What Happens During an MRI Scan?

What Is an MRI Scan and How Does It Work?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging — a diagnostic scan that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI uses no radiation — making it safer for repeated use, for pregnant women (in most cases), and for children.

Here is the basic science in simple terms:

• •The human body is made mostly of water — and water contains hydrogen atoms.
• •The MRI machine's powerful magnet temporarily aligns the hydrogen atoms in your body.
• •Brief pulses of radio waves are then sent through the body — causing those hydrogen atoms to emit tiny signals.
• •A computer detects those signals and constructs them into detailed, layered images — essentially photographing your internal anatomy from multiple angles simultaneously.

The result is extraordinary detail — MRI can distinguish between different types of soft tissue, detect inflammation, identify tumours, reveal nerve damage, and spot abnormalities that are invisible on X-rays or CT scans.

What Conditions Is an MRI Scan Used to Diagnose?

• •Brain and Nervous System: Tumours, stroke damage, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dementia, aneurysms, nerve compression
• •Spine and Back: Disc herniations, spinal stenosis, nerve root compression, fractures, infections
• •Joints and Muscles: Ligament and tendon tears (ACL, rotator cuff), cartilage damage, bone marrow abnormalities
• •Abdomen and Pelvis: Liver disease, kidney tumours, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, prostate conditions
• •Heart and Blood Vessels (Cardiac MRI): Heart muscle damage, congenital defects, vascular abnormalities
• •Breast Imaging: Used alongside mammography for high-risk women or inconclusive cases
• •Cancer Staging: Precisely mapping tumour size, location, and spread before surgery or treatment

Before the Scan: What to Do and What to Expect

• •Eating and drinking: For most MRI scans, you can eat and drink normally before the appointment. For abdominal or pelvic MRIs, you may be asked to fast for 4–6 hours — your appointment letter will specify this.
• •Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without metal zips, underwire, or embellishments. You will likely be given a hospital gown to change into.
• •Jewellery and metal objects: Remove all jewellery, piercings, hairpins, watches, hearing aids, and glasses before entering the scan room — these are not permitted near the MRI machine.

Inform the team about the following before your scan:

• •Any metal implants, surgical clips, joint replacements, or orthopaedic hardware in your body
• •A cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator (ICD) — some are MRI-compatible, some are not
• •Cochlear (ear) implants
• •Any history of working with metal (metal shards in the eyes)
• •Pregnancy — MRI is generally considered safe, but your doctor will assess individual necessity
• •Claustrophobia or anxiety — the team can offer sedation or make accommodations
• •Kidney disease — relevant if a contrast agent (dye) is being considered

Contrast dye (Gadolinium): Some MRI scans require an injection of a contrast agent to enhance visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. It is injected through a small cannula in your arm and is different from the iodine-based contrast used in CT scans. It is generally well tolerated; allergic reactions are rare.

Step-by-Step: What Actually Happens During the Scan

Step 1 — Arrival and Registration (10–15 minutes before scan time): You arrive at the radiology department and complete a safety screening questionnaire — confirming there are no metal implants or contraindications. A radiographer reviews your questionnaire and answers any questions you have. You change into a hospital gown if required and store your belongings in a secure locker.

Step 2 — Entering the MRI Room: The MRI machine is a large, cylinder-shaped device — typically 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla in strength. The room feels cool and is quieter than most hospital areas — until the scan begins. A radiographer (not a doctor) operates the machine from an adjoining room, but can see and hear you at all times through a window and intercom.

Step 3 — Positioning on the Table: You lie down on a motorised table that slides into the centre of the MRI machine. Depending on the body part being scanned, specific coils (receiver devices that look like padded frames) may be placed around the area — for example, a head coil for brain scans or a knee coil for joint scans. Earplugs or headphones are offered to reduce noise — and many hospitals offer music to help you relax. A call button or squeeze ball is placed in your hand — you can signal the radiographer at any time if you feel uncomfortable and need to stop.

Step 4 — The Scan Begins: The table slides into the tunnel of the machine — how far inside depends on which body part is being scanned. The machine makes loud, repetitive knocking and banging noises — this is completely normal and is caused by the rapid switching of magnetic field gradients during imaging. It is not harmful.

Common sounds you will hear: rhythmic thumping, rapid knocking, high-pitched beeps, and buzzing — varying in pattern throughout the scan. You must remain absolutely still during imaging — even small movements blur the images and may require the sequence to be repeated. Some sequences last 2–3 minutes; others up to 8–10 minutes. You will be guided throughout.

