Brain/head Mri Scan

[Eve]

Does anyone know roughly how long it is likely to take as I will have someone with me.

The time isn't a problem but good for them to know so they can bring something, go for a coffee if they want etc...

The last one I had was years ago and I can't remember how long I was in there for.

Thanks for any help.

[gingejbee]

Mine was many years ago too...seems like half an hour, but was about 10 mins, perhaps 15 mins max.

[Buenchico]

You'll need to fill in a medical questionnaire and sign a consent form.

Then . . .
"The scan will last between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken"

Source:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/MRI-scan/Pages/How-is-it-performed.aspx

So, adding in all of the usual waiting time for hospital procedures, your friend has certainly got time for a leisurely coffee, at the very least. I suggest warning him/her before you set out that you might be there for a couple of hours (based upon the maximum 90 minutes for the scan plus half an hour for form-filling and general 'hanging around') but then asking for a more precise estimate of how long the procedure will take upon your arrival at the hospital.

[gingejbee]

^^^ I think that 90 minutes would be a full-body scan.

[Buenchico]

^^^Quite likely, Gingejbee.

I'm simply suggesting that (in the absence of any more accurate information to start with), Eve's friend should ensure that he/she hasn't got any commitments for a couple of hours (just to be on the safe side) and then seek a better estimate from the hospital staff upon arrival.

[Eve]

Thanks for your answers.

I will ask them when I get there, hopefully not in there for long. On a mission to not let me headphones be pulled out of my ears as I slide into the tunnel this time haha! It was a bit loud!

[Peter Pedant]

with all the yadda yadda
say about 60 minutes

we used to do around 3 in an afternoon

[Eve]

Thanks Peter, will recommend they bring a book or magazine then and know where to get a coffee.

[paddywak]

I had a head scan earlier this year after a problem with my hearing.The actual scans took about 20-30 minutes,so with the bits and pieces and paper work Peters estimate would sound about right.

[Eve]

Thanks Paddywak :)

[jack daniels]

good luck Eve, as well as what timings have been given, i would ask if they are running on time as in my case it was always running late (clinic/unit) so take that into account when you get there ask

Anna x

[paddywak]

My scan at Kings Mill hospital was supposed to be at 19.45 hrs and they ran about 30 minutes late.Trish dropped me off and did a weekly shop in the Morrisons next till I'd done,so we even avoided the parking charge

[Eve]

Thank you, they gave a general one like Chris gave to cover all scans and I guessed longer ones were more comprehensive ones like Gingebee suggests.

I actually have an appointment tomorrow!! Not sure if it will be in or in one of those outdoor lorry type scanners, think my first MRI scan (which was the head one) was in a lorry scanner and also on a weekend. Great to not have to take time out of work!

[Eve]

Am also praying my sniffles don't turn into a nasty cold before tomorrow as being in a close scanner with my head still and a runny nose is just not going to be good!

[jack daniels]

Omg paddywak i was at kings mill for a major op in 2002 and follow up op in 2003
small world, i lived in woodhouse (work it out if its the same one) otherwise it'll be the same name in a diffrent part of England

Anna x

[jno]

I had a brain scan that lasted about 20 minutes. Much less than the time spent listening to people saying "Did they find one?" (Best answer is generally "They had to get a bigger scanner.")

[Pete65]

My brain scan took 20 minutes.
I declined the headphones.
Seemed a quite straightforward procedure.

[Eve]

Ha, I'm remember that one jno :D

I find the general noise the machine makes quite soothing in a way, not so much the scanning noises! Most of my other ones (knee, foot and bowel) have been head out of the tube though. Lower spine one I think I was in, had to be helped off the table after as it had locked while in there!

Do not want a repeat of the bowel one again though, whatever the stuff was they made me drink before was awful, had trouble keeping it down.

[paddywak]

Hi Jack,sorry for being late replying but I've just got back in.It was the same hospital. I was educated in Woodhouse being in the very first year (I think it was 1959) that the then Manor Grammer school opened.I don't suppose they have "Houses" now but I was in "Wolfhunt" house,the others being "Stuffyn","Athelsey" and another whose name I can't recall all to do with the local history of Woodhouse.