Over the years there has been a fair bit of discussion of MRI scan both on this blog and our various Facebook pages. For example MRI scans are often used as a test for multiple sclerosis.

MRI is an abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In simple terms the UK’s NHS describes the procedure as follows “Magnetic resonance imaging is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. An MRI scanner is … a large tube that contains powerful magnets”. They continue with the following description ” During an MRI scan, you lie on a flat bed that is moved into the scanner.”

A radiographer controls “the scanner using a computer, which is in a different room to keep it away from the magnetic field generated by the scanner. You will be able to talk to the radiographer through an intercom and they will be able to see you on a television monitor throughout the scan. At certain times during the scan, the scanner will make loud tapping noises. This is the electric current in the scanner coils being turned on and off. You will be given earplugs or headphones to wear. It is very important that you keep as still as possible during your MRI scan. The scan will last between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken.”

Doesn’t sound much fun does it?

So we thought it would be useful to get our readers to share their tips and hints for a better MRI experience.

” I have 2 a year one head only takes about 30 mins. Head, neck and spine takes about 1.5 hours and can be quite painful. I can hardly walk when I get out and sleep most of the day away when I get home… I normally just take 2 ibuprofen when I leave for the hospital just to take the pain edge off….and I can also ask them to stop if I need adjusting or need to move for a few mins….”

” I always ask for pillow rolls at my neck, my legs. That has always helps.”

“I always have ” something to help me sleep “before the one and a half hour scan so I usually sleep through it…. The pain at the back of my head and the whole experience becomes bearable. I don’t like breaking the scan into smaller pieces cuz it means I have to wait at the hospital all day”

“Claustrophobic also. They give me versed to knock me out. Usually I wake up half way thru and they then give me more.”

“try the T3 MRI.itscmuch better.butvyou should take something to keep you calm”

“MRI’s are not fun usually if you ask your Dr/nurse they are able to give you something IV to clam you down. If you’ve just been diagnosed MRI’s are very important so your Dr can tell were your lesions are then in the future your MRI’s will have to be compared. Like this past January I had a chronic migraine that I just couldn’t get under control at home so I had to go the hospital for a few days so I could get some IV medication for pain control my neurologist ordered an MRI just to make sure the migraine was from my MS. Guess what! Some of my lesion were not as bright as what they on my last MRI. So you cam see how important they are. Sometimes you have to just grin and bear it”

“i would ask for it to be broken up. I had back surgery in 06 on L5S1 and it hurts me worse now…It is very hard for me to lay there for 15-20mins with the wedge then the.vertigo that i get when trying to set up is horrific as well….gl”

“I am unable to lay still for long periods of time without spasms so I am stuck taking a double dose

20 minutes before and tend to fall asleep during. I also get an extra roll under my neck. My MRI team (after you have x amount of MRI’s you get to know the techs) allow me to sit up between the different ones. They do my brain – stretch – cervical spine – stretch – thoracic spine – stretch – lumbar and finally done. And also, maybe get the different ones on different days. I also tell them not to talk to me and just let me know if when they are pulling me out. I jumped every time they would tell me what was going on. I could meditate with the music to stay relaxed. Scaring me with their instructions tightened up my muscles. Only when they had to give instructions and I also told them to use a quieter voice with me. Dumb huh?”

“Thinking of pleasant thoughts helps to relax you and deal with the pain. I too suffer with the pain, hang in there”

“Ask them to take a break so you can at least sit up for awhile”

All bits of good advice for those about to have an MRI scan.

Do you have any?

Feel free to share in the comments section below. You might be interested in using some of the following questions to frame your response:-

1) What is your main medical condition?
2) What was the main reason for having an MRI scan?
3) How many times a year do you have a scan and how long does it take?
4) What is it like to have an MRI scan?
5) What tips or advice would you give to somebody about to have their first MRI scan?

Thanks very much in advance!