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4 Ways To Experience A Smoother MRI Procedure

If your healthcare provider has scheduled you for an MRI, you likely have a medical concern that requires further investigation. Couple this factor with some of the features that surround this radiology procedure and it can make a person quite stressed and anxious. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prepare for the procedure to ease your fears.

1. Provide Health Data

Prior to the appointment, the radiology clinic will contact you to collect your health data. It is essential you provide accurate and detailed information. For certain medical conditions, MRI technology can be dangerous, such as for those individuals with pacemakers or rods in their body and should typically be avoided. Be sure to relay all your medical conditions, even if you do not believe that they will put you at risk, and most importantly, be honest. 

2. Schedule Wisely

If you are anxious about the procedure, you want to be mindful of the time of day you schedule the appointment. For example, with an early morning appointment, you will probably be awake and alert. However, you might be more inclined to relax and even fall asleep with a late afternoon or early evening appointment. Provided it is not for an emergency, you should have flexibility in scheduling your appointment.

3. Dress Comfortably

You want to arrive at your appointment in comfortable attire. Depending on the region of the body you need to have scanned, you will need to lay in a specific position, possibly for an extended period. Loose-fitting clothing will make the experience more comfortable than tighter clothing. Remember, the goal is to keep you calm and relaxed throughout the entire process. However, just make sure you do not choose clothing with metal, such as zippers or clips. A cotton sweatsuit is always a good option. 

4. Arrive Early

Be sure to arrive for the appointment early to avoid having to reschedule. First, you will be required to complete paperwork and go back over your health data before the procedure can begin. Second, it is not uncommon for people to forget they have metal on their body, such as from a hairpin or the hooks on a bra. In these instances, you may be required to change into a gown, so leave extra time for these situations.

You are in control as the patient. Do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to feel informed and comfortable. For more information about radiology, reach out to the staff at a hospital like Elkview General Hospital


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