Common MRI Questions

In an effort to ease anxiety about going in for your first MRI and to better prepare our guests for what to expect during the MRI scan, we want to share the non-technical and unintimidating answers to the most common questions Sonos Imaging receives from our patients after their first visit. They say that hindsight is 20/20 so, in an effort to bring clarity about anything confusing from a patients experience, here are some of our patients' afterthoughts and the answers to Sonos Imaging's most common MRI questions.

Why does it make so much noise?

It's loud because that’s when the machine has fluctuating gradients within the magnetic fields. The power going throughout the machine makes those gradients vibrate and that makes noise.

Why do I have to change out of my clothes if there is no metal on them?

There is often metal in clothes that you don’t know about. For example, new sports fabrics such as anything with SPF embedded in it, microfibers, moisture control (moisture wicking) may contain metallic fibers.

We use magnetic frequency waves and metal in a magnet in or on your persons presents a grave risk. The metallic fibers in your clothes can be like an antenna. When the machine is on, the metal fibers heat up like the eye of an old electric stove. So as a safety measure, we give you something to wear to ensure your safety and so that it won't heat up.  

Also. don't wear makeup. Some cosmetics contain metals that can interact with MRI magnets, so on the day of the MRI don't wear makeup or nail polish. Also, minimize hair products and forgo antiperspirants and sunscreens, which contain metals, just to be safe.

Do I have to go all the way into the machine?

Everybody wants to know this and the truth is, it depends. It depends on your height and the distance the area being studied is from the end of your body. IF we are scanning your ankle chances are you can lay positioned to enter feet first for imaging, but if you are short and need an MRI of you Hip, you may have to enter a significant way into the machine to get a quality image. Luckily, our MRI machine is open on both ends, offers a large bore diameter that is filled with natural light to ease any feelings of enclosure.

Why do you have to have these coils?

To collect the best signal and enhance the details in the images, the coils are a necessity of magnetic resonance imaging. They act as antennas over the body part getting scanned to help collect clear images.   

Can I take something to calm my nerves?

Medication can certainly be taken prior to your exam but must be prescribed and provided by your physician. We do not prescribe medication of any kind at Sonos Imaging.