MRI causes no pain but some patients can find it uncomfortable to remain still during the examination. Others experience a sense of being "closed in," though the more open construction of newer MRI systems has done much to reduce that reaction. You may notice a warm feeling in the area under examination; this is normal but if it bothers you the radiologist or technologist should be notified.

If a contrast injection is needed, there may be discomfort at the injection site and you may have a cool sensation at the site during the injection. Most bothersome to many patients are the loud tapping or knocking noises heard at certain phases of imaging. Ear plugs may help.