I tried to do an MRI on my head the other night. The tube was too little and I freaked. I was under the influence of 5mg of Valium. I am supposed to go try again today. Any suggestions on how to cope wiht the fear of being in the closed space?
2006-11-07 23:15:55 · 6 answers · asked by Sherry S 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
An open MRI is a good idea. Even with an open MRI, you will find a brain scan can be hard to get through. The coil (camera) needed for a brain scan can feel very claustrophobic to many people, so medications to relax you might still be needed. Also, bring a friend/family member who can go into the scan room with you. Just make sure that person hasn't had a pacemaker, aneurysm clips in the brain etc. Many of my patients have their spouses read to them during the scan. Call ahead and ask if the facility can pipe music in the room via a CD or a tape, so you can bring your favorite music. And try to remember that a MRI will give your doctor very valuable information which can change your treatment, and make your life more comfortable!
2006-11-08 08:05:52 · answer #1 · answered by Lissacal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my best friend had to undergo the same. She too fears closed spaces, and the valium couldn't help her enough.
MRI, unlike CT is harmless. She talked to the doc and got permission to let her hubby peep through "the other end" of the MRI. For the length of the scan, he was crouched inside, his head above hers, encouraging her, telling her all is well, she's doing great and this will end soon. instead of seeing the confines of the MRI cave, she felt her hubby near her. This let her pass this despite the probs. They talk of this as a very bonding experience.
No spouse? How about brother/sister/mother/best friend?
If the docs don't agree to this, there are other options:
# Try to find an "Open MRI": there are such MRIs, which are less encaved, and have much more space. If you find one near you - no (or at least less of a ) problem to use it, despite the fear.
# Sedation, under medical supervision of course.
Good luck, and may all your results turn out right.
2006-11-07 23:32:54 · answer #2 · answered by not_a_wolfus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Mary-keep your eyes closed. The last time I had one the nurse asked if I wanted a small towel to put over your eyes-ask for one and that worked wonders. The air was really cool that they were blowing into the tube and I had head phones on with music. I didn't really know where I was or at least my mind set was that I was just laying there relaxing. AND I have panic disorder. I did take two.25 Xanax too, which probably helped. The way I remember it, I could do it over again this way. Hope this helps. Good luck.
2006-11-07 23:33:03 · answer #3 · answered by Pesty Wadoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had a few MRI's.....I too don't like the small and cramped tube.
All I do is try hard to focus that I'm some where else such as a sitting at a lake in the mountains Anything of that nature to relax me. I hope it will help you!
2006-11-07 23:31:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If all else fails see if they can send you to an open MRI center. They actually do have them that do not close you up. Otherwise close your eyes and dont ever look at where you are at. Close them before they put you in and keep them that way. And do things like in your head count backwards by threes or sevens ...list presidents in your head....anything to distract yourself. It is basically like panic attack control.
2006-11-07 23:27:48 · answer #5 · answered by Mary N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call your doc, tell him you want concious sedation. that is the only way I can get thru it.
2006-11-07 23:18:51 · answer #6 · answered by trish the dish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