Maintaining Good Health Even When You're Busy

4 Tips for Preparing for Your Scheduled MRI

by Caitlin Obara

If you have never had an MRI done before, you might not know just what it is that you need to do in order to prepare for it. To help you with this, you will want to check out the following tips for MRI preparation.

Make Sure You Mention All Your Medical Conditions

Do not assume that everything is simply listed in your medical file an that the MRI technicians will see it. There is always the chance of an error in paperwork or miscommunication. Therefore, you want to make sure that you are advising the MRI staff of any medical conditions that may require modifications for your procedure. Some of those medical issues include pregnancy, pacemaker usage, diabetes, metallic implants, implanted insulin pump, and shrapnel wounds.

Have Your Body Piercings Removed

It is important to make sure that you are removing all body piercings before you go in for your MRI. This might be as easy as simply taking out your earrings before you leave the house for your appointment. However, some piercings can be a little more difficult to remove either because of their location or the type piercing it is. Therefore, if you might need a little help removing some piercings, you will want to get this taken care of well before your appointment so you do not forget about them.

Plan Your Outfit

Some people do not want to change into a hospital gown for their MRI. If you do not want to do this, call your MRI admissions or scheduling office and ask if you can wear your own clothes for the procedure. If it is allowed, you will need to wear cotton clothing. You do not want to wear clothing that has metal buttons, zippers, or hooks. If you do, you will be required to wear the hospital gown because the metal can affect the MRI machine in a negative manner.

Discuss Any Issues With Claustrophobia

If you suffer from claustrophobia, a fear of being trapped in tight spaces, you will want to discuss this with your MRI office. This is especially important if they do not offer an open MRI, which means that their MRI machine is more enclosed. They may be able to prescribe a medication that you will take to your scheduled appointment that will allow you to stay relaxed. Otherwise, your claustrophobia may cause you to refrain fro allowing them to properly conduct the MRI, as you most lay perfectly still during the entire procedure.

With those four tips in mind, you should find that you will have little trouble preparing for your upcoming MRI appointment. For more information or assistance, contact services like Omega Diagnostic Imaging PC. 

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