What happens before an MRI?
Before an MRI, you will usually be asked questions about implants, metal objects, previous surgeries, pregnancy, kidney function, and any allergies or previous reactions to contrast media.
Because the MRI scanner has a strong magnetic field, safety issues are important. Certain implants, pacemakers, or metal objects may affect whether and how the examination can be performed.
You may need to change clothes and leave metal objects outside the examination room.
- Security issues
- Metal and implants
- Possible contrast assessment
- Right body part
- Information before departure
When is MRI used?
MRI is used when detailed images of tissues, organs, joints, spine or brain are needed. The method is particularly useful for soft tissues and the nervous system.
Which MRI is suitable depends on the issue. A knee injury, back pain, headache, abdominal discomfort or preventive full-body examination require different approaches.
That is why the survey should be chosen based on what you actually want to assess.
What happens during the examination?
You lie on a table that is moved into the MRI scanner. If a specific area is to be examined, your body is positioned so that the area is in the correct position in the camera.
During the imaging process, there will be knocking or thumping sounds. You will often be given hearing protection and be able to communicate with the staff.
It is important to lie still. Movement can degrade image quality and cause some image series to need to be retaken.
- The table is inserted into the camera
- The picture taking sounds
- You need to lie still.
- The staff is following the investigation
- Communication is available during this time
When should you seek care before booking?
If your symptoms are acute, rapidly worsening, or affecting speech, balance, strength, breathing, or consciousness, you should seek medical attention immediately.
In case of severe pain, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, high fever or suspected stroke, a planned MRI should not be the first step.
MRI is a planned examination and does not replace emergency assessment.
Planned private MRI should not replace emergency care for sudden, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Is contrast medium needed?
In some MRI examinations, contrast agents are used to make certain structures or changes more visible. This is determined based on the area and question being examined.
Many MRI examinations are performed without contrast media. If contrast may be used, the staff needs to know about kidney disease, pregnancy or previous reactions.
Contrast is therefore not a quality marker in itself. It is used when it provides medical information.
What happens after the MRI?
After the examination, you can usually leave the office immediately, unless you have received special instructions. However, the images need to be reviewed afterwards.
The radiologist assesses the images and writes a report. The report will serve as the basis for responses and any further recommendations.
If something needs to be followed up, the next step may be healthcare contact, referral or additional examination.
Limitations and next steps
How does an MRI work? needs to be understood as part of a larger medical whole. Imaging diagnostics can provide important answers, but it cannot alone explain all symptoms or replace a clinical assessment.
A finding on MRI may be significant, but may also be an age-related or benign change. Similarly, a normal MRI response may need to be followed up if symptoms persist or change.
The best next step therefore depends on what the examination shows, how your symptoms develop, and whether there are risk factors, previous illnesses, or other test results to consider.
- Normal variant or incidental finding
- Findings that need to be followed up
- Supplementary sampling
- Referral or specialist assessment
- New assessment in case of deterioration