MRI Brain confused

Hi,

It is best to discuss this with the doctor or facility as to how long you need to fast, but it is my understanding that you do not need to fast if it is done without contrast for a brain MRI, and you do need to fast if it is with contrast.

If it was the abdomen, yes, you would need to fast either way.

Remember to avoid makeup.

Try to stay still, and you may desire a antianxiety med beforehand as it may take up to an hour. Fear of enclosed spaces or excessive anxiety could require sedation.

Here is one site I found:

PREPARATION FOR MRI EXAMINATION – BRAIN AND NECK

Without injection

No fasting required.
Must be present 15 minutes before exam.
Patient may continue taking prescribed medication as well as painkillers.
Complete removals of jewellery, body piercing and hair clip are
mandatory.
 Nicotine patch must be removed.
 No make up allowed for MRI of the brain and of the cervical spine.
 Bring necessary items for removal of contact lens.
 Bring reports and images of previous exams done of the same region
being studied.
 In case of claustrophobia, patient might need to take some Ativan.
 Obtain patient’s weight.
 Duration of exam is 20 to 35 minutes, depending of protocol.

With injection of Gadolinium contrast

Fasting 3 hours prior MRI exam.
Must be present 15 minutes before exam.
Obtain blood test results of creatinine level (done within last 6 months).
Patient may continue taking prescribed medications as well as painkillers.
Complete removals of jewellery, body piercing and hair clips are
mandatory.
Nicotine patch must be removed.
No make up allowed for MRI of the brain and the cervical spine.
Bring necessary items for removal of contact lens.
Bring reports and images of previous exams done of the same region
being studied.
In case of claustrophobia, patient might need to take some Ativan.
Obtain patient’s weight.
Duration of exam is 60 to 75 minutes, depending of exam protocol.

Good luck!

Michael

Hi,

It is best to discuss this with the doctor or facility as to how long you need to fast, but it is my understanding that you do not need to fast if it is done without contrast for a brain MRI, and you do need to fast if it is with contrast.

If it was the abdomen, yes, you would need to fast either way.

Remember to avoid makeup.

Try to stay still, and you may desire a antianxiety med beforehand as it may take up to an hour. Fear of enclosed spaces or excessive anxiety could require sedation.

Here is one site I found:

PREPARATION FOR MRI EXAMINATION – BRAIN AND NECK

Without injection

No fasting required.
Must be present 15 minutes before exam.
Patient may continue taking prescribed medication as well as painkillers.
Complete removals of jewellery, body piercing and hair clip are
mandatory.
 Nicotine patch must be removed.
 No make up allowed for MRI of the brain and of the cervical spine.
 Bring necessary items for removal of contact lens.
 Bring reports and images of previous exams done of the same region
being studied.
 In case of claustrophobia, patient might need to take some Ativan.
 Obtain patient’s weight.
 Duration of exam is 20 to 35 minutes, depending of protocol.

With injection of Gadolinium contrast

Fasting 3 hours prior MRI exam.
Must be present 15 minutes before exam.
Obtain blood test results of creatinine level (done within last 6 months).
Patient may continue taking prescribed medications as well as painkillers.
Complete removals of jewellery, body piercing and hair clips are
mandatory.
Nicotine patch must be removed.
No make up allowed for MRI of the brain and the cervical spine.
Bring necessary items for removal of contact lens.
Bring reports and images of previous exams done of the same region
being studied.
In case of claustrophobia, patient might need to take some Ativan.
Obtain patient’s weight.
Duration of exam is 60 to 75 minutes, depending of exam protocol.

Good luck!

Michael

I had a brain MRI two weeks ago.  There was NO prep.  I had to take off all metal and glasses.  Then they put a port in my vein (hand in my case)…but, did NOT inject the dye.  Then they did one MRI scan right off the bat (took about 10 minutes).  Then they moved the MRI table out, but had me lie completely still (especially don't move your head), they injected the dye while I was on the table and slid me back in for the second MRI with contrast.  Took another 10 minutes.  THEN…they showed me the pictures (no official RESULTS tho…) – there was my brain!  Easy Breezy!  My Oncologist called me the next day with the news that my MRI was clear.  – Shari

I had a brain MRI two weeks ago.  There was NO prep.  I had to take off all metal and glasses.  Then they put a port in my vein (hand in my case)…but, did NOT inject the dye.  Then they did one MRI scan right off the bat (took about 10 minutes).  Then they moved the MRI table out, but had me lie completely still (especially don't move your head), they injected the dye while I was on the table and slid me back in for the second MRI with contrast.  Took another 10 minutes.  THEN…they showed me the pictures (no official RESULTS tho…) – there was my brain!  Easy Breezy!  My Oncologist called me the next day with the news that my MRI was clear.  – Shari

Some places ask you to fast because a handful of people get nauseated from the contrast.  It won't affect the quality of the scan one way or the other.  MRI is noisy, but pretty easy from a patient perspective.

Katy

Some places ask you to fast because a handful of people get nauseated from the contrast.  It won't affect the quality of the scan one way or the other.  MRI is noisy, but pretty easy from a patient perspective.

Katy

I did a brain MRI last month, with and without contrast.  I was asked to wear loose, comfortable clothes with no metal.  I had to remove my bra.  I was at my test was first thing in the AM and I did not want to have to go to the bathroom possibly mid-scan, I opted to fast on my own.  I did drink a couple of bottles of water so I was fully hydrated (always makes putting in an IV a little easier).  They offered me head phones and I was glad for them, it is noisy.  The place I had mine had a mirror so I could watch the staff and they checked in every few minutes via an intercom – I didn't respond per their instructions, but they gave me the number of minutes left to go.  I took a xanax about 45 minutes before the scan and was very relaxed and mellow.  I didn't get to see my scan (but didn't think to ask, either).  Good luck on your results.

Blessings, Shari

I did a brain MRI last month, with and without contrast.  I was asked to wear loose, comfortable clothes with no metal.  I had to remove my bra.  I was at my test was first thing in the AM and I did not want to have to go to the bathroom possibly mid-scan, I opted to fast on my own.  I did drink a couple of bottles of water so I was fully hydrated (always makes putting in an IV a little easier).  They offered me head phones and I was glad for them, it is noisy.  The place I had mine had a mirror so I could watch the staff and they checked in every few minutes via an intercom – I didn't respond per their instructions, but they gave me the number of minutes left to go.  I took a xanax about 45 minutes before the scan and was very relaxed and mellow.  I didn't get to see my scan (but didn't think to ask, either).  Good luck on your results.

Blessings, Shari