What happens during an MRI examination?

Getting an MRI can often create anxiety for some patients. Understanding what goes on in your exam can help. This video guides you step-by-step through a typical MRI scan, answering the most common questions MRI patients have.

[cjinasia]

I was warned about claustrophobia before my first scan. No worries, it is a wide open tube that you could get out of at any time. The noises are really loud and really weird but just know that it is only noise. MRIs and CRTs are not anything to worry about, just stay calm and relax. You are not trapped.

[mimix]

I watched this video and read comments prior to my MRI scan and was a bit apprehensive after reading some experiences. I had the scan today and Honestly!! It was like being on a tanning bed! (I don’t use them anymore 😂) the noise wasn’t as loud as I’d expected, I was given noise cancelling headphones. Given a rubber ball thing to hold and press if I needed anything or to get out of the machine. I had a brain scan so had the coil over my face and then rolled into the machine. It’s quite roomy in there and as you should stay still anyway had no need for extra space. I was in my thoughts and closed my eyes the whole time. I Was singing a song in my head and there were some judders and d.d.d.d sounds.. but nothing alarming or uncomfortable at all. It was quite therapeutic to be honest! If you are worried don’t be. It really isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be and I wanted to ease somebody’s anxiety by coming back and leaving this comment. Good luck and don’t worry like I did. It took 20 minutes and before I knew it I was being rolled out and on my way home!

[nursesherylltv]

I had 3x experienced for MRI exam.. i feel scared at first coz it’s close-type.. but i just closed my eyes and prayed during the procedure…💕💕

[ravenblack]

Had it done today in a small machine for images of my eyes. The waiting to go into the scanner & the radiographer’s repeat questions increased my anxiety but I accept that prep & checks are v. important & necessary. - you don’t want any metal being moved by the magnets particularly if the metal is deliberately placed internally to aid a body function -
The bed rose a few inches before going into the machine or at least it did for me. Not tall.
The coil had been “locked“ into position over my face and the lower reaches of its frame brushed my clavicle which surprised me. I guess if I wanted I could have pulled the coil off but I want the doctors to see the images more than I wanted to panic and initially I was deeply panicked. Breathing rapidly and being fussy and contemplating a big I’m not doing it!!
You need to be still throughout the imaging in a small space. Easily done without deep thought I’m a over-thinker 😊 but I forced myself to stop.
The music helped if I focused & really listened but sometimes the machine was so loud the music couldn’t be heard.
The longer I was inside the scanner the more confident I was they’d get the images required and these thoughts helped. I did relax eventually as my eyes needed to be closed throughout which encouraged relaxation. and stop me searching for danger.
For me it was like being swaddled so the more I relaxed the easier it was to just submit. 20 mins in total - the hardest part was not knowing every single control freak detail of what was about to happen. I’m glad it was successfully completed.

[col.]

Not knowing is the worst fear. Can I reassure you that the sound of the machine is not as loud as people suggested. Two. I closed my eyes and just listened to directions from the medical staff. I would never hesitate to have an MRI again. I cannot understand why people fear that miracle machine, it saved my life!

[gertie]

Having had 7 MRI scans in the past 4 months for my cancer, I can honestly say there is nothing to worry about. You always have an emergency button to press but the machine is open at both ends. The machine makes various noises but it is not scary at all. Ear plugs and headphones are given and music is played through them.

[norman]

Had an MRI scan today. The noises aren't as loud as I feared, the headphones muffle the noises pretty good. When the same noise kept repeating for like 2 minutes, it was honestly kinda relaxing. The worst part was actually the silence between the next noise, since you didn't know what to expect. When the scan ended, I was still waiting for a new sound, not realizing I'm already done. I was actually excited for some new noises.

[borleyboo]

I have an MRI scan later this afternoon. I am a little apprehensive but this video and the comments have eased things a bit. I am now more curious than scared.

[lunedog]

I’ve just been for a prostate MRI in the U.K. It wasn’t too bad. The machine was quite wide, but the radiologist did say that other machines he uses are smaller. There’s not much room above though, but the machine doesn’t have a back to it, so you can see the actual ceiling if you look up and back a bit. So I didn’t feel particularly claustrophobic. I was given ear plugs and headphones. They played music but it was very low and broke up a few times, so it would’ve been better without. The noises are a little strange - it sounds like a spaceship is about to explode in a sci-fi film or something. But all in all the experience was okay and nothing to worry about.

[danielbabu]

Few hours back, I have completed my MRI for the first time of my life. Keeping yourself inside of tubular structure with sound surrounded is wired experience. Various sounds from different points is intresting one. Some time felt like head area was shooted by arrows of sound ray. Wondering about technicians who are working daily in these machines. Thank God for knowledge given to mankind to diagnose diseases.

[incognitooooooooooooospy]

just had mine
i was so scared at first bc it felt so suffocating but after some comforting it was all good

[mayahabelman]

if your a really jumpy person they aren't the best, i jump every time a new sound come on because it's so sudden. 😂

[SweetDreams-ksny]

Mcm tau² jer aku nak tau benda MRI ni. Belum search lagi, tiba² lalu kat feed... Subhanallah..

[cw]

Ive just had a head MRI. I suffer with claustrophobia and was very worried beforehand. I read lots of others' experiences the night before and built a fear, but I want to reassure everyone going for a head scan that it was honestly fine. Best piece of advice when you book is to ask for a wide bore scanner. It's bigger so not close to your face. They did put a frame over my head to keep it still but it wasnt enclosed and they positoned a mirror on the top so if you open your eyes you can see that your legs are outside the scanner and you can see the Technician. Mine was only 15 mins and it did go quickly. The sounds are just like being in a rave really, fast beats which speed up. When i closed my eyes i pretended I was just lying on the beach listening to dance music. I thought i would have a panic attack but i was actually very calm because zi could see out. Honestly if I can do it anyone can. It's fine! Good luck

[DannyBoy]

I watched a tonne of YouTube videos on MRI scans to get me prepared as i was anxious about it and that made me more anxious Lol But it really wasn’t that bad i found it quite cool hearing all the different sounds the machine makes kicking back listening to music on the headphones 🤣

[sohxrxq]

A titanium fuzzer was inserted in my cervical part in a Surgery for treatment of spondolisis.Will it affect if I'm rquired to undergo MRI?

[Decentralized_Maze]

I always wondered about this and without searching for it, it was suggested while in the medical robot topic. Glad it came up! Excellent video indeed!! 👍

[Swastee]

I just got an MRI yesterday morning
A day before i prayed a lot
I must tell i was very scared because of my phobi of small place so i just closed my eyes and waited for 25 minutes
The result was slip disc
I am in a grear pain
actually
Hope to recover soon
The treatment will begin this coming weej
From Mauritius

[viviennekarisson]

I’m having my first mri tomorrow
A bit scared so I’ve booked to see my doctor for a sedative to help 🙏 I have watched so many videos I guess I just want to ensure no matter what that I don’t panic while in there as I just want this scan completed

[RamenLlama]

I have my first MRI scan today. I'm nervous but reckon it'll be fine. I'm a sound designer and very excited to hear all the noises the machine makes. I'll check back in after it's done.