What are the side effects of a MRI scan?

Asked by: Carroll McDermott  |  Last update: October 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (52 votes)

On very rare occasions, some people who have contrast material for their MRI experience side effects, including:
  • Nausea.
  • Headache.
  • Pain at the site of the injection.

Does MRI have any side effects?

There are no known side effects of an MRI scan. There are some patients who cannot have an MRI scan. The scan uses a powerful magnet and therefore no metallic objects are allowed in the room where the MRI machine is located. It means that patients with metal inside their body may not be able to be scanned.

Can an MRI scan make you feel unwell?

Some MRI scans involve having an injection of contrast agent (dye). This makes certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly and in greater detail. Sometimes the contrast agent can cause side effects, such as: feeling or being sick.

How long does it take for MRI contrast dye to leave the body?

The kidneys remove most MRI contrast agents from your blood. People with normal kidney function pass the contrast out into the urine between two to 24 hours after it is injected. If you have an MRI scan of your liver, a different MRI contrast is often given.

What are the two major disadvantages of MRI scans?

Disadvantages of MRI:

MRI is not painful, but the patient must remain still in an enclosed machine, which may be a problem for claustrophobic patients. An undetected metal implant in a patient's body may be affected by the strong magnet of the MRI unit.

Is It DANGEROUS to Get an MRI??!!

16 related questions found

Who should avoid MRI?

You have a pacemaker or have had heart valves replaced. You have any type of implantable pumps, such as an insulin pump. You have vessel coils, filters, stents, or clips. You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Why do I feel drained after an MRI without contrast?

After your scan, you may feel tired or experience a headache, which is common due to the mental strain and stress of the scan. The lights and noises of the machinery can also contribute to this. If you had an MRI with contrast, you may experience symptoms like nausea or itching at the injection site.

Why do I feel sick and dizzy after an MRI scan?

There aren't any side-effects from the MRI scan itself. However, if you've had an injection of contrast medium (dye) as part of the investigation, you may have some side-effects which might include a skin rash, dizziness, a headache, and nausea.

What are the long term side effects of MRI contrast?

Their review article compiled evidence that the metal gadolinium can remain in the body and lead to multiple conditions, such as kidney injury, debilitating joint and skin problems, and even fatal brain damage.

What are the weird sensations after an MRI?

They may also cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation that may feel like a twitching sensation. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scan could lead to heating of the body. The potential for heating is greater during long MRI examinations.

Why can't I drink water before an MRI?

Eating or drinking triggers processes in the body to digest what has just been ingested. This involves peristalsis - involuntary muscle contractions throughout the digestive tract to move the food through the digestive system. These muscle movements can cause smearing or anomalies in the MRI image (known as artifacts).

What happens if MRI results are bad?

If you get MRI results that are bad or serious, your doctor will likely contact you right away. Their priority is your wellbeing and safety and they want to get you the care you need as fast as possible.

What happens to your body after an MRI?

After the MRI, you can be as active as you like, unless you were administered a sedative. If you received a sedative, you may feel tired or woozy from lying down for an extended period or due to the effects of the sedative. Some individuals may also experience other sensations or feelings after an MRI.

What are the flu-like symptoms after MRI?

Transient Reactions

The most commonly occurring side effects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrasts include dizziness, feeling sick, headache, and nausea for a brief period after being injected with the contrast agent. Many people have also reported feeling cold at the injection site.

Is MRI safer than CT scan?

Safety: MRI scans do not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making them a preferred choice over CT scans, especially for children and patients requiring multiple imaging examinations.

Why do I feel bad after MRI with contrast?

Common side effects of contrast materials are generally mild and may include a rash, nausea, and vomiting. More severe reactions can include anaphylactic shock or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

What injection is given during MRI?

Gadopentetate injection is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that is used to help create a clear picture of the body during an MRI scan.

What are the effects of MRI on the body?

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner uses strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause heating or possible movement of some metal objects in your body. This could result in health and safety issues. It could also cause some implanted electronic medical devices to malfunction.

Why am I so tired after an MRI?

You won't have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test. But you may be tired or sore from lying in one position for a long time. If a contrast material is used, you may feel some coolness when it is put into your I.V.

How long does MRI vertigo last?

MRI Vertigo protocol usually takes about 40-60 minutes but it may lasts longer than this if you have any co-morbidity associated or if contrast agents are being used during the procedure.

Can MRI cause symptoms?

Some patients report experiencing headaches or dizziness after a brain MRI scan. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, resolving within a few hours. Improvement Solution: Staying hydrated and resting after the scan can help alleviate these symptoms.

Why does my body feel weird after MRI?

Some MRI scans involve having an injection of a contrast agent. This makes certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly and in greater detail. Sometimes the contrast agent can cause side effects, like: feeling or being sick.

Why no caffeine before MRI?

Prior to Your Appointment

Do not drink or eat anything with caffeine for 24 hours before the MRI, as caffeine may affect the results. This includes coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. Do not eat for four hours before the MRI.

Why do you have to drink a lot of water after an MRI with contrast?

It is important to stay well hydrated following the contrast injection to help flush the contrast/dye out of your system fully. We advise drinking between 2-3 litres of water over the next 24 hours.