MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Whakaahua orooro autō

You may have an MRI scan to:

• help diagnose a health condition
• plan treatment
• check how effective a previous treatment has been.

An MRI scan gives more detailed pictures than an x-ray does. It is often used to look at the brain and spinal cord. It is also good at showing soft tissue injuries in joints and can be helpful in diagnosing sports injuries.

You will be asked to lie on a motorised table for your MRI scan. The table slides into the opening of the scanner, which is shaped like a large tunnel inside a ring.

The MRI scanner is very noisy as it scans, so you will be given ear plugs and headphones.

The person doing the scan will be able to see and hear you at all times. You can speak with them through an intercom. It is important to stay as still as you can throughout the scan.

The MRI scan takes 15 to 90 minutes, depending on which part of your body is being scanned.

MRI scans in children

Your healthcare provider may recommend an MRI scan to help understand what is happening inside your child's body. KidsHealth has information on MRI scans for tamariki and how to prepare them.

MRI scans for children — KidsHealth

It is important to tell the MRI team about any metal you have in your body, including possible metal fragments in your eye and metal foreign bodies.

Objects that have been implanted in your body need to be discussed ahead of the MRI scan — they may cause harm or be damaged. These include:

• pacemakers
• aneurysm clips
• heart valve replacements
• neurostimulators
• cochlear implants
• magnetic dental implants
• drug infusion pumps.

Some people have a fear of small or enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) and think they might not be able to cope with the scan.

If this concerns you, talk to your healthcare provider when they suggest an MRI, or the radiology service when you receive your appointment letter. You may be given some techniques to help keep you calm or medicine to help you relax (a sedative).

Contrast dye for MRI scans

For some MRI scans you will need an injection of contrast dye to make the scan easier to read.

The contrast contains gadolinium, which helps highlight some of your body's internal structures. It is usually injected into a vein in your arm through a small plastic tube.

Gadolinium-containing contrast medium — Inside Radiology

You will be able to go home after your MRI scan.

A specialist doctor (radiologist) will look at the images and write a report about what the scan shows. They will send their report to the healthcare provider who requested your MRI scan.

Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment, over the phone or by email or text message.

MRI is very safe and uses no ionising radiation, whereas x-rays and CT scans do.

If you need a contrast dye injection, there is a small chance of an allergic reaction. This is usually mild, but if you have a more severe reaction, the MRI staff will treat it.

Your healthcare provider may suggest a CT scan instead of an MRI especially if you:

• have metal in your body
• are afraid of being in small spaces (claustrophobic)
• may have difficulty lying still for the scan.

A CT scan can be done much more quickly.

You will need to be referred for an MRI scan by your healthcare provider. You cannot self-refer.

This procedure can be done in the public health system or privately.