How much time does brain MRI take?

Procedure. An MRI of the brain usually takes 30-45 minutes to perform. Your child will lie on the movable scanning table while the technologist places him or her into position.

Can I drive home after a brain MRI?

Most patients do not require sedation and therefore are able to drive immediately after the exam. If you need a sedative to help you relax for the exam, please arrange for a friend or relative to drive you home.

Can you sleep during a brain MRI?

Will you put me to sleep completely? Not intentionally. Many of our examinations require your cooperation and ability to follow commands to hold your breath to produce the images required to make a diagnosis. For those examinations, we will not allow you to fall asleep.

Do you have to take your clothes off for a brain MRI?

You will be asked to remove any clothing containing metal and all jewelry. You will be provided metal free clothing to change into such as gown, shorts or pants.

How long does a brain scan take?

How long does a brain or head MRI take? An MRI of your head can help identify conditions affecting your brain. The scan typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Can you eat or drink before an MRI?

Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the exam. Patients need barium contrast two hours prior to the appt. Please pick this up at CMS Open MRI prior to your exam. Do not eat solid foods 4 hours prior to exam.

Why do MRI take so long?

The number of images. If many images are needed for a detailed analysis, your MRI will take longer than a scan taking fewer images. The part of your body getting scanned. In general, the larger the area of your body that needs to be scanned, the longer the MRI will take.

Can you wear a bra in an MRI?

For women, if possible, do not wear an underwire bra (the metal can throw off the magnetic field). Sports bras are usually good and we have hospital gowns to change into if necessary. The clasps on the back of a regular bra are not a problem, but avoid wearing bras that have metal parts on the straps.

Can I drink water before brain MRI?

On the day of your MRI scan, you should be able to eat, drink and take any medication as usual, unless you’re advised otherwise. In some cases, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for up to 4 hours before the scan, and sometimes you may be asked to drink a fairly large amount of water beforehand.