“What can I expect with an MRI with contrast?”
My doctor told me I must have an MRI scan of my head with contrast. What can I expect with an MRI with contrast?
3 Answers
Adding contrast involves an intravenous injection and usually 3 short additional sequences. The total imaging time is usually approximately 30 minutes. Macrocyclic gadolinium agents such as Gadavist, Prohance and Dotarem have the highest safety profile.
The only difference is that during the scan of your head, intravenous injection with a gadolinium containing compound is performed. Usually, there is no discomfort or significant side effects of the injection. The only discomfort maybe the placement of the intervenous needle for administration of the gadolinium dye. In addition, the scan times will be slightly longer than a noncontrast MRI of the brain as additional sequences with and without contrast injection need to be added. Hope this helps. Good luck with your scan.
Brian
Brian
They start an IV and give you contrast just like a CT. It's not painful, the test will last about 35 min. You can listen to music, but must lay still.
