Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)

How It Feels

You won't have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test. The table you lie on may feel hard and the room may be cool. You may be tired or sore from lying in one position for a long time.

Some people feel discomfort or anxiety (claustrophobia) inside the MRI magnet. If this keeps you from lying still, you can be given a sedative to help you relax. Open MRI machines are less confining than standard MRI and may be helpful if you are claustrophobic.

If a contrast material is used, you may feel some coolness and flushing as it is put into your IV. In rare cases, you may feel:

  • A tingling feeling in the mouth if you have metal dental fillings.
  • Warmth in the area being examined. This is normal. Tell the technologist if you have nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, pain, burning, or breathing problems.

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Author: Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNCLast Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
George Philippides, MD - Cardiology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
Arrow PointerHow It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits