Script Examples for MRI

Importance of MRI Scripts

Having an MRI script prepared ahead of scanning is vital to ensuring participant comfort and efficiency for day-of scanning. To be as prepared as possible, please review our pages on what to expect for participants taking special note of the sounds and feelings they experience in the scanner.

Headscout:

Script: “How are you doing in there? [pause] We are going to run a brief scan to find your brain and will check in with you afterwards. This should last for less than a minute. Please remember to stay as still as possible. Ready to get started?”

MPRAGE:

Script: “How are you doing?  [pause] We’re going to collect a structural scan of your brain now. This should last for about ___ minutes and we will check in with you afterwards. Just as a heads up, you might feel the bed move a bit before this scan starts– this is completely normal! Please remain as still as possible and avoid any movements of your body and especially your head. Ready to get started?”

Eyes Closed Resting State fMRI:

Script: “Great job! How are you doing? Now we’re going to run the first resting state scan. Please keep your eyes closed, remain awake and relaxed, and allow your mind to wander.  This scan will last for ___ minutes and we will check in with you afterwards. Please remember to stay as still as possible. Ready to get started?”

Eyes Open Resting State fMRI:

Script: “Great job! How are you doing? This scan will take about ___ minutes. Please stare at the cross-hair on the center of the screen while you remain awake and relaxed, and let your mind wander. Please remember to stay as still as possible. Ready to get started?”

Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DTI):

Script: “Great job. We’re now going to move on to another structural scan. This scan causes the bed to shake, kind of like a massage table. This is normal and to be expected. You might also hear the scanner stop and start. Remember to lie still and relaxed! This scan is going to last about ___ minutes, and I’ll check in with you afterwards!” 

BBB:

Script: “Great job. We’re now going to move on to another structural scan.This scan has some louder banging noises associated with it, and I just want to give you a heads up. This is normal and to be expected. Ready to start? Okay, just remember to lie still and we’ll be done soon!”

Spectroscopy:

Script: “The next series of scans will be more like beeps and buzzes, less sustained noise. I’d like to run straight through these scans if you’re okay with it. It’ll be about ___ minutes. Is that okay?  Remember if you need a break, (not an emergency), you can hold down on the button, not the squeeze ball, so I can check in at a time that won’t require us to repeat anything.”

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