Why can't I drink water before an MRI?

You can usually drink water before an MRI, but you might need to limit it or fast (no food/drink) for 4-6 hours before an abdominal or pelvic MRI to prevent digestive movement (peristalsis) and full stomach/bowels from blurring images, requiring clearer pictures of organs like the liver or pancreas. For other MRIs (like the head), water is often fine, but you should avoid large amounts or drinking anything sugary/caffeinated, as you can't use the restroom during the scan.

What happens if you drink water before an MRI?

Eating or drinking triggers processes in the body to digest what has just been ingested. This involves peristalsis - involuntary muscle contractions throughout the digestive tract to move the food through the digestive system. These muscle movements can cause smearing or anomalies in the MRI image (known as artifacts).

How long before MRI should I stop drinking?

In some cases, you may need to stop eating or drinking 1-4 hours ahead of your appointment. For an MRI with contrast, arrive 15 minutes early to ingest the contrast solution. Try to limit eating and drinking 4 hours before the appointment for optimal image clarity.

What should you not do the night before an MRI?

Greasy foods should be avoided even if you aren't required to fast because they can upset your stomach and make it difficult for you to lie still. Avoiding caffeine-filled drinks will also help you remain still for the duration of your MRI.

Should MRI be done in an empty stomach?

You need to fast (empty stomach) for MRIs of the abdomen or pelvis, or if contrast dye is used, typically 4-6 hours, to prevent digestive movement or nausea from interfering with clear images; however, for most other MRIs (brain, joints, spine, etc.), you can eat and drink normally, but always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your particular scan.
 

Important do’s and don’ts - Read this before you get an MRI

Can I put on deodorant before an MRI?

No, you should not put on deodorant before an MRI because many contain metals (like aluminum) that can interfere with the powerful magnets, causing distorted images or even burns; it's best to shower normally but skip deodorant, antiperspirant, makeup, and lotions on the day of your scan. 

Can you wear a sanitary pad during an MRI?

Yes, you can generally wear a sanitary pad (maxi-pad, tampon, silicone cup) during an MRI because they don't contain metal and are safe, but it's best to wear them under your hospital gown and confirm with your doctor or the MRI center, as the strong magnets require you to remove all metal items. 

What can mess up an MRI?

MRI is also contraindicated in the presence of internal metallic objects such as bullets or shrapnel, as well as surgical clips, pins, plates, screws, metal sutures, or wire mesh. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.

What triggers panic attacks during MRIs?

Panic attacks during MRIs can be caused by the confined, claustrophobic nature of the scanner, as well as the loud noises it produces.

Should I shower before my MRI?

Yes, you should shower before an MRI to be clean, but do not use any products containing metal, like deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion, hair spray, or gel, as these can interfere with the powerful magnet, potentially distort images, and even cause burns. Just use plain soap and water, avoid cosmetics and hair products, and remember to remove all jewelry and metallic items before the scan.
 

Can you see stool on an MRI?

Yes, you can see stool on an MRI, especially with specialized techniques like MRI Defecography (or MR Defecography) and MR Enterography, where contrast agents help differentiate it from bowel tissue for assessing pelvic floor issues, constipation, or Crohn's disease, but sometimes stool can obscure the view if not properly prepared, making tagging crucial for clear images. 

Can you swallow during an MRI?

Please keep your mouth and head as still as possible, since even swallowing can blur the pictures. Sometimes, an injection of a contrast material is used to make certain tissues or blood vessels easier to see.

Is there anything you shouldn't do after an MRI?

After an MRI, you can generally return to normal activities unless you received a sedative; if sedated, don't drive, operate heavy machinery, or drink alcohol for 24 hours, and have someone drive you home. If contrast dye was used, drink plenty of water to help flush it out, and report any unusual symptoms like dizziness, headache, or nausea to your doctor immediately. 

How long does an MRI usually take?

An MRI usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, but can range from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the body part, complexity, and if contrast dye is needed. Common scans like knee or spine MRIs might be shorter (20-45 mins), while detailed scans (brain, cardiac, abdomen) can take longer, with contrast adding time for extra images. 

Can I drive myself home after an MRI?

Yes, you can usually drive after a standard MRI, but you must arrange a ride home if you took any sedatives or contrast dyes, as these medications impair alertness and coordination, making driving unsafe for several hours. For most people without sedation, normal activities, including driving, are fine immediately after, but it's wise to move slowly and rest briefly if feeling dizzy from lying still. 

What happens if I don't drink water after MRI?

After an MRI with contrast, it's crucial to drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush the contrast dye from your body. If you don't drink enough water, the dye might stay in your system longer, potentially putting extra strain on your kidneys.

What do they give you to calm you down before an MRI?

Suggested Claustrophobia Anxiety Prophylaxis for MRI

We recommend that the physician requesting the study prescribe two (2) Lorazepam 1 mg tablets, and that the patient should fill the prescription prior to their MRI appointment. The patient should take one (1) tablet 1-2 hours prior to their MRI appointment.

What percentage of people panic in MRI?

If you are claustrophobic and anxious about getting an MRI, you are not alone. Claustrophobia affects about 12.5% of the population, but getting an MRI can pose significant issues for more than 9% since MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans involve inserting the patient into a large magnetic tube.

Can you have an MRI if you have fillings in your teeth?

Yes, you can generally have an MRI with dental fillings, including traditional silver amalgam ones, as they usually aren't ferromagnetic and are safe, but they might cause slight image distortion (artifacts) or a metallic taste; you must always inform your doctor and the MRI technologist about any dental work beforehand for proper evaluation.
 

What must one never wear during a MRI?

As a patient, it is vital that you remove all metallic belongings in advance of an MRI examination, including external hearing aids, watches, jewelry, cell phones, and items of clothing with metallic threads or fasteners.

How to not freak out during an MRI?

To overcome MRI fear, use deep breathing/meditation, listen to music, ask for a sleep mask or blanket, talk to the tech, and know your options like wide-bore machines or anti-anxiety medication, focusing on information, comfort items, and distraction to manage the confinement and noise.
 

Can I wear undergarments during MRI?

Yes, you can often wear underwear during an MRI if it's 100% cotton and free of metal, but many facilities prefer you change into provided MRI-safe gowns or scrubs because modern athletic wear, even underwear, can contain metal microfibers (like silver or copper) that pose a burn risk in the strong magnetic field, so always confirm with your facility. You must remove all other metal items like jewelry, underwire bras, or piercings.
 

Do you go head or feet first for MRI?

For an MRI, you go in head first for scans of your head, neck, or chest, but feet first for scans of your lower body (knees, hips, ankle, foot, spine), which allows your head to stay out of the tunnel, reducing claustrophobia. The positioning depends entirely on where the scan needs to focus, ensuring the target body part is centered in the powerful magnet for clear images. 

What if I'm on my period during MRI?

Can I have an MRI scan during my period? It is perfectly safe for you to have an MRI scan with us while you are on your period and there is no requirement to discuss this with your radiographer. Sanitary pads, tampons, silicone period cups and discs are all fine to wear during your scan.