Preparing for Your MRI

We’re so excited to see you for your mri session!

This is the Northwest Building, where we keep the special camera that can take pictures of your brain. On the day of your session, you will meet our researchers, who will show you where to go.

Before your session, make sure to print your parking pass if you are driving. You can park in the garage at 52 Oxford St and take the elevator up to level B. Be sure to park in one of the “MRI Neuroimaging” spots and take your parking card with you. We will be waiting for you outside of the elevator! You can see more directions here.

If you walk, bike, or take the T, let us know and we will meet you in the lobby.

When you arrive, we will take you down to where we keep our brain camera. First, we will show you our fake brain camera. We will explain how our brain camera works and help you get comfortable lying down on the bed. We will also practice the games that you will play while inside of the camera, and let you pick a movie to watch and some fun sheets.

Then we will have you change into some cool pajamas. Our brain camera is a big magnet, so we want to make sure you don’t have anything metal with you before you go in. We will check you with a metal detector wand to make sure you’re safe to go inside!

Then, we will go to the real brain camera. The brain camera makes clicking sounds, just like a regular camera. You will have big headphones on and be listening to the games and movie, so it won’t be too loud. Here is an example of what some of the clicks sound like, so you can practice listening to them.

This is what the real brain camera looks like. It’s a little bigger than our fake brain camera, but it works the same way! You will lie down on the bed, and we will put a mirror over your head so that you can see the screen to watch your movie.

While you’re in the brain camera, one of us will always be in the room with you to make sure you are comfortable and having fun. You will play some games and then watch a movie. At the end, you get a really fun prize, some snacks, a gift card, and a picture of your own brain!

We can’t wait to see you soon!

Feel free to email us at gaablab@gse.harvard.edu if you have any questions before your MRI session.