MRI and Gadolinium Contrast Solution

If you have had a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) chances are you have had a gadolinium contrast. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging produces very accurate results of a specific area of the body. Whether it be the head or abdomen or a digestive tract this test will give accurate pictorial results of your body.

The technician that will give you your Magnetic Resonance Imaging will ask you a series of medical questions regarding allergies and other general questions such as implants you may have and other typical questions such as are you having any headaches and so on. After a screening the technician will prepare you for your test and an IV will be started to give you the contrast.

It is very important prior to the injection of the contrast to make sure to know your family history. If your family has any history of reactions to contrast solutions or specifically gadolinium it is very important for the technician to know this ahead of time. The more you know about your family's reactions the better for the technician to know how to proceed.

The dye enhances the view the doctors will get with the MRI. Kind of like highlighting a book you are reading and being able to pick out the important parts.

Should your family have reactions to this specific dye there are other contrast solutions that can be given and there are also prophylactic measures that can be given depending on the severity of the allergic reaction. Generally diphenhydramine given prior to the injection will be enough to prevent any reaction to this dye. In extreme cases another dye or no dye at all will be used.

A typical reaction may include something as simple as hives or itching. More severe reactions can include asthmatic responses and eventual renal disease. A simple discussion with the technician prior to your test can save a lot of stress for you and your family. Make sure that your allergy is noted in all of your medical records and consider an emergency medical bracelet if your allergy is severe enough to warrant this.