How long does an MRI take?

[Mhairi54]

Hi. Going for an MRI on Friday and just wondering if someone could give me an idea of how long it will take? Still unclear of diagnosis, but possibly ankylosing spondylitis. Having an MRI of my spine, pelvis and knees.

[sylvi]

I have just had a mri on my back. It is over before you know it. They give you ear plugs to put in your ears for the noise from the machine. I can't really remember how long it took i do know it was over before i knew it.xxxx

[Mhairi54 in reply to sylvi]

Thank you. Would be good if it was over quickly. Good tip on the ear plugs! x

[BoneyC]

Depends on lots of things. Sometimes you need a contrast fluid which requires a cannula in your arm. My lumbar spine MRI took about 20 minutes and no contrast, but my ankle took about 40 minutes and needed the contrast which I thought they had forgotten about. That time, I was able to watch the countdown on the monitor for each scan. I could tell they took 8-10 scans of 3-5 minutes each. It wasn't until the penultimate scan that I was given the cannula and contrast for the final scan. Both times I was given large headphones to wear and a squeezy buzzer in case I wanted to get out. Good luck with yours.

[Peecue]

Why don't you ring them and ask? You might even be Abe to take music you ike to listen to to be played. Each scan takes a different time and if you are concerned, do tell hem it's best they know. All the best

[sarah1967]

Hi over the last year I have had knee, hip and back MRI scans. Each one was different in how far you go in the tunnel, amount of scans they take. The one thing I will say is make sure your comfy before they start . That's a key factor. My first one I said I was comfy but I wasn't and make leg keept on shaking and you have to be still. So it took longer. You can take your own music but they also have their own music play lisit you can choose from. Music is really good to have as it takes your mind off it. Plus your given head phones to block out the noise of the machine as it can be noise. They also give you a buzzer you can squeeze at anytime if your not happy. And they will come to your aid. They can also talk to you through the headphones. To tell you their going to begin. They may ask you if your ok. It all depends on you as a person. If your a worrier or don't like enclosed spaces. The best thing is to be clam be comfy relax and go with the flow. Close your eyes and listen to the music and it will all be over before you know it. I hope it all goes well for you.

Sarah

X

[Hidden]

I had 2 MRI's done, and I fell asleep in the tube. There is nothing to worry about.

If you are claustrophobic, you can ask for an ativan. There is a mirror above your face and you can see and talk to the person running the machine.

[smithfield]

I have had a couple of MRI scans about 20 mins. Mine where on top of head to base of spine.

Hope it goes well.

[Hidden]

It depends on whether they use dye or not. Usually about 15 to 20 minutes without the die and about 45 with. At least that is what I remember when I had an MRI on my head.

[Mhairi54]

Thanks for all your messages. Do you know if I can take my phone into the scanner so I can listen to my own Spotify lists or does it have to be a CD or something?!

Think I'm just going to have to close my eyes and imagine I'm on a beach or something!

[lfu2 in reply to Mhairi54]

I'm afraid there are no phones allowed and no metal allowed. The MRI machine produces an unimaginable amount of magnetic attraction. There are parts of your phone that can be magnetised.... so that's a no go.... but I think a CD is alright.

[Mhairi54 in reply to lfu2]

Do you know, I just read back my question about the phone and thought how ridiculous I was being even asking the question!! Amazing how time moves on, I can't remember the last time I bought a CD! Managed to unearth a few oldies, looks as though I'm going to have to listen to some Kylie Minogue or Take That! Maybe the noise of the MRI would be better!

[pip12]

I had one for my spine and it took about 20 minutes, it was a bit noisy but nothing to worry about xx

[Poshcards]

my last MRI took about 45 minutes, good luck x

[linda-5502]

You are lucky have asked.for one rice and both times been told xrays and ultra sound is just as good!!be pleased to hear views on that.

[smithfield]

How did you get on with the MRI?

[Mhairi54 in reply to smithfield]

It went OK thanks. Didn't like the feeling when I first went into the tube but soon got used to it as long as I kept my eyes closed and focused on the music instead. Have found it really difficult to lie on my back since my initial flare 7 months ago, and so having to lie on my back without moving for 30 minutes inside the tube, then another 30 for my knees was really tough. Paying the price now, really sore. Hoping it'll wear off in a couple of days. Just have to wait for the results now. Thanks for asking. x