmic, repetitive thumps
• Buzzing / Humming: Continuous electrical-like sounds
• Clicking / Tapping: Faster, lighter pulses
• Thumping / Jackhammer-like sounds: Deeper, more forceful rhythms

These noises may change throughout the exam as different images are taken.

How Loud is it?

• MRI noise can range from 80–110 decibels (dB)
  • ~80 dB: Busy city traffic
  • ~100 dB: Motorcycle or power tools
  • ~110 dB: Concert-level sound
• Because of this, you’ll be given earplugs, headphones, or both.
• Many facilities also offer music to help reduce stress.

The noise can sound intense, but it’s harmless when hearing protection is used.

What Do MRI Sounds Really Sound Like?
Please click the following link for an example of some sounds you may hear during your MRI. Please turn your volume all the way up.

Comfort & Coping Tips

• Practice slow, steady breathing.
• Keep your eyes closed if that helps with claustrophobia.
• Focus on the rhythm of the sounds—they often follow patterns.
• Ask ahead of time about:
  • Music options
• All Southcoast MRI units are considered wide bore.
• You can usually return to normal activities right away.
• If contrast was used, drink extra fluids unless told otherwise.
• A radiologist will review the images and send results to your provider.
• Once results are complete, they will be available in your O meu gráfico.