MRI machines trigger claustrophobia due to their design as narrow, tube-like tunnels that fully enclose the patient's body part being scanned, combined with the loud, startling noises, long scan times, and requirement to stay perfectly still, creating a feeling of being trapped with no escape. This physical confinement, often with the head inside the bore, triggers anxiety, panic, sweating, and shortness of breath in people with an irrational fear of enclosed spaces.
Tips for Staying Calm and Managing Claustrophobia During an MRI
Increased movement can result in the images being blurred or of poorer quality but being in an enclosed space can cause some people to become stressed, and in some more extreme cases, cause panic attacks.
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.
Before the table slides into the machine, a frame will be placed over your head and neck, which helps focus the machine's energy to produce even more precise images. You'll also be given a device to hold in your hand, which you can use at any point during the scan to signal for help during the test.
During the scanning process, you will be inside the scanner (the tunnel-like scanning machine). You will hear clicking or banging noises as the magnetic field is altered as part of the normal exam process.
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.
The spacious 27.5-inch opening and quick scan times significantly reduce anxiety compared to traditional MRI machines. Studies show that modern wide bore scanners can help many claustrophobic patients successfully complete their scans.
An MRI scanner is a short cylinder that's open at both ends. You'll lie on a flat motorised bed that moves inside the scanner. In some cases, a frame may be placed over the body part being scanned, like the head or chest. This frame contains receivers that pick up the signals sent out by your body during the scan.
You will be required to lie completely still during the MRI exam. Depending on the body part being imaged, you may be instructed to hold your breath for up to 30 seconds at a time.
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.
Here are some ideas for what to do during your MRI:
Claustrophobia can become more noticeable or severe with age, although this varies from person to person. In some individuals, the fear may gradually worsen over time, especially if it is left unaddressed or if the person begins to avoid more and more situations that trigger anxiety.
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 suffer from claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), talk to your doctor when your MRI is ordered so you come to the scan with some type of sedation, such as Xanax or Diazepam (Valium).
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.
Before an MRI, do not wear or bring metal items (jewelry, piercings, watches, zippers, underwire bras, hairpins), avoid cosmetics with metal particles (some mascaras, eyeliners, glitter), and skip lotions, deodorants, or patches on the area being scanned, as metal interferes with the magnet. Also, do not forget to inform staff about implants, pregnancy, or claustrophobia, and follow any specific fasting/medication instructions from your doctor, as some exams require no food or drink.
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.
If you take any narcotic pain medicine, or medicines for nausea or gastric motility, please call to discuss prior to your exam. Duration of exam: 4.5 hours. Preparation: Nothing by mouth for at least 6 hours. No gum, no smoking, no food, no water, no brushing teeth.
It is very important to remain still during your MRI scan as any movement can cause blurring on the images. If you cough during the scan and the images are not clear, we may need to repeat the scan. We will give you a call bell so if you are going to cough a lot then you can press that and we will pause the scan.
Proper preparation ensures that the MRI images are clear and free from distortions. Eating or drinking before certain types of MRIs can introduce variables, such as movement in the gastrointestinal tract or the presence of fluids, that may compromise the scan's accuracy.
The MRI scanner will make a lot of noise as it takes images. This is normal. You should be offered earplugs and/or headphones to make the noise sound less loud. You may also be able to listen to music through the headphones to make the MRI exam more enjoyable.