1. An MRI is incredibly loud. Expect clanking and banging that sounds like a jackhammer during the MRI, and can range from 82 to 118 decibels. Bring your own foam or silicone earplugs, or ask for them before you go into the MRI tube. Children — and some adults — who could be frightened by the sound may need sedation in order to lie still during the test.
  2. You may be in for way longer than you expected. In some cases a simple 15-minute procedure can turn into a seemingly endless hour. So prepare by having a snack beforehand, and be sure to go to the bathroom first. If you haven’t had a moment to yourself in a while, you might enjoy the solitude.
  3. Anxiety can set in. You may experience fear, or if you suffer from anxiety, you may feel claustrophobic inside the MRI machine. It helps to close your eyes before going in and keep them closed. Try to think of amusing things — or about people or pets you love. Some people benefit from taking anti-anxiety medication prior to MRI.
  4. Ditch ALL the jewelry. Loose metal objects can injure you during an MRI when they’re pulled toward the very powerful MRI magnet. This means all jewelry has to come off, not only what you can see, and this includes belly-button or toe rings.
  5. Don’t wear makeup. Some cosmetics contain metals that can interact with  MRI magnets, so on the day of the MRI don’t wear makeup or nail polish. Also, minimize hair products and forgo antiperspirants and sunscreens, which contain metals, just to be safe.
  6. Let the doctor know about hidden tattoos. During MRI, skin or eye irritation — even first degree burns — can result when dyes in tattoos, even from tattooed eyeliner, heat up. Covering them isn’t likely to help, and if skin irritation or burning happens, the MRI must be stopped at once to avoid a burn.
  7. Chill out. Because of MRI radio waves, some people report feeling a little warm during the procedure. Your temperature may go up by a degree, but don’t worry — it’s not dangerous.
  8. You may have to do it twice. If you move during the MRI, the images will have to be taken again and the process begun again.
  9. It’s not a CAT scan. An MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves; it’s not a CT, or CAT, scan, which uses X-rays.
  10. Don’t worry about radiation. Getting an MRI does not expose you to radiation like an X-ray, CT or CAT scan would.