Introduction
If you’re tired after an MRI with contrast, you might ask, does mri contrast make you tired? Do MRI scans with contrast make you tired? For most individuals gadolinium-containing MRI contrast typically does not result in much tiredness. Most individuals tolerate MRI contrast well and are able to go back to their daily lives following the scan if they did not receive sedation.
There are a few reasons you could be tired following an MRI. The brief duration of time spent on the table, anxiety, deprivation of sleep, fasting requirements, any medical conditions or medications can all cause tiredness. So, for Mesquite, knowing what you may feel after an MRI can assist you in determining when normal tiredness requires medical treatment.
What Is MRI Contrast?
Contrast –MRI contrast is a substance used to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body. Gadolineum-based contrast material is the most common contrast agent used for MRI.
Gadolinium contrast is not similar to CT contrast because gadolinium contrast is not iodine based. Gadolinium contrast changes the magnetic properties of the water surrounding the molecule.
Not all MRIs require contrast. Depending on the reason for your MRI and the area being examined, your healthcare provider may order contrast.
Key facts about MRI contrast:
- It is usually given through a vein.
- It aids in enhancing the visibility of specific tissues and lesions.
- It does not contain iodine.
- Most people tolerate it without major problems.
- It is eliminated from the body in the urine by the kidneys.
- Some individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions could require assessments prior to it.
1. MRI Contrast Usually Does Not Directly Cause Tiredness
Did the MRI cause fatigue? – The options provided for patient information at the moment include only occasional nausea, headache or site discomfort. Though allergic reactions may occur, they are rare. Fatigue would not usually be offered as a common direct side effect of gadolinium-based contrast.
So if you’re feeling sleepy or tired after your scan, think about other reasons for this, not just the contrast!
2. The MRI Examination Itself Can Leave You Feeling Tired
It might be tiring. You might have trouble sitting still for quite a while in the scanner. Some people dislike the loud knocking and buzzing sounds of the MRI scanner.
Anxieties (Claustrophobia, fear of tight places) Your body may react to the stresses of the test. The FDA says that an MRI can cause some people to feel quite anxious or afraid of being in the tight space of a machine.
Once you relax and become more comfortable for the test, you might feel quite tired after the appointment.
3. Sedation Can Cause Sleepiness After an MRI
Sometimes patients are given a drug to relax them if they are nervous or claustrophobic and find it difficult to lie still in the magnet. If you are sedated, a sudden sense of sleepiness after the MRI is probably a more likely explanation for fatigue than the MRI contrast. Sedated patients often have a longer recovery time and should follow any instructions you receive from your doctor.
4. Fasting, Stress, or Poor Sleep May Contribute
Follow Food and Drink Instructions The type of MRI scan and the facility’s preparation directions may mean you are restricted on what you can eat or drink before the test. The prep instructions are different for each scan. You might be tired after your test if you have: Not eaten much for some time prior to your scan Had a bad night’s sleep or were anxious about the scan Other factors may include: Not sleeping well the night before It’s abnormal to be very tired after the test due to: Your stress or worry Physical discomfort or illness during the scan Travel to your appointment Drinking little fluids Medications for sleep Some of these factors may contribute to the same problem.
5. Most People Can Resume Normal Activities
Typically, there is no recovery time for those who have their MRI contrast administered without sedation. From a radiology perspective, the patient can usually go back to their normal routines and diet right after the procedure.
Your personal rules may also vary based on the diagnosed medical problem and the type of exam performed.
Depending on your procedure you can usually resume a regular diet, fluids, medication and activity.
6. When Should You Contact a Doctor?
Signs Mild adverse effects following the administration of MRI contrast aren’t always indicative of a more serious condition, however, you should always seek medical attention in the event you continue to experience abnormal, unusual or persisting symptoms.
Get emergency medical help if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the throat or face
- Severe hives
- Significant difficulty swallowing
- Severe or worsening symptoms
A concerning reaction shortly after contrast administration
But in the rare chance you experience a serious adverse reaction to the contrast dye, doctors will give you treatment to counteract it.
Inform your physician if you feel exhausted or if this continues for a long period of time. If it persists for a period of time that is not because of you utilizing the MRI contrast there are various other reasons for exhaustion.
7. Kidney Health Matters With MRI Contrast
Gadolinium contrast is largely eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Those with advanced kidney disease may require more meticulous review prior to receiving a gadolinium contrast.
To get an MRI with contrast, please tell your healthcare provider:
- Kidney disease
- Kidney failure
- A kidney transplant
- Liver disease
- A previous reaction to gadolinium contrast
- Other significant medical conditions
On occasion, the kidney function is checked by your provider, prior to receiving the contrast injection.
How Long Does MRI Contrast Stay in Your Body?
The majority of the gadolinium contrast used is removed from the body via the kidneys in people with normal kidney function. According to an NHS patient information leaflet: “In a person with normal kidney function it is usually excreted via urination within 24 hours of administration.”
Timing can vary depending on the contrast agent and the individual’s renal function.
It is also useful to note that some gadolinium remains in the body following certain contrast enhanced MRI scans. However, the new radiology guidance states that there are no proven health issues from this, but it is available for clinicians to take into account when choosing a contrast agent, especially for people who require multiple MRI scans.
MRI Contrast vs. MRI Without Contrast
Can I use contrast? An MRI scan can be carried out with contrast or without it. This will depend on your doctor what they want to look at.
MRI without contrast
- Does not require gadolinium injection
- Can show detailed images of a number of structures within the body
- May be sufficient for some conditions
MRI with contrast
- Uses a gadolinium-based contrast agent
- May highlight some tissues or structures easier to differentiate
- May provide additional diagnostic information when needed
Fear of short-term symptoms should not determine the decision. It should be based on the medical question being asked.
Conclusion
So, does an MRI contrast make you tired? No, an MRI contrast is not going to make you tired generally but patients handle the gadolinium contrast rather well. Being extremely tired after an MRI scan is unusual and we need to consider common reasons for fatigue such as stress, sleep, fasting, sedation, medication and other medical conditions.
Tell your provider if you develop soreness that lasts, unusual tiredness or a new symptom after the MRI. Also, if you have questions about your MRI or worry about it afterwards, talk to your doctors or experts like Mesquite.
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