MRI Scan
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Overview
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan creates highly detailed images of the inside of the body without using radiation. It is particularly good for looking at soft tissues — the brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, organs, and blood vessels — where it gives a clearer picture than X-ray or CT. At St. Stephen’s Hospital, MRI scans are read by qualified radiologists, and the report is shared directly with your treating doctor.
What is this test?
An MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of the body. You lie on a moving bed that slides into a tunnel-shaped scanner. The scanner takes images in slices, which the radiologist then assembles into a detailed picture. MRI does not use X-rays or ionising radiation. It is safe to repeat as often as needed, though it is not used in everyone — see precautions below.
Why your doctor may order it
- Investigating brain conditions — stroke, tumours, multiple sclerosis, dementia work-up
- Spine problems — slipped disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, spinal cord injury
- Joint and musculoskeletal problems — torn ligaments, meniscal tears, rotator cuff injuries
- Abdominal organs — liver, pancreas, kidneys, uterus, ovaries, prostate
- Cardiac MRI — for selected heart conditions
- MR Angiography — to view blood vessels without injecting contrast in some cases
How long does it take?
A standard MRI takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the body part being scanned. A brain MRI is usually 30 to 40 minutes; a spine MRI can be 30 to 45 minutes; a cardiac MRI may take up to 90 minutes. If contrast is used, an extra 10 to 15 minutes is needed for the injection and additional images. You should plan for at least 1.5 hours at the hospital in total — including registration, change, and post-scan checks. This does not include the waiting time period in case there are patients lined up for scan or patients to be done under anaesthesia.
How to prepare
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes with no metal (zips, hooks, embellishments). You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
- Remove all metal items before the scan — jewellery, watches, hairpins, hearing aids, removable dental work, glasses, and belts, mobile phones, credit cards and ID cards.
- Tell the technician if you have any implanted metal — pacemaker, cochlear implant, surgical clips, plates, screws, IUD, or shrapnel.
- Tell the team if you are pregnant or might be — MRI is usually avoided in early pregnancy unless clinically necessary.
- If you are claustrophobic, tell the team in advance — they can offer guidance, music, or in rare cases mild sedation.
- MRCP with or without contrast, fast for 4 hours before the scan unless told otherwise.
- Bring your doctor's prescription, ID, previous scans and reports, and your insurance card if applicable.
What to expect during the test
You lie on the MRI table, which slides into the open end of the scanner. The technician steps into a control room but can see and hear you the entire time. You are given a buzzer to press if you need to stop the scan. The scanner makes loud knocking, thumping, or buzzing sounds — this is normal. You will be given earplugs or headphones (and sometimes music). You must lie very still during the scan; even small movements blur the images. If contrast is needed, the technician will inject it through a small cannula in your arm partway through the scan. Most people feel a brief cool sensation when it goes in. -kidney function test (BUN + Se Cr) is needed before proceeding with any contrast study. The scan itself is painless. The main challenge for most patients is staying still and getting through the noise.
After the test
- You can usually resume normal activities immediately. There is no recovery time for a standard MRI.
- If contrast was used, drink extra water for the rest of the day to help your kidneys clear it.
- If you were given sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and should rest for 24 hours.
- Your report is reviewed by a radiologist and made available either same day or within 24-48 hours. You can collect a printed copy or download it from the patient portal.
- Share the report with your treating doctor, who will explain what it means and the next steps.
Do's and Don'ts
- Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to allow time for registration and change.
- Tell the team about every implant, surgery, or piece of metal in your body — even old ones.
- Wear or change into clothes free of metal.
- Lie as still as you can during the scan — movement blurs the images also shows down the scan time.
- Use the call buzzer if you feel unwell or panicked.
- Don't bring metal items, electronics, or magnetic cards into the scan room.
- Don't hide an implant or pacemaker or coronary stents — this can be dangerous in the MRI room.
- Don't drink large amounts of water just before an abdominal MRI unless instructed.
- Don't apply heavy eye makeup, especially mascara, on the day of a head MRI — some contain metallic particles.
- Don't drive yourself home if you received any sedation.
Understanding your results
An MRI report describes what the radiologist saw, often in technical language. Words like “unremarkable” or “within normal limits” mean the scan shows no significant abnormality. Findings such as “disc bulge,” “oedema,” or “signal change” describe what was seen, but their importance depends on your symptoms and clinical history. Always discuss the report with your doctor. An incidental finding on an MRI (something seen by chance, not related to your symptoms) is common — and is not always a problem. Your doctor will interpret the report in the context of your overall clinical picture.
Frequently asked questions
For most people, yes — there is no radiation. The strong magnetic field is the main safety concern, which is why we carefully screen for any metal in your body before the scan.
No. The scan itself is painless. Some people find it uncomfortable to lie still in an enclosed space for 30 to 60 minutes — and the noise is loud, even with earplugs — but it does not hurt.
Tell us in advance. We can talk you through the scan, offer music, allow a family member to stay in the room, or in selected cases use a mild sedative. Open MRI machines are an option at some centres, though image quality may be lower.
Most older pacemakers are not safe in an MRI. Newer pacemakers are MRI-conditional — meaning the scan is safe under specific conditions. Always tell the team about your pacemaker before booking.
It depends on what you're looking for. MRI is better for soft tissue, brain, spinal cord, and joints. CT is faster, better in emergencies, and better for bone, lung, gastroinstestinal system and acute brain haemorrhage. Your doctor will recommend the right test.