All metal must be removed before your scan including jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, belt buckles and any clothing with metal zippers or buttons. If your clothing contains any metal, you will need to change into a gown.

The anesthesiologist will evaluate each patient’s individual characteristics and needs to determine the type and dose of sedation required. Factors such as age, weight, anxiety level, pain level and current medications will all be considered when determining the right type of sedation to use for your MRI.

Either the nurse or anesthesiologist will place an intravenous needle/catheter into a vein in your arm or hand. In some cases, you may be given a small amount of medication to help you relax before the scan begins.

The MRI technologist and nurse will bring you into the MRI room and comfortably position you on the scanning table. The anesthesiologist will then administer the sedation medication.

The scanning table you are lying on will be moved into the center of the magnet and the test will begin. The machine never touches you during the scan.

Yes. You will be monitored before, during, and after your MRI scan by both the anesthesiologist and nurse.

After the scan, you will then be brought to our comfortable recovery area. The nurse will remove your IV and discharge instructions will be given to you and the adult who is accompanying you. Generally, patients are awake, alert, and ready for discharge within 30 minutes after the MRI scan. There are no lasting side effects from sedation, although some patients may feel drowsy afterwards. You MAY NOT drive or operate heavy machinery for the remainder of the day.

The entire process takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

You must fast between midnight until after your appointment the next day. However, you may take your medication with a few sips of water.

Depending on your medical history, a medical clearance may be needed. Before your appointment, you will be contacted by our anesthesiology team to determine if clearance is necessary.

Someone must accompany you to the exam, drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day. You MAY NOT drive or operate heavy machinery for the remainder of that day.

Notify our staff if you have any metal, medical, or mechanical devices in your body. This exam may NOT be performed if you have a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, cerebral aneurysm clips, or cochlear/internal hearing implants.

You may be eligible under certain conditions if you have an MRI-conditional pacemaker/defibrillator. Please call 631-444-5544 ext. 4340 to verify if your device is MRI compatible.