MRI and MRA Scans: Exam Descriptions and Preparations

All MRI exams are loud 90-120 dB, which is why hearing protection is required.  Each exam is different and some allow noise reduction MRI safe headphones while others only allow ear plugs.  If you would like to bring in personal silicone ear plugs you are welcome to, we provide a disposable foam type ear plug.  No headsets or electronic devices are allowed in the magnetic field.

Nerve stimulation is felt by many patients, it is not painful but an unusual twitching sensation typically in your muscles.  This is completely normal due to the excitation of the tissues being imaged.

For additional MRI and MRA exam instructions click here.

Many MRI exams require the injection of a contrast material which is called Gadolinium. The Gadolinium is chemically chelated with macrocyclic rings mostly comprised of salt which allow the contrast to pass through the body without absorption of the contrast. This is a newer technology that was in response to a study that showed that linear contrast agents were being absorbed by the body.  If you are over 60 years old we require a renal function bloodwork that assures us that your kidneys are functioning well enough to process the contrast.  Please talk to your referring physician if you have concerns about getting the contrast, for many exams it is not diagnostically optional.  Your physician should be consulting with you regarding your concerns.

Even patients with mild claustrophobia can have a difficult time in the MRI environment.

For all exams from the knees to the feet (lower extremities) your head is completely out of the machine regardless of which scanner you are on and only very claustrophobic patients require sedation for these exams.

Different MRI exams require different “coils” which are receiving antennae for the very small signal from the protons. Coils are specific to each body part and have to be very close to the anatomy being imaged, which can add to the claustrophobic feeling especially when imaging the head and neck. Weight and height are asked, if not in your chart, when scheduling to provide you with the most comfort during your scan. 

MRI exams are 20 minutes at a minimum, per exam, and are as long as 75 minutes for specialized exams with contrast.  If you are scheduling multiple exams, know that each exam has an individual exam time and you should ask when you are scheduling how long your specific exam(s) will take.

If you feel that you need sedation, you'll want to speak with your provider so they can prescribe medication ahead of your scan. If you are taking medication for an MRI we ask that you arrive one hour prior to your exam to fill out MRI safety information and then take your medication while here in the department.  You must have a driver if you are sedating.

As standard practice, we do not scan pacemaker patients in MRI.

If you have an electronic implanted device, spinal cord stimulator, glucose monitor, insulin or chemo pump, bladder stimulator, please call the Radiology Department to discuss your specific situation ahead of your appointment.

• Sansum Clinic Radiology at 317 W. Pueblo Street: (805) 898-3141
• Sansum Clinic Radiology at 215 Pesetas Lane: (805) 681-7671

Please leave jewelry, watches, fit bits, apple watches and the like at home. Clothing without metal, zippers and clips are preferred.