What is it like having an MRI Scan? - Going into hospital for an MRI scan

A patient and radiographer explain what to expect when you go into hospital for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers MRI scanning at more than one hospital site. This video was filmed at the Churchill Hospital, but your appointment letter will tell you which hospital to come to.
This short film is for patients who are about to have an MRI scan, it includes;
Receiving your appointment letter
Completing the safety form
Travelling to hospital
Finding your way around
Giving your details to reception
Meeting the radiographer
Preparing for the scan
Getting inside the scanner
Experiencing a scan
Waiting for your results
The Oxford Academic Health Science Network brings together the NHS, universities, business, patients and the public to promote best health for our population and prosperity for our region. Breaking down traditional organisational boundaries and building stronger relationships between industry, scientific and academic communities - coupled with better knowledge exchange - will bring lasting benefits as best practice is spread quickly and widely across the NHS.
Further information is available at www.oxfordahsn.org/
This film was produced by Oxford Medical Illustration, a non-profit making department of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. If you wish to find out more about their work visit -
www.oxfordmi.nhs.uk/

[@dellyboot2703]

I've got a scan tomorrow and this video was amazingly helpful and reassuring. Many thanks to all involved in producing it x

[@pugglesammy]

Instead of interpreting each loud noise as a scary sound, I found myself pitching the notes of each sound that I heard…nerdy 🎵 I know but it helped. Hearing music definitely helped but more importantly, closing your eyes and being reassured throughout so you’re kept informed. Knowing you can be released quickly if you can’t cope, helps too so the pressure is taken away. Excellent description and tips from the guy in this video. 👍

[@xJessJonesx]

This was extremely helpful. I was extremely anxious about having an MRI on my brain today, but I watched this a few hours before, and it really help. Thank you so much.

[@coloringstuff8147]

I'm having a brain MRI on Friday. I'm slightly less nervous about it now. Thank you. This was informative.

[@katiehenry7]

How are you doing??

[@kathcordingley215]

Close your eyes and go through the alphabet regarding names of people, countries etc, not a nice thing to have done, but be strong & positive within in yourself & it's soon done & dusted,

[@purpleontop2133]

Kath Cordingley thank you for the advice

[@AdelaTomankova]

Good idea!

[@LavendelFeder]

I had an mri 3 weeks ago and although I'm ok with narrow spaces, I started panicking as soon as the magnet noises started, bc I'm sensitive to loud noises (and even with the headphones I could hear the noises clearly) and didn't know where the noises came from or what they meant. What helped me, was breathing slowly and concentrating only on breathing and the thought 'it's only 20 minutes. It's over in no time'.

[@cafe1234arsenal]

If you can, tilt your head up and look out through the far-end hole of the scanner. It should ease any claustrophobic feelings. Also if you like techno music, you wouldn't mind the electronic sounds that much. Usually, they play music, so, instead, you can focus on it.

[@chestnutsev7]

Had one today I'm claustrophobic but had no trouble when inside it I just relaxed and it was fine,the noise isn't that bad and they give you ear plugs and head phones to listen to music .

[@PaulMJStone]

Excellent video thanks for taking the time to explain and reassure ( and the transport tips!)

[@rayfih]

Excellent video. A must watch. I had a cervical neck mri yesterday. My head was right in the middle of the scanner which is probably the most challenging position. I was in there about 45 mins. It was bearable! Noise was so loud and so bizarre. I should have looked at scanner length and realised my legs were outside! Once I realised this I relaxed a bit more. I also wasn't informed about scanning process and that noises are when scans take place etc. Would have liked more comms from radiographer re time left etc. No music either which would have been good.

[@beatrizmelendez4709]

My 15 year old son has to get spine scan for 3 hours I don't know if he is going to stay there for 3 hours.

[@44444cesc]

Communication always helps. When they tell you about how much time next cycle of pictures will take, it helps you relax. Next time ask the radiologist to communicate the timing with you it does help a lot. Also try to look for high magnetic field open MRI which can be even better. I had my first MRI a year ago and my experience was similar to yours.

[@kayliefonren211]

I have tl get an MRI today and i was very scared until i watched this a few hours before thx

[@sahadmurtaza2006]

Glad to work in the Churchill Hospital ❤️

[@Drewallin]

very informative and insightful...

[@LuckyHeather1711]

Thank you.. Thank you thankyou thankyou Thank you x

[@tootsrr1]

A Great Video I'm having a MRI scan this afternoon I'm more Nervous about what they will find out about my Sickness

[@dellyboot2703]

Me too, Hope it all went well for you x

[@dvscorpio3619]

Invaluable information

[@robertdobie2544]

Thank you!

[@Asadsoil1]

Thanks 🙏

[@TheAnnieG07]

Really it’s no big deal. I’ve had several with a couple focused on the brain. The worst part is the loud noises but they give you earphones and you can bring your own CD to listen to. The only thing is I can imagine this would be a nightmare for someone with a bad migraine headache because of the noises. Even muffled with earphones, you can still hear the loud banging like a jackhammer

[@747Stuartcampbell]

Thanks good to hear a positive comment 👍

[@awakstein]

Awesome and very informative!

[@cullen2106]

Please stay safe And stay still please.

[@masoodahmed2181]

Good job bro

[@dr.mohammedalbedri_educational]

excellent mri video

[@dr.mohammedalbedri_educational]

Thank you very much

[@dr.mohammedalbedri_educational]

God bless you.

[@dannilebond3270]

Its really not that bad I had to have one when I was little cause they thought I had epilepsy. All you do is lie on the bed and stay still

[@sarahmccoy1941]

How do you cope with the loud noise? Even with headphones, the noise from an MRI machine must be deafening. It must takes a lot of self-discipline to keep still with loud noise going on.

[@jdog_sama3543]

Nice video

[@annecohen8927]

I wear clothings like t shirts and leggings without any metals when I go to my MRI. I can wear my shoes though.

[@ladennayoung2939]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. MANY blessings to you and yours in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ of NAZARETH. The name above ALL names. AMEN. 💜💜💜