kidney stone MRI what to expect

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, solid piece of material that forms in your kidney when there is too much of certain substances in your urine. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. For kidney stones, an MRI can help doctors see the size, location, and number of stones, and check for any blockages or infections.

Yes, kidney stones are common. About 1 in 10 people will get a kidney stone at some point in their life. MRI is not the first test used for kidney stones – often an ultrasound or CT scan is done first – but MRI can be helpful in certain situations, like when radiation needs to be avoided (e.g., in pregnancy).

Kidney stones can affect anyone, but they are more common in men, people aged 30 to 50, those with a family history of stones, or people who do not drink enough water. Other risk factors include a diet high in salt or animal protein, obesity, and certain medical conditions like gout or urinary tract infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in your side or back, below the ribs (often comes in waves)
• Pain that spreads to your lower belly or groin
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)
• Frequent need to urinate or urinating small amounts
• Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Pain in the side or belly (children may not describe it clearly)
• Blood in urine (pink or red)
• Fussiness, crying, or holding the tummy
• Fever (if infection is present)
• Not wanting to eat or play

Symptoms in older adults

• Dull ache in the back or side (may be less sharp than younger adults)
• Blood in urine (may be harder to notice)
• Confusion or weakness from dehydration
• Fever or chills if infection is present
• Nausea and vomiting

Causes

Main causes

• Too little water intake – concentrated urine allows stone‑forming substances to crystallize
• High levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine
• Certain urinary tract infections that change the urine chemistry

Risk factors

• Not drinking enough fluids (especially water)
• A diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney stones
• Medical conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, or recurrent urinary tract infections
• Certain medications (like some diuretics or calcium supplements – ask your doctor)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe pain that does not go away or gets worse
• Fever and chills
• Blood in your urine that is clearly visible
• Pain that keeps you from passing urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have a dull ache in your side that lasts more than a few days
• You have passed a stone before and want to discuss prevention
• You have blood in your urine that shows up only on a urine test

Diagnosis

Doctors usually start with a physical exam, a urine test, and sometimes blood tests. If they suspect a kidney stone, they may order imaging tests. An MRI is one option, though it is less common than ultrasound or CT scan. Your doctor will recommend the best test for you based on your health history and symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• Urine tests – check for blood, infection, and stone‑forming substances
• Blood tests – check kidney function and levels of calcium, uric acid, etc.
• Ultrasound – uses sound waves to see stones (no radiation)
• CT scan (computed tomography) – gives very detailed images but uses a small amount of radiation
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – uses magnets and radio waves; no radiation; takes longer but can be used when CT is not suitable (e.g., in pregnancy)

What to expect at your appointment

For an MRI of the kidneys, you will lie on a table that slides into a large tube‑shaped machine. The scan is painless, but you must stay very still. You will hear loud knocking or buzzing sounds – earplugs or headphones are usually provided. The scan lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. You may need contrast dye injected into a vein to help show the urinary tract more clearly. Let the technologist know if you are claustrophobic or have any metal implants (most modern implants are safe, but always tell the staff). After the scan, you can go home and resume normal activities.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size, location, and symptoms. Many small stones pass on their own with plenty of water and pain relief. Larger stones may need medical help to break them up or remove them. Your doctor will discuss the best option for you.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (aim for 2–3 liters a day to help flush stones out)
• Over‑the‑counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or paracetamol) – follow package directions
• Apply a warm compress to your side to ease discomfort
• Stay active (gentle walking may help stones move)

Medical treatments

If the stone is large or causing symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications to help relax the ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder) so the stone passes more easily. Other options include shock wave lithotripsy (sound waves to break stones), a scope procedure to remove the stone, or sometimes surgery. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of each approach.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for kidney stones. It may be considered if the stone is too large to pass, is blocking urine flow, causes severe pain, or is infected. Types of surgery include ureteroscopy (a small camera threaded up the ureter) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (a small cut in the back to remove the stone).

Living with this condition

If you have had a kidney stone, you can usually return to your normal life after it passes or is treated. Drink plenty of water each day to reduce the chance of new stones. Keep an eye on any new pain and stay in touch with your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay well hydrated – water is best
• Limit salty foods, soda, and processed foods
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid very high doses of vitamin C supplements without medical advice

Diet and exercise

Regular, moderate exercise (like walking, swimming, or cycling) can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce stone risk. Diet matters: eat moderate amounts of calcium (do not avoid it – calcium from food helps bind oxalate in the gut). Limit oxalate‑rich foods (like spinach, rhubarb, nuts) only if your doctor recommends it. Drink citrus juices like lemon water – citrate may help prevent stones.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with kidney stones can be painful and stressful. The sudden, severe pain may cause anxiety about future episodes. It is normal to feel worried or frustrated. Talk to your doctor about these feelings. Many people find support from family, friends, or online communities helpful.

Prevention

For many people, kidney stones can be prevented by drinking enough water and making simple diet changes. However, some people may continue to form stones despite these measures. Your doctor may recommend specific dietary adjustments or, rarely, medication to reduce stone risk.

Screening programmes

If you have had a kidney stone, your doctor may recommend a 24‑hour urine collection test to check for high levels of stone‑forming substances. This can help guide prevention. Routine screening for stones is not recommended for everyone – only if you have symptoms or a history of stones.

Complications

If left untreated

• Persistent pain that can be severe
• Blockage of urine flow, causing kidney swelling (hydronephrosis)
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) – can be serious if not treated
• Scarring of the kidney from prolonged blockage
• Rarely, loss of kidney function

Long-term outlook

The outlook for kidney stones is very good. Most stones pass on their own without permanent damage. Even when treatment is needed, modern procedures are safe and effective. With proper prevention, many people can avoid future stones. If you have a stone, your healthcare team will help you through it – you are not alone.

Find support

International organisations

• International Kidney Stone Institute

Local organisations

• UK Kidney Patients Association · United Kingdom
• National Kidney Foundation (US) · United States

Helplines

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.