Has anyone had an MRI head scan, if so can you tell me more about what they do/what to expect.. I have had a CT scan before but not an MRI thanks
Has the radiologist/neurologist said why they want to use an MRI?
A close friend had a head/neck MRI after a fall in August. What do you want to know - I'll ask.
Had an MRI of my back and hips recently. It involved lying in a tube with clicks and buzzes going on around me. I had to wear headphones to block out some of the noise. It was just a matter of keeping as still as possible. In fact I semi-dozed. You have a panic button to press if necessary. It was fine.
Has the radiologist/neurologist said why they want to use an MRI?
A close friend had a head/neck MRI after a fall in August. What do you want to know - I'll ask.
I have pm'd you thank you
Had an MRI of my back and hips recently. It involved lying in a tube with clicks and buzzes going on around me. I had to wear headphones to block out some of the noise. It was just a matter of keeping as still as possible. In fact I semi-dozed. You have a panic button to press if necessary. It was fine.
Caroline thanks
I have had head and neck and the only real difference between that and the spinal ones is that they restrict your head movement in a cage.
First make sure you have no metal on at all, no jewellery etc, I usually wear an all cotton all in one sports bra and jogging trousers so I do not have to wear a gown which can be cold so ask for a blanket if they don't give you one.
They will place a foam insert under your knees if it makes you feel more comfortable, then give you headphones you can usually choose music or radio or nothing, and you will be given a panic button to hold. They will support your head and put a plastic cage over your head then they fix your head in position with foam inserts so that you can't move. It's not as bad as it sounds honest. It's just so that swallowing etc doesn't move your head.
The noise is very very loud even with headphones on, I use earplugs too but I have sensitive ears. The operator will tell you when to keep very still and how long the scan section will be, they are usually broken up into 5minutes sessions so you get a tiny rest in between. The bed may move up or down a little in the tunnel, and usually the end is open.
I was petrified about my metal fillings but they are fine apparently.
Don't worry, if you are then ask about sedation? If you want to know anything else just ask 🙂
I've had a few.. It's quite noisy and clunky. Sometimes they will let you take a CD in to make the noise a bit more interesting, it's also quite boring but it doesn't hurt. I agree with everything else which has been written above. Just close your eyes as you go in and fill your head with lovely thoughts and places you like to be.. It'll be over in no time. Hope it goes well and that they are able to resolve things for you.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the brain and other cranial structures that are clearer and more detailed than other imaging methods. This exam does not use ionizing radiation and may require an injection of a contrast material called gadolinium, which is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than iodinated contrast material.