Yes, it's completely normal to panic in an MRI due to the confined space, loud noises, and feeling trapped, with many people experiencing significant anxiety, leading to cancelled scans. Feelings of being "buried alive" or in a "coffin" are common, but techniques like deep breathing, listening to music, sedation, or using wider "wide-bore" machines can help manage this, and you're never truly stuck as you can use a panic button.
Why do some people feel anxious in MRI machines? It's important to mention that feeling overwhelmed or anxious during an MRI scan is entirely normal. It's so normal in fact, that it's estimated that every year, around two million MRI scans are not performed due to patients suffering from claustrophobia.
If you are having a MRI appointment, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take to minimize your anxiety. During your exam, our technologist will see you and be in contact with you at all times. Speakers inside the scanner will enable the technologist to communicate with you and hear what you say.
If you have claustrophobia and need to have an MRI scan, let the staff at the hospital know before the day of your appointment. You can talk to your consultant about having a sedative to help you relax. You should do this well in advance of having the scan.
Every MRI machine comes equipped with “a call button” that a patient holds as they undergo an MRI, which they can squeeze to immediately alert the technologist. “It helps that patients have that control, and they can let us know if they are scared or nervous whenever they want during the MRI.”
For some patients - for example those with restricted mobility, who are overweight, or who suffer from claustrophobia - this can be difficult or uncomfortable. Open MRI provides a stress-free, relaxing alternative compared to the traditional MRI scanner.
Many MRI procedures don't require your head to go inside the machine at all, but if you need a head or upper spine MRI, you'll appreciate the fact our machine provides a full 12 inches of clearance between your face and the wall – relieving stress for our patients with claustrophobia.
Because of this, despite its benefits, the MRI experience can cause distress for some patients. Common fears include: Claustrophobia: Feeling confined in a narrow tube with little visibility. Loud machine noises: The banging and knocking sounds from the machine can be startling and stressful.
Suggested Claustrophobia Anxiety Prophylaxis for MRI
We recommend that the physician requesting the study prescribe two (2) Lorazepam 1 mg tablets, and that the patient should fill the prescription prior to their MRI appointment. The patient should take one (1) tablet 1-2 hours prior to their MRI appointment.
It is a good idea to close your eyes and keep them closed before you are brought into the scanner and during the entirety of the scan, so you can picture yourself just sleeping on your own bed. In contrast, an open MRI is ideal for claustrophobic or anxious patients, pediatric patients, or patients who are large.
Claustrophobia and MRI scans
In more severe cases, the NHS website suggests that mild sedatives are an option for people with severe MRI anxiety.
Today, when it comes to getting an MRI, that innate reaction is considerably less helpful if your doctor says you need a scan to guide your treatment. The escape reaction leads some people to crawl right out the end of an MRI machine during the middle of an exam.
To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test, which helps the doctor determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, may be causing your symptoms. The doctor may also ask about any medications you are taking.
On average, MRI scans take just 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Durations vary depending on the type of MRI exam or the body part being scanned. A brain MRI, for example, may take longer than a lumbar spine MRI.
You Are in Control
If, at any point during the MRI procedure, you begin to feel overwhelmed or feel a panic attack coming on, you can always ask them to pause the exam. Knowing you're in control at all times can help ease MRI claustrophobia and anxiety and allow you to have a positive experience.
MRI noises can range anywhere from 65 decibels to 130 decibels. They can often go above 90 to 100 decibels, requiring the patient to wear ear protection. For your reference, common loud noises measure at these decibel levels: 70 decibels: Alarm clock or vacuum cleaner.
Besides possible movement or dislodgement, certain medical implants can heat substantially during the MRI exam as a result of the radio waves (i.e., radiofrequency energy) used for the procedure. MRI-related heating may result in an injury to the patient.
Additional coping mechanisms include listening to music or watching a video or movie, closing or covering the eyes, and holding a panic button. The open MRI is a machine that is open on the sides rather than a tube closed at one end, so it does not fully surround the patient.
How long does an MRI scan take? A single scan may take a few seconds or 3 to 8 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. The total scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are needed.
An open MRI is what it sounds like — it's open on three sides, making it the largest and least-confining MRI machine. Younger patients, those with larger body types, or those who are claustrophobic may opt for an open MRI over a wide bore or traditional MRI because they prefer a more comfortable experience.
At certain times during the scan you will be able to listen to music and close your eyes, while other times we need to turn the music off and have you open your eyes. You may also be given a box with buttons before entering the MRI.
You will meet the anesthesiologist and they will obtain your consent for anesthesia prior to the MRI. They will explain possible complications and side effects.
If you can't get an MRI or a certain scan isn't safe for you, your provider may recommend MRI alternatives such as: CT scans, which use X-rays to create detailed images. Ultrasound, which uses sound waves, not radiation.