Step 5 — If Contrast Dye Is Used: The radiographer will pause briefly to inject the gadolinium dye through the cannula already in your arm. You may feel a cool sensation spreading up your arm, and occasionally mild warmth or a brief metallic taste — both are normal and pass within seconds. The scan then continues with the contrast-enhanced sequences.

Step 6 — End of Scan and Recovery: The table slides back out and the coils are removed. You can get up, get dressed, and resume normal activities immediately — there is no recovery period for a standard MRI. If you received sedation, you will need to wait until it wears off and arrange someone to drive you home. If contrast dye was used, drink plenty of water for the rest of the day to help flush it out through the kidneys.

After the Scan: Getting Your Results

• •The MRI images are reviewed by a specialist radiologist — a doctor trained specifically in interpreting diagnostic imaging.
• •A detailed written report is prepared, typically within 24–48 hours for routine scans, or same-day for urgent clinical situations.
• •The report goes to your referring doctor, who explains the findings and discusses next steps with you.
• •At Jigyasa Hospital, Moradabad, we offer timely reports with clear communication — and our radiology team is available to clarify technical aspects of findings with your treating physician.

Managing Claustrophobia During an MRI

Feeling anxious about the enclosed space is extremely common — you are not alone.

• •Ask to see the machine before your scan — familiarity reduces fear significantly
• •Request to go in feet-first if possible — less of your body is inside the tunnel
• •Focus on slow, controlled breathing — inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6 counts
• •Keep your eyes closed throughout — many patients find the inside feels less confining this way
• •Listen to music through the provided headphones — it provides distraction and a sense of time passing
• •Use the call button without hesitation — you are always in control

If your anxiety is severe, your doctor can prescribe a mild oral sedative to be taken before the scan — discuss this at your referral appointment. Open MRI machines (with wider openings and lower tunnel depth) are available for patients with severe claustrophobia — ask our team if this option is available.

Is an MRI Scan Safe? Common Concerns Answered

• •No radiation: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves — completely different from X-rays or CT scans. There is no ionising radiation involved.
• •The magnetic field: Completely safe for the vast majority of patients. The risk is only for those with certain metal implants — which is why the safety screening questionnaire is thorough and non-negotiable.
• •Contrast dye (Gadolinium): Safe for most patients. Used with caution in those with severely reduced kidney function. Allergic reactions are very rare but manageable — the radiology team is trained to respond immediately.
• •Pregnancy: MRI is generally considered safe during pregnancy, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast dye is typically avoided unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will weigh the clinical need.
• •Duration of scan: Does not affect safety regardless of length — whether 20 minutes or 90 minutes, the exposure is not cumulative in the way radiation exposure is.

MRI and Advanced Diagnostic Imaging at Jigyasa Hospital, Moradabad

• •Jigyasa Hospital's Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging department offers high-field MRI scanning with fast turnaround reports reviewed by experienced radiologists.
• •Our trained radiography team ensures every patient — including anxious or elderly patients — is guided comfortably through the process from start to finish.
• •We offer a full range of diagnostic services alongside MRI: CT scan, X-ray, 2D Echocardiography, Ultrasound, Doppler, and Pathology — all under one roof.
• •Scan reports are shared promptly with your treating specialist to minimise delays in your treatment pathway.

Book a Scan or Consultation: 7900903333

Address: Near Miglani Cinema, Rampur Road, Moradabad – 244001

Appointments Online: jigyasahospital.com

MRI Scan | CT Scan | X-Ray | Ultrasound | Doppler | 2D Echo | Pathology | Same-Day Urgent Reports | Ayushman Bharat Accepted

Key Takeaways

• •An MRI scan is a safe, painless, radiation-free diagnostic procedure that produces detailed images of virtually any part of the body.
• •Preparation is simple — remove all metal, disclose implants, follow fasting instructions if given, and wear comfortable clothing.
• •The scan involves lying still inside a cylindrical machine that makes loud knocking and banging sounds — normal and harmless.
• •Claustrophobia is manageable with the right preparation, breathing techniques, and sedation if needed.
• •Results are typically available within 24–48 hours and reviewed by a specialist radiologist before reaching your treating doctor.
• •Jigyasa Hospital, Moradabad offers high-quality MRI scanning with a patient-first approach — from a calm preparation experience to fast, accurate reporting.