A common patient experience following a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedure, even without the administration of contrast agents, is a feeling of exhaustion. This sensation can manifest as general fatigue, mental fogginess, or a lack of physical energy, despite the procedure itself appearing to be passive.
Several factors contribute to this post-MRI fatigue. The duration of the scan, which can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, requires patients to remain still in a confined space. This enforced stillness, coupled with the loud and repetitive noises generated by the MRI machine, can induce anxiety and stress, leading to physiological responses that deplete energy reserves. The psychological anticipation and anxiety associated with undergoing a medical test, regardless of its invasiveness, also play a significant role in energy expenditure.
