How should I calm myself for my MRI?

Question

Hello. I am at 14 yr old getting a MRI for the first time within the next week. I have a problem with being dizzy and the doctors want to check my head and I am very nervous. I am always scared of things related to hopsitals because I haven't experienced much. If you could tell me some ways to calm myself that would be great. Also, I have a few questions. Can we bring our own music to have them put on?

Answer 1

Trust in whatever higher power you believe in to guide the minds and hands of the doctors who are caring for you. Honestly, you will have butterflies no matter what you do, but the doc will be able to see and figure out what needs fixed. Not IF, but WHAT needs fixed. You would be amazed at what they can do with today's technology. I've had three MRI's over the course of three years and brain surgery in 2003 so this is something I know a lot about. If you have any doubts whatsoever about what the doc says, get a second opinion. The doc should explain everything in detail...what's wrong, what options are available, and the pros and cons of each option.
As far as the MRI itself, I'll give you an overview...first you'll need to fill out a questionnaire about any metal you might have in your body, like surgical clips and pins. Then you'll be asked to remove all metal objects like earrings and such. I always stayed in my street clothes. Then, as some of the others have said, you lay on a sliding table with your head immobilized in a plastic frame. There are two kinds of MRI's-open and closed. If it's an "open MRI" then you're slid sideways under a flat plastic box, kinda like an x-ray platform. If it's a "closed MRI" then just your head is slid into a round tubelike machine. You can call and ask the hospital if you're chlostrophobic...the open MRI works better for that situation. Once you're in position, you will not be able to move. Make sure you go to the bathroom and scratch any itches you may have. When you're in the machine and all set, they'll run a couple of scans to see if everything's set. Some machines are horribly loud and some are just a rhythmic pulse. The pitches change from high to low, so you might jump a bit ;). Once they start, it can be anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes for them to finish the test. The only break you get is if your doc has ordered "contrast". They'll pull you out of the machine just long enough to give you a shot of dye. There's nothing to worry about with this...there are no effects whatsoever. And that's all there is to it.
As far as music, some allow it and some don't have the equipment for it. Take a CD with you just in case. They play it in the observation room and pipe it into headphones. If they don't have music, then you will get earplugs.
Good luck to you and God Bless...

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Answer 2

I have NF1 and ive had MRI's for over 11 years now (once a year as a check up thing). They where a problem at first beacuse I was small and everything but after a few years of them I just relaxed. Some MIGHT (and i stress might beacuse I doubt it)be able to play music in the room that your in, but you wont be able wear headphones or anything. Just relax and dont stress, the noise will be a little bit loud so most places will give you earplugs. Do rember if you move alot that they will have to wait tell that set is over and then redo it (they do mutipule sets during an MRI) and you will have an IV put in before hand so they can put in some stuff that will make the pictures clear about half way through. (thats the way they told me)
I wouldnt worry about it at all though, make sure your tired, youll be less likely to move around and you might even fall asleep. Even though the noise is loud and sounds like a jackhammer/sledgehamer at times it really isnt that bad.

Answer 3

The first time I had my first MRI I was so nervous; i was hyperventilating to the point they have to postponed my appointment; but i found out something you should look into; tell your mother to make a call to the MRI department; a day before your appointment to relate and discuss with the nurse your concerned and nervousness . Ask if
it's possible they give you some kind of muscle relaxant; you need to ask before hand otherwise they can't administer it to you on the spot. they will give you a shot that will make you feel very relax and you don't even feel it. but you have to
make the arrangements in advance.
been there.

Answer 4

I'm a few days older, but one thing I was told, was to keep very still or it would take longer. I had a T spine that took almost 3 hours in 1990. If you breath in through your nose & exhale out of the mouth steadily and evenly that will help relax you a little. Other than that, try to ignore the noise and day dream {very still}, & it won't seem as long. Make sure you're in comfortable sweats {If they let you}, with no metal in or on you. If you have questions, ask them, until you are appeased, not parents. You need the comfort. Most technicians are very nice. It makes their job easier.
I'm not sure about music, ask & see.

Answer 5

No, you can't bring music. The MRI is a giant magnet. They put you on the table, enclose your head(so you don't move) and slide it inside this tunnel. It sounds like someone hitting the outside of the tunnel with a small hammer(it thumps). You have to lie so still that you'll probably get sleepy. Don't worry, its not scary.

Answer 6

I just had an MRI and it was very relaxing. I had head phones and just closed my eyes and relaxed. It can be a little noisy, so turn up the music. Treat this as time to yourself and the outcome is something you really want. It will be fine.... Enjoy!

Answer 7

No, you cannot wear headphones inside an MRI machine. The little magnets in the phones will screw it up. You may not even be in the larger machine like I was since they will only need to see inside your head. Just relax. It really isn't that bad at all.

Answer 8

I just recently had an mri. I just closed my eyes and sort of enjoyed the sound of it. I chose not to have music and it turned out to be sort of relaxing. It doesn't hurt!!!

Answer 9

relax- an mri is just a type of x-ray. it just shows more detail than a normal xray. all you have to do is lie there. its totally painless

Answer 10

Tell your doctor you are clostrophobic and need two valliums. You can,t drive.and will have to have someone with you in case that is too much and you act goofy. I am clostrophobic and understand.