To ask about your MRI brain?

[Seeshellshear]

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I’m due to have a brain MRI done soon without contrast. I’m just wondering how long the scan is likely to take? And if I will have to go all the way into the claustrophobic little tube? I’m not usually that claustrophobic but I think my anxiety about the possible results is now getting transferred onto the scan itself! I think I will cope ok but trying to grasp what to expect.

Thank you!

I had one a couple of months ago ago.
Make sure you take any jewellery off (earrings/necklace etc).
You will lay down on the bed, they'll out something under your knees to raise the up slightly.
They will give you earplugs and place some ear defenders on you too.
Your head will be in a type of block/brace to keep it as still as possible (this does not hurt/feel too uncomfortable)
You will probably go as far as your shoulders into the scanner. There is a reflective mirror directly above you so you can see out into the room.
It lasts about 15/20 mins. A series of different noises will be played. They are loud but not uncomfortably so with the plugs/defenders.
Be prepared for a wait on results. Mine was an urgent scan and it still took 4 weeks to get the results!

It takes about 30 minutes, but it’s not a tube as such. It’s more like a fat polo round your head, if that makes sense. Most of your body is outside so it’s not too claustrophobic (and I’m extremely claustrophobic - can’t go in lifts etc). The worst part for me is the noise. It’s very loud!

Thanks so much @somethingisnotquiteright that’s so detailed and helpful! I think it will be easier if I’m only in as far as my shoulders. I had wondered if I would need to go all the way for a brain one. I think a wait for the results will mean good news! That’s what I’m focusing on anyway.

I’ve had a number of brain MRIs - the appointment will take around half an hour but you’ll only be in the scanner for about 20 minutes. Yes, you’ll go all the way in to the scanner. You’ll be given a buzzer or something to hold when you go in, so you can alert the team if needed - but this will disrupt your scan, because they’ll have to bring you out to speak to you.

You will be given ear plugs and padding to reduce the amount of noise you hear, and protect your ears. You will be asked to remove metal from your person, including metal bra straps, but wedding rings are ok (different metal)!

It can feel cold, so take something comfy and warm, like a snuggly jumper!

Try not to worry about the scan - you’ll be fine! Good luck.

Hi I’ve had a few mri and pet scans , I was dreading it at first , just before each scan I close my eyes I keep them closed until scan is over , I concentrate on my breathing and start to think of different things like every day stuff . I’ve never panicked in one it was so much easier than I thought it would be and remember you literally just have to say stop and they can stop the scan straight away. Good luck

Thank you for the reassuring messages. So it sounds like maybe I will have to go all the way in then!

Less than 30 minutes. It was noisy more than anything, you can have music. I kept my eyes closed. Did not have to change . Just nothing metallic.

I've had quite a few. It seems to just depend on what type of scanner/scan.
Sometimes you are quite far in sometimes you aren't.

Usually they play music into the headset if you like.

I try and come prepared with no metal in my clothes so I don't have to get changed into a gown as I always find it cold, so no bra or joggers with metal ties. I usually wear uggs or similar as i get cold feet.

Style is completely put the window over complete comfort.
I often bring a blanket too - not fleece as sometimes they aren't allowed.

I just close my eyes and try to forget where I am rather than look at my surroundings. The noises are a bit disturbing the first time but soon over and there is a bit of downtime between each "picture"

Good luck - they aren't as bad as we can talk ourselves into believing they will be

Most are the donut style now rather than the tube and you can listen to music. They are pretty loud though.

I'm a bit of a stress head but managed to doze off during mine. 😂

Thank you all. You are so kind to take the time. It’s at my local hospital and a narrow tube one.
I think I’m conflating anxiety about the results and the scan itself which is a bit ridiculous. At least once it’s done I can cross it off my list and be (hopefully) reassured by the results.

Same as above. I have had to have about 4 over the course of 10 years.

I am not scared of the tube but my only advice is shut your eyes tight before they put you in and do not open them at any point.

Its actually fine, honestly. once you’ve done it you’ll know what I mean.

2 of my teens had them and didn’t bat an eyelid.

I should add I have had one before but not of my brain and the fact that it’s a brain one made me think I will be in the deepest depths of the narrow tube. I will take the advice to shut my eyes!

Just to confirm, as PPs have said as I know multiple experiences might help!

I had my hands crossed above my belly button and they were out of the machine, so I'd say I was in just past my shoulders-maybe to my bust but not much further than that. I had the radio on in the headphones they gave me, and was able to focus on that. Had a foam block around my head and ears- it's more so you remember to keep your head still, not holding you firmly in place.

Definitely wear your own clothes- no metal at all so no underwires/clasps. I wore a big thick jumper and leggings and just took my shoes off to go in. Bring fluffy socks if you run cold as they're usually chilly rooms. And obviously while lying still you might get chilly. Wearing thick layers won't affect the scan of your head so bundle up!
The order of events:
Main desk/waiting area- confirmed I'd arrived, asked to sit down.
Someone called me in to the MRI room/area. You'll be taken into a sort of foyer where the scan people will sit at computers, there'll be a room for you to get changed if needed, and I was offered a locker for my handbag and shoes. (I just left mine in the room unlocked). Pop your phone in there too, and make sure your pockets are empty. There'll be a hook for your coat too. Take your time- don't rush to yank your shoes off or anything.
Then one of the guys doing the scan took me into the MRI room which is seperate, asked me to lie on the table and offered me a foam block for under my knees (relieves pressure on your back from lying so flat). then when I was settled, gave me the headphones and the block around my head. I was given a panic button to hold in case I need to stop- I did at one point as I needed to cough and they didn't mind at all.
Then they speak to you through the headphones (they're in the other room, behind a glass panel). Tell you the scan is about to start, how long it'll take etc and then the radio started.
20 ish minutes, it felt like much less but 20 mins is about 4 songs on the radio- so you can count songs to see how long you're in there. Then they told me the scan was over, I sat up, got dressed and left.

