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Most MRI exams require no preparation. However, for some types of scans, you could be asked not to eat or drink anything beginning four hours prior to your test. Your doctor's office will let you know if this is necessary.
You should take any medication you would normally take as directed by your doctor. Please let your technologist know what medications you are currently taking. If you are taking medications to relax you, please have someone with you to drive you home after your MRI.
You will need to arrive at Lahey one hour before your scheduled exam time.
The Radiology nurse will contact you prior to the exam to discuss sedation options, take a detailed medical history and discuss dietary restrictions.
Note: If you have had recent exams to diagnose the same or a similar problem at another facility, it would be helpful for the radiologist to see those exams. If available, please bring prior studies with you.
Oral Sedation for Claustrophobia
The MRI Department at Lahey Clinic offers the option of oral sedation for patients who have claustrophobia or who feel they will be too uncomfortable to tolerate the exam. Typically, Valium or Xanax are the medications used, unless other medications are requested. Requests for oral sedation should be made at the time of scheduling.
General anesthesia is also available for patients who cannot tolerate an MR scan even with oral sedation.
High-Field Open MRI for Severe Claustrophobia
We have a high-field open MR system at Lahey Clinic Medical Center, North Shore, in Peabody, Mass., for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia for claustrophobia or who weigh more than 350 lbs. This high-field open MR scanner provides images superior to those of lower-field open scanners. However, the image quality remains superior on the higher-field-strength conventional MR scanners.
We have a high-field open MR system at Lahey Clinic Medical Center, North Shore, in Peabody, Mass., for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia for claustrophobia or who weigh more than 350 lbs. This high-field open MR scanner provides images superior to those of lower-field open scanners. However, the image quality remains superior on the higher-field-strength conventional MR scanners.
