MRI advise

[Kayley12345]

I'm just wondering if anybody has any advise about going for a brain scan? I've just seen my doctor and she's sending me to have an mri in 2 weeks because of my on going symtoms, I'm quite frightened at the moment, I'm only 21.

[hac82]

I had one a week ago. It’s boring but also abit claustrophobic. Just take off all jewellery and relax and keep still it’s painless but long takes half hour and it’s quite noisy.

[hedgehoggy]

Hi Kayley id like to say I'm an expert on MRIs for brain scans as I have them every 3-4 months but I don't like to say that (although I just did!) Ha ha.

I tend to keep my eyes shut and sometimes get music through the headphones they have given me, having asked for a request of course.

I have dye or contrast as they call it through the canula and for me that is my only problem as my veins are tiny and invisible. I am always a problem but other than that it doesn't hurt and i take it in my stride. If I was younger I would probably be quite anxious like you but you can check it online so you can get an idea of what happens. There should be a leaflet in the department which will explain to you what's what.

I wish you good luck, but try not to worry.

All the best

Hoggy

[Kayley12345 in reply to hedgehoggy]

Hi thank you for your reply, I'm quite nervous about the noise as I've got sensitive ears at the moment, would I be able to have just ear buds, also I'm nervous about the dye being injected, do they always use it? Thank you x

[hac82]

No they don’t always use the dye.

[Peetzil]

Hey Kayley, I had an MRI for the first time back in Nov. I found it quite nerve wracking, mainly due to the noises, but it was completely painless, I didn’t have the dye. The radiologist gave me headphones to wear & chatted to me through them as well as played music in between scans. The machine moves so the noises sound a bit different, but generally loud & vibrating, reminded me of a pneumatic drill lol it only took about 20 mins though. Good luck with yours, hope it all goes well. 🙂

[Kayley12345 in reply to Peetzil]

Hi, thanks for reply, the noise it what I'm worried about my ears are very sensitive at the moment, got pressure on my eardrums so I need to protect my ears, are you allowed just wear ear buds? And thank you

[2stroke]

Kayley12345

Frightened about what,there's no medical procedure you have to undergo,no pain etc..

Are you scared of the outcome??

[Kayley12345 in reply to 2stroke]

I know that, but its still a scary thing to go through. I've got sensitive ears right now and i the noise of it is quite loud so I'm worried about that and also yes the outcome.

[jojodys]

I've had a few MRI, it takes around 20 mins. you just go through a tunnel like machine and there is always someone talking to you whilst they perform the scan checking your OK. hope it goes well for you.

[bexx87]

Hi I had a MRI 7 years ago and all I did was close my eyes, they did advise me not to fold my arms and to keep my head still (they put it a soft head brace) it is very nosey and part way though the scan they stopped and I thought they had gone to get a coffee but I think the nerouligst was just staring at my mri (icon pic) so when the nurse asked if I was okay though the tannoy I jumped and smacked my head on the mri and thought your gonna given me another brain injury jokely they also check to see if you have any false teeth (I think) but it is painless

[LaurieRose]

You can wear earbuds if you want to. Listening to music is recommended. I was asked what I liked music wise and listened to fleetwood mac all the way through. The machine sounds were quite loud but just kinda drowned out to a hum and chug when distracted by the music. I have ear problems and had tinnitus before I went in but it didnt do any harm. Its such a common medical procedure, tne radiographers are very nice and help the patient relax. I think its easy to switch off from the machine noise if you just say to yourself they know what they are doing and if you drift off which isnt too hardto do if your tired. So maybe have a late night the night before. I nearly fell asleep and fou d it nice and comforting having the head support. Best Wishes, just go with it. Its never as bad as we imagine. X

[Slower7411]

Kaylee, I have had MS 40yrs and have annual MRI. Don't be scared, unless you're claustrophobic, as your head is inside machine. It is noisy tho witb clacking noise when they take slide copies but techs will tell you before. I suggest taking your ipod or ? (I'm old) and get techs to have it relayed? to you as it all takes time. Good luck with the results.