They're used to anxious people, and know most people don't do it everyday! Ask questions, take your time, know they're there to help and guide you. Take breaks, take deep breaths and keep distracted. Do your shopping list in your head, or find something you can do after the MRI to look forward to. Plan your route to get there etc as distraction.

The tube is white and the rooms are very bright, so that may be easier for you. And although the tube isn't huge, it's not small enough for you to get stuck in, you could probably lift up onto your elbows in it, and you can even pull yourself out if needed. The table you're on moves you into it, so it's gradual and you can get used to it. It won't hurt, or go wrong.

Best of luck, I hope the results are positive for you x

I had one when I was also crippled with anxiety and having multiple panic attacks a day. I was OK.

The top of the machine is much closer to your face (if lying on back) then I'd expected and it is very noisy- it's easy to see how the experience can be overwhelming.

You're mic'd up so you can talk to the operators throughout and they'll play music into your headphones to help. Close your eyes and focus on calm breathing. When I went into the machine I thought it was going to be worse than it was, and I made it through pretty comfortably (which was a miracle given my state of mind at the time).

The box breathing technique would probably be really helpful.

Pressed send too soon - you'll be fine, as a pp said you'd be able to move (though dont) and if you find it too much at any point you can just tell them. Sharing any worries you have when you get there is helpful so that they can reassure you and explain things.

I'm not going to lie and say it was my favourite experience ever but I wouldn't be worried about it if I had to have another one, it's unpleasant but OK if that makes sense.

And lots of luck for the results xx

I've recently had a series of brain scans and I've never gone all the way in. Just to my shoulders. Really nothing to worry about. It's not loud either with ear defenders on.

My biggest tip is. If you feel claustrophobic then go into the machine with your eyes open. That way you then know what space is around you. I'm not claustrophobic but went in with my eyes shut and then panicked when I opened them. I then stupidly didn't dare close them again. The second time I had one done I made sure my eyes were open and then just closed them once I'd been in there for about 15 mins. Partially out of boredom. It's also as noisy as fuck once they start doing the images and feels rather shaky as well. The biggest thing I've found after each of mine was it gave me a huge migraine and zapped my energy completely for a good 24- 48 hours to the point I literally just had to sleep pretty much the entire time

I have a yearly boob MRI when I go in face down, all the way in and I've had brain ones too. I just always focus on my breathing and then just let my thoughts wander. I actually started to drift off in my last one. I agree eyes open on the way in work out your surroundings and then eyes closed and focus on slow breaths. Have a nice treat planned for after (like cake!). Good luck x

I think it depends on what they are scanning for and exactly what your consultant has requested (thinner slices of image means more detail and longer in the machine).

I’ve had six brain mri’s and have gone all the way in for all of them and several scans of other body areas where I was in up to my chest. The operators tend to be really lovely and understanding and for me they take me all the way through first, then back in. (I was highly sceptical when they suggested it, but it honestly does help.)

You will have a sort of plastic cradle/cage like thing called a coil placed over your head. This is nowhere as bad as it sounds (there are lots of images of them if you google) and it’s not to hold you still, it’s to help the machine direct the signal, as essentially it’s just radio-frequencies and magnets, which isn’t scary at all when you think about it.

At one hospital I was able to bring a cd and listened to an audiobook, which was really good for distracting me, but that was a long time ago and for more recent scans at our local hospital they just play music through the headphones. For my ds they let him pick his own music from a list.

You can see out and see the operator via the periscope/mirror. They are lovely if you ever do have to press the button to stop the scan. (I had to once when in a great deal of pain during the scan of an injury.)

They will speak to you through the headphones too for reassurance and to let you know what’s coming next and how long you have left.

I am claustrophobic and requested an open scan for my last brain MRI. To be honest it didn’t feel all that much different and ended up having to be done again, as the weighting was wrong for what my consultant needed to see.

Longest I have been in the machine for a brain scan was half an hour, but that was actually brain and neck/cervical spine.

I usually wear a pull on/over the head type sports bra with no metal in, yoga pans and a cosy top and slip on pumps, as that way I don’t need to change before I go in. As others have said, no metal/jewellery.

Be prepared for a wait/delay, as the clinic can start to run quite late if previous patients are anxious and stop the scan a lot.

I've had loads. It is a bit claustrophobic, but I just lie with my eyes shut and usually go to sleep. Really annoys me when they talk to me and wake me up!!

It is a tube. A CT scan is the one you are describing.

You can contact the hospital to see if they are a wider bore scanner (one built specifically for larger patients). You will still go in to it up to your waist or so but it will feel slightly less claustrophobic.

You go all the way in..it takes about 15 minutes and very noisy. The noises change a lot so be prepaired for that. It runs in different sounding cycles. I have had a few and it's best to just space out if you can. I normally think the washing machines spin cycle is playing up. It's fine. It's clostraphobic but there's a camera inside so you could ask to come out at any time, but then you have to start again so best not to. But you could. Keep your eyes closed is best but there's a mirror to see out to the scanner at the desk.

Looking at my brain imagine after ( at consultant app) was really interesting

I had one this morning (my third). This one was with contrast and took about thirty minutes in total. It felt like I was in to around my waist.
I lay on the trolley and shut my eyes, didn't open them again at all until it was all done. They give you earplugs and headphones but it is noisy. A frame thing over your face to keep your head still.
I'm a bit of a wuss and I tolerate them fine. I just don't look.