Yes, you can swallow saliva during an MRI, but it's usually best to avoid doing so, especially during image acquisition.
Here's a breakdown:
-
Normal MRI Scans: Swallowing during a standard MRI is generally permissible between sequences. However, the movement caused by swallowing can introduce artifacts (blurring or distortion) in the images if it occurs during a scan. The technologist will typically advise you when you need to remain perfectly still.
-
fMRI (Functional MRI): Functional MRI measures brain activity. In this case, swallowing should definitely be avoided during image acquisition. The reference indicates "No swallowing task during fMRI scanning procedures." This is because the act of swallowing activates specific brain regions, which can interfere with the study's focus. The goal of fMRI is often to isolate specific cognitive or motor functions, and swallowing would introduce unwanted "noise" into the data.
-
Instructions from the Technologist: Always follow the specific instructions given by the MRI technologist. They will inform you when you need to remain completely still and when minor movements are acceptable. They are the best source of information for your specific scan.
-
Managing Saliva: If you feel the need to swallow frequently, inform the technologist before the scan begins. They might offer suggestions, such as tilting your head or using a saliva ejector, to help manage the build-up of saliva and reduce the urge to swallow during image acquisition.
In summary, while swallowing is a natural reflex, minimizing it during an MRI scan, particularly during active scanning sequences or fMRI, is important for obtaining high-quality images. Always communicate with the MRI technologist about any concerns you have.
