What You Need to Know About Getting a Brain MRI

When your healthcare provider orders a brain MRI scan, it means they want to take a close look at detailed images of your brain, so they can better understand your brain health.

If you’re getting a brain MRI soon, there are a few things you should know about the scan, just to make the process easier and stress-free. 

In this guide, we’ll show you what a brain MRI shows, as well as what you can expect before, during, and after your appointment. Let’s check it out.

What Is a Brain MRI, and What Can It Detect?

A brain MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of your brain’s structure and activity. These images give your provider the information they need about your brain health,  so they can diagnose your condition and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How does a brain MRI show detailed images of the brain?  

These images allow your healthcare provider to see intricate details of your brain, including soft tissues, blood vessels, and even subtle changes in the brain’s structure. 

The very clear images from your MRI will help your healthcare provider take a very close look at your brain, so they can diagnose the cause of your symptoms, and create a treatment plan for your care.

What information does my brain MRI results show my healthcare provider?  

The images from your brain MRI provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive view of your brain’s anatomy and any potential abnormalities. 

This information can include the size, shape, and condition of various parts of your brain, as well as whether anything appears out of the ordinary.

A brain MRI may reveal areas of swelling, unusual growths, or changes in the brain’s tissues, and it can show disruptions in blood flow, or pinpoint regions that might have been affected by injury or disease. These insights give your provider essential clues about what might be causing your symptoms.

What conditions can a brain MRI scan help to diagnose?  

A brain MRI is a versatile diagnostic tool used to detect a variety of conditions, including:

• Brain tumors, cysts, or abnormal growths
• Signs of stroke or disruptions in blood flow
• Infection
• Multiple sclerosis(MS) and other neurological conditions
• Persistent headaches or unexplained seizures.
• Early indicators of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.

These insights can help your provider pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend next steps in your care plan.

How to get ready for your brain MRI scan

A brain MRI is a quick and non-invasive scan that requires minimal preparation on your part. 

However, there are a few things to keep in mind for the day of your scan, like how to dress, what to avoid, and what to do if you experience claustrophobia.

What Should I Wear?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or buttons. Metal objects can interfere with the MRI machine, so remove jewelry, watches, or hair accessories before arriving at the imaging center.

What medical information should I share with the staff at the imaging center?  

Let the imaging staff know if you:

• Have implanted medical devices such as a pacemaker or cochlear implant
• Are pregnant or could be pregnant
• Have known allergies to contrast dye or are taking any medications

Sharing this information ensures the imaging team can take necessary precautions for your safety. Some devices may not be MRI-compatible, so if you have an implant, our staff will need to confirm whether any adjustments will be necessary.

What should I do to prepare for a brain MRI if I have claustrophobia?  

If you feel anxious about confined spaces, talk to your provider about options like open MRI machines or mild sedatives. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or listening to music, can also help ease discomfort.

All Gateway Diagnostic Imaging centers offer open and/or Wide-Bore MRI options that feel more comfortable. So if you think this could help, then please let your referring provider know.

For severe anxiety, speak with your doctor about whether a mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication might be appropriate. 

What to expect during your brain MRI

On the day of your appointment, bring your ID, insurance information, and any paperwork provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens during a brain MRI scan?   

During your brain MRI, you’ll lie down on a padded table that slowly slides into the MRI machine, which is large and shaped like a doughnut. 

As the machine scans your brain, you’ll hear a series of loud tapping or humming sounds as the machine works, which is completely normal. To ensure you get accurate results, you’ll lie as still as possible during your MRI scan.

How long does a brain MRI take?

A brain MRI typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your circumstances, and the level of detail required. Your scan may take a little longer if it includes contrast dye. 

How will the MRI technologist ensure my comfort during the scan?  

The MRI technologist’s priority is to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the scan. Before starting, they’ll explain what will happen, answer any questions, and make sure you’re ready. 

You’ll likely be provided with earplugs or headphones to minimize the noise from the machine, and some imaging centers may play music to help you relax.

Can I Talk to the Technologist During my MRI?

Yes! The technologist will monitor you throughout the scan and can communicate with you via an intercom. They’ll also check in periodically to ensure you’re comfortable.

What happens if I feel claustrophobic during my brain MRI scan?  

If you feel claustrophobic during your brain MRI, let the technologist know immediately: they’re trained to help in these situations. They may suggest pausing the scan for a short time or adjusting your positioning to make you feel more comfortable. 

If you’re concerned about claustrophobia ahead of time, mention this when scheduling your appointment. 

What happens after my brain MRI scan?

Let’s take a closer look at what happens after your brain MRI scan. 

Who will interpret my brain MRI results?

A radiologist—a doctor specializing in medical imaging—will review your MRI results and send a detailed report, summarizing their findings, to your healthcare provider. 

How long will it take to receive my brain MRI results?  

Usually, it takes a couple of days for your results to be analyzed and sent to your healthcare provider, who will contact you about your results.

This timeline can vary depending on how complex the images are and how much detail needs to be reviewed. If your provider needs your results as soon as possible, you may be able to receive them sooner. 

 What are some helpful questions I can ask my provider about my brain MRI results?  

When discussing your brain MRI results with your provider, it’s important to ask questions to gain a clear understanding of what the findings mean and what steps might come next. 

Here are some questions to consider asking during your discussion:  

• What did the MRI show? Does it explain my symptoms?  
• Are there any areas of concern that we should monitor?  
• Are there any follow-up tests or treatments you’d recommend?  
• What are the next steps in my diagnosis or treatment plan?  
• Is there anything I can do to manage my symptoms while we wait for further information?  

Your healthcare provider is there to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.

How to schedule your scan with us

At Gateway Diagnostic Imaging Centers, we provide affordable, high-quality medical imaging with specialized radiologists and certified technologists.

Reach out to a Gateway imaging center near you, and schedule your appointment today.