How should I prepare?

No special preparation is needed for an MRI. You may eat normally and take your seizure medicine or any other medicines as usual, unless you will be having sedation or anesthesia during the procedure. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal fastenings such as zippers or clasps because metal will interfere with the test. Do not wear jewelry, hairspray, makeup, a hearing aid, or any removable dental work. If you are being treated with a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), it will need to be turned off before your MRI. Many centers will refuse to perform an MRI scan on anyone with a stimulator in place.

If you have any metal in your body—plates, clips, or screws from surgery; an intrauterine device (IUD); or pieces of metal left in a wound, for instance—or if you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor or nurse ahead of time and tell the MRI technician before the test begins.. If you have a pacemaker, you cannot have an MRI because the test may damage it. The same rule applies if you have metal fragments in your eyes because the magnet may cause them to move.

What will happen when I get there?

The technologist at the MRI center will direct you to the special self-contained room where the MRI machine is located. This person will ask you to lie down on a cushioned table, where a device will be placed around your head. Then you will be moved into the magnet. The technologist will leave the room but will stay in constant contact with you throughout the entire exam. (See pictures of the MRI procedure.)

When the MRI scan begins, you will hear a muffled thumping sound that will last for several minutes, while the pictures are being taken. Earplugs or music will be provided so that the noise doesn't sound so loud. Try to relax -- you can even take a nap. Do your best to lie as still as possible, since any movement during this time will blur the picture. Other than hearing the sounds, you should experience no other sensation during scanning. After the scanning is complete, usually in about 30 minutes, the technologist will return to help you off the table and then you may go home.

Your doctor will discuss the results of the test with you over the phone or at your next scheduled visit.

What if my child can't lie still that long?

Because they need to remain perfectly still for a fairly long time, younger children may require sedation (or in some cases, general anesthesia) to complete an MRI. Older children or adults who are developmentally disabled or emotionally or cognitively impaired also may need either general anesthesia or sedation. You should discuss the need for sedation or anesthesia with your doctor in advance so that proper arrangements can be made.

Topic Editor:Ruben Kuzniecky, M.D.
Last Reviewed:3/19/04