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Brain scans and spine scans
A fact sheet on CT scan and MRI scan for patients and carers
Download this booklet in PDF format (934kb)
MRI scans
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to take pictures of the brain or spine.It differs from a standard X-ray as it produces very detailed pictures of the brain or spine.
What happens before an MRI scan?
Because the MRI scanner uses strong magnets, for safety reasons you will be asked- if you have a pacemaker
- if you have an artificial heart valve
- if you have ever had surgery on your head
- if you have any metallic implants like joint replacements, or
- if you have ever had metal in your eyes from welding or metalwork.
- glasses
- jewellery
- hair slides
- dental braces, and
- dentures with metal plates
You should also take off your watch, leave your mobile phone outside, and leave your bank cards outside because they can be damaged by the scanner’s magnets.
If you think you will feel anxious or uncomfortable in the confined space of the scanner tunnel, or experience claustrophobia, you should tell the staff before the scan. You should also tell them if you unexpectedly feel anxious just before you are due to enter the scanner tunnel.
What happens during an MRI scan?
You will be asked to lie on a scanner table. You should mention if you are uncomfortable because it is important that you are able to keep still during the scan.When you are comfortable and ready, you will be moved into the scanner tunnel. Staff will continue to talk with you using an intercom.
Although an MRI scan is painless, unfortunately, the scanner is very noisy. Each set of pictures takes about five minutes and several sets might be taken during one session. The whole procedure usually takes about 45 minutes.
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