An MRI scan is a painless procedure and there are no known risks or side effects associated with MRI.

Please consult your doctor and a Euromedic staff member prior to your MRI if you are or may be pregnant or if you have had surgery recently, particularly surgery that has required the insertion of metal joint replacements or clips. The scan may have to be delayed slightly to allow time for the area around the surgical site to heal prior to your scan.

Please also consult your doctor and a Euromedic staff member if you have any of the follow-ing as it may not be possible to have an MRI scan:

• Certain aneurysm clips in your head
• Certain metallic heart valves
• A cardiac pacemaker
• Inner ear implants (e.g. Cochlear)
• Some neurological stimulators
• Metal fragments within your eye

If you have ever had metal fragments in your eye due to a penetrating injury and have not had your eyes checked, you will require an X-ray of your eyes prior to your scan to ensure there are no fragments still remaining.

The MRI examination can still be carried out if you have any fillings or other dental fixtures.

In general there is no preparation necessary for an MRI scan. Unless otherwise instructed, you can eat and drink normally and take any regular medication. You will be asked to read our information leaflet and complete a short safety questionnaire prior to your exam. Both of these can be downloaded on this website prior to your scan.

For the examination you will be asked to lie on a cushioned table and will be made as com-fortable as possible. You will be given an alarm button in case you need to contact the radi-ographer during the examination. Throughout the examination you will hear repeated bang-ing, buzzing and rumbling noises which stop and start. These noises are normal. You will not feel anything. The machine does not move. It is open at both ends and it cannot close.

You will be given ear phones and you may choose the music you wish to listen to during your scan.

No. An MRI scan is a painless procedure. You must be able to keep very still and lie quite flat. If you are unable to keep still or lie flat please contact us before your scan.

For one part of your body to be scanned it generally takes approximately 15 minutes. There-fore, it will take proportionally longer to scan more than one part of your body. The length of the scan may also vary depending upon the diagnosis being sought - for example it often takes longer to produce high resolution images when very small anatomical structures are being scanned.

The radiologist will write a report to your referring doctor detailing the findings from the scan.

A range of MRI Open or Open Bore machines are available at Euromedic centres to accom-modate people who may feel claustrophobic during a scan. You will be given a buzzer to press should you wish to stop the scan at any time.

A Siemens 3T MAGNETOM Verio Open Bore MRI is available in Euromedic Cork and North-wood. This Open Bore MRI means that it has a larger than normal opening. It also offers excellent image quality, superb diagnostic capabilities, and exceptional patient comfort.

Euromedic Charlemont, in Dublin's city centre is home to the only Open MRI in Ireland. It is open on three sides and the images are taken from overhead.

• There are no known side effects to an MRI scan. There is no radiation used.
• However you will be required to lie perfectly still for relatively long periods. There-fore if this is not possible another type of scan might be recommended.
• It is not possible to have an MRI scan if you have certain aneurysm clips in your head, certain metallic heart valves, a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implants, neuroelectrical stimulators or metal fragments in your eye. An X-ray of the eye may be performed prior to your scan if you have ever had metal fragments in your eyes.

In general, an MRI will not be advised if you are or may be pregnant. Please inform your doctor and a Euromedic staff member if you are or may be pregnant.

Yes an MRI can still be carried out.