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The MRI scanner will encompass your entire body but it is open at both ends. You will be assisted onto the
padded exam table by the technical staff. A speaker inside the magnet allows you to communicate with the
technologist running the scan. The technologist can see and hear you at all times during the scan. You can
squeeze a hand-held ball at any time if you wish to be removed from the magnet. Those that experience
claustrophobia should refer to sedation. There is a fan to
circulate air inside the magnet area and blankets can be provided for warmth.
The exam is completely painless and the technologist will assist you in any way possible. You won't feel a
thing while you are in the magnet, so you can simply relax and listen to music or think about something
pleasant.
It is very important that you remain completely still, which may be the most difficult part of the exam.
This is very important to remember, because any movement can blur the picture, which means you may have to
repeat the process.
During the exam you will hear a loud tapping or knocking sound. This is normal and sounds something like a
washing machine out of balance or the tapping of a metal pipe. The noise usually lasts 3 to 18 minutes with
some pauses in between. The noise is part of how the scanner works to create the MRI images. Ear plugs are
provided if you find them helpful.
Contrast Injections
In some cases a contrast agent may be injected into your arm during the procedure. This is done to enhance
the images for particular types of MRI scans. The contrast is not iodine based and does not normally have
any side-effects.
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