MRI - keeping still if you have a cough

[WhatWouldJeevesDo]

I want to persuade my father to take up the offer of an MRI scan but he thinks there’s no point because his coughing will prevent him keeping still. What do they usually do in such cases?

What are they MRI -ing?

Liver

I’m told it’s not cancer.

If the scan is crucial and he really can’t keep still then it may be possible to do with GA (benefits have to outweigh risks though so it depends a bit on what they’re looking for/what’s causing the cough/whether there are any other imaging modalities that’d work etc). However it’s most likely worth having a go without first - just let the radiographers know it may be a problem.

It's always worth going to see how he gets on. They may be able to prop him up a little bit if that helps. Is it a new cough? How urgent is the scan? If its likely to clear up and the scan isnt urgent it might be better to reschedule.
He may be able to cough in between sequences to help him stay still during the scanning part.

Thanks all. Yes I was wondering to what extent they can stop and start.
It’s possible they might be able to treat the cough to some extent with stronger doses of anti reflux medicine, which he is just starting. I don’t know what they are looking for. General anaesthetic might not be worth it as he is so old.

Yeah they won't want to do a GA if he has a cough anyway it's an additional risk factor. See if he will turn up and try, if he can't manage the scan they might arrange an ultrasound instead if he hasn't already had one. A lot of the time anxiety around the procedure makes them reluctant to go so maybe check he isn't worried.

I think he’s more fatalistic/losing the will to live than worried.
Anyway, thanks very much for your help.