For most people, there’s nothing special you need to do after an MRI. You can eat, drive, and go back to your normal routine right away. The exceptions: if you received contrast dye, sedation, or had a specific procedure like an arthrogram, each of which comes with its own short list of post-scan instructions. Here’s what to expect in every scenario.
If You Had a Standard MRI Without Contrast
You’re free to resume all normal activities immediately. There are no dietary restrictions, no rest periods, and no lingering effects from the scan itself. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation, so there’s nothing to “flush out” of your body. The only thing left to do is wait for your results.
If You Received Contrast Dye
The contrast agent used in MRI scans (a gadolinium-based liquid injected into a vein) is filtered out by your kidneys over the next 24 hours. Drinking extra water after your scan helps your body clear it faster. There’s no magic number, but aim for several extra glasses of water throughout the rest of the day.
Most people feel completely normal after contrast. A small percentage, up to about 3%, experience mild reactions like nausea, vomiting, or a minor skin rash within the first hour. These are usually short-lived. Severe immediate reactions, like breathing difficulty or a drop in blood pressure, are rare, occurring in roughly 0.01% to 0.04% of cases, and would typically happen while you’re still at the imaging center.
Delayed reactions can show up hours to weeks later and are almost always skin-related: a rash, redness, hives, or mild swelling. These tend to resolve on their own but are worth mentioning to your doctor if they persist or bother you.
If You Were Sedated
Sedation changes the equation significantly. You’ll be monitored in a recovery area after the scan until staff confirm you’re alert and your vital signs are stable. Plan on not driving for the rest of the day, and arrange for someone to take you home. Most facilities won’t discharge you without a confirmed ride.
For the rest of the day, take it easy. Avoid operating heavy machinery, making major decisions, or signing legal documents. The sedative effects can linger even when you feel fine.
Children After Sedation
If your child was sedated for the scan, start with clear liquids like water, apple juice, or broth when you get home. Once they’re tolerating those, move to easy-to-digest foods like soup or crackers. Avoid milk products, spicy foods, and greasy meals for the rest of the day. By the next morning, they can eat whatever they want.
Call your pediatrician if your child develops a fever above 100°F (taken by mouth), has a wet-sounding cough that won’t clear, vomits more than twice after getting settled at home, or has trouble urinating by late evening.
If You Had an Arthrogram
An arthrogram involves injecting contrast directly into a joint (usually a shoulder, hip, or knee) before the MRI. This is a different situation from a standard scan. You should minimize activity in that joint for about 24 hours to let your body absorb the injected fluid. Vigorous exercise is not recommended for at least 24 hours, and some facilities advise holding off on intense exercise involving that joint for up to two weeks. There’s a slight increased risk of joint dislocation in the period right after the procedure.
Some soreness or swelling at the injection site is normal and should fade within a day or two. Ice and over-the-counter pain relief can help if you’re uncomfortable.
When to Expect Your Results
This is the part most people really want to know. After your scan, a radiologist reviews the images and writes a report, which is then sent to the doctor who ordered the MRI. The total turnaround varies widely depending on the facility, the complexity of the scan, and how busy the radiology department is. Many people receive results within a few days, though some facilities are faster.
Under the 21st Century Cures Act, which took full effect in January 2022, healthcare organizations are required to release finalized test results to patients without delay. In practice, this means your radiology report will often appear in your patient portal within hours of being finalized, sometimes before your doctor has even reviewed it. This can be jarring if you’re reading a report full of medical terminology without context. If you see your results before your doctor calls, try not to panic over unfamiliar language. Terms like “mild degenerative changes” or “small disc bulge” sound alarming but are extremely common findings, even in people without symptoms.
If the radiologist spots something that needs urgent attention, they’ll typically contact your ordering physician directly rather than waiting for the normal report workflow. This is standard practice for unexpected or serious findings.
What Happens With Abnormal Findings
An abnormal MRI result doesn’t automatically mean something serious is wrong. Many findings are incidental, meaning they show up on the scan but weren’t causing your symptoms and don’t require treatment. Your doctor will interpret the radiologist’s report in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and physical exam.
Depending on what the MRI shows, your next steps could range from “nothing, let’s just monitor it” to a referral to a specialist. For neurological findings, you may be referred to a neurologist. For joint or spine issues, an orthopedic specialist. Some findings lead to additional imaging, like a follow-up MRI in three to six months to see if something has changed, or an ultrasound to get a closer look at a specific area. In some cases, a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether a mass or lesion is concerning.
If your doctor mentions repeat imaging, ask for a clear timeline: when the next scan should happen, and what specific symptoms should prompt you to call sooner. Having that information in writing helps you stay on track without unnecessary anxiety between appointments.
Symptoms Worth Reporting
After a contrast MRI, contact your doctor if you develop hives or a widespread rash, swelling (especially around your face or throat), difficulty breathing, or persistent nausea. These can signal a delayed allergic reaction.
After an arthrogram, watch for increasing pain, significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the injection site, which could indicate infection. A low-grade ache is normal; worsening pain over 48 hours is not.
If you experience severe headaches, sudden vision changes, or vomiting in the days following a brain or spine MRI, those warrant prompt medical attention regardless of whether contrast was used. These symptoms are not caused by the MRI itself but could relate to the underlying condition being investigated.