What to Expect Before and After MRI?
If you’ve never had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, you may be nervous about what to expect. An MRI procedure itself is painless, and you won’t physically feel the magnetic field or radio waves. Our Dr. Eric Feldmann, MD at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging explains what to expect before, during, and after your MRI scan so that you have a hassle-free and pleasant experience. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 165 N Village Ave # 116, Rockville Centre, NY, 11570.


Table of Contents:
What should you not do before an MRI?
What are the dos and don’ts after an MRI?
How does your body feel after an MRI?
Before undergoing an MRI, it is important to discuss any underlying medical conditions with your doctor, as the procedure involves the use of strong magnetic fields.
To ensure accurate imaging, it is advised not to apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination, as these products may contain metals that can interfere with the MRI machine’s magnetic field and lead to distorted images and inaccurate results. Similarly, avoid using hair products like sprays or gels that may also contain metals interfering with the MRI examination.
The key aspect to remember during the MRI procedure is to stay calm and relaxed. However, some patients may feel unsettled or nervous, especially if they are uncomfortable in enclosed spaces. Open communication with the healthcare team can help address such concerns and make the experience more comfortable for the patient.
Depending on the area of your body being scanned, you may be required to wear a hospital gown during the examination to avoid clothing items with metals.
Staying still during the MRI scan is crucial to obtain clear images, and any movement can result in blurry pictures. If you find it challenging to remain still, or if you experience claustrophobia or chronic pain, sedation may be considered.
An MRI scan typically lasts from a few seconds to 3 or 4 minutes for a single scan, during which you may be asked to hold your breath briefly for short scans. The overall duration of the procedure, ranging from 15 to 90 minutes, depends on the size of the scanned area and the number of images taken.
As an outpatient procedure, you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. After the scan, you can resume normal activities immediately, unless you’ve received a sedative. If a sedative was administered, it’s essential to have a friend or relative accompany you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. For safety reasons, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or consuming alcohol during this period.
The MRI scan results need to be examined by a radiologist, a doctor specialized in interpreting scans and X-rays, and may also be discussed with other specialists. As a result, immediate results are unlikely. The radiologist will send a report to the doctor who arranged the scan, and they will discuss the results with you.
Typically, it takes about a week or two for the results of an MRI scan to be available, unless there is an urgent need for them. During this period, the healthcare team will carefully analyze the images to provide you with accurate and comprehensive information about your scan results.
During an MRI, the machine generates a powerful magnetic field and directs radio waves towards your body. The procedure itself is painless, and you won’t physically feel the magnetic field or radio waves. Additionally, there are no moving parts around you during the scan, ensuring a comfortable experience.
After the MRI, you can be as active as you like, unless you were administered a sedative. If you received a sedative, you may feel tired or woozy from lying down for an extended period or due to the effects of the sedative.
Some individuals may also experience other sensations or feelings after an MRI. Lying still in the MRI machine for a considerable duration might lead to mild discomfort in certain body areas.
Some people may feel a sense of relief and relaxation once the procedure is over. However, if you notice any pain or unusual symptoms following the exam, it is essential to promptly contact your referring physician for further evaluation and guidance.
Overall, most individuals feel perfectly fine and can resume their regular activities after an MRI without any adverse effects.
An MRI will help keep your health in check, so book your next appointment now and meet our team of leading healthcare professionals. You will be glad you did! MRI scans are available at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging.
For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 165 N Village Ave # 116, Rockville Centre, NY, 11570. We serve patients from Rockville Centre NY, Lakeview NY, Baldwin NY, Malverne NY, Lynbrook NY, Hempstead NY, West Hempstead NY, South Hempstead NY, North Lynbrook NY, East Meadow NY, Oceanside NY and surrounding areas.

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