Is it okay for claustrophobic people to be in a MRI?

Question

Cuz I'm getting an MRI and I've never been in a MRI so I don't know what it's like.

Answer 1

Actually, if you are uncomfortable, some places offer the open air MRI. You just stand still in a big open area while the scan is done. A regular MRI you get slided into a tube and hear this clicking noise for about an hour.

Answer 2

Like others have said, ask about doing an open MRI. I had my MRI in the tube style. I thought I would freak out but it was OK after all.
They will give you soft ear plugs and a thing you hold in your hand to squeeze if you get scared. It sends an alert to the staff to pull you out and help you.
Take advantage of the time and close your eyes and rest if you have to get the MRI done in the tube type machine. There is a lot of weird sounds that come from the machine but try to concentrate being in a different place, your favorite song or a list of things you would rather be doing.
It is pretty cold inside the tube machine. They cover you with a blanket but put your hands under the blanket and lip balm on or both will get chapped from the cold air blowing around you.
It's not as bad as you could imagine. I basically napped during my scan.
I had mine done without the contrast dye and they could still read it fine.
Good luck. I am sure you will get through it fine. Just tell them when you go in if you are nervous. They understand and will work with you.

Answer 3

There are open MRI's available. Some advanced Radiology labs have whats called standup MRI or weight bearing...those are totally open. Those tube like MRI's are old dinosaurs of the machines lol..can't take good pictures anyway..go find a place that has something that was built on this century...

I know some people with claustrophobia do ok with regular tube..but some don't. It can cause panic and it isn't pretty when it happens..no need to risk it if you don't have to. I've known patients who did not have claustrophobia who didn't care for it or some people find out they have claustrophobia after they go into the tube lol... some of those old machines are very noisy and 40 minutes of non-movement in a dark tube can be really uncomfortable..

Answer 4

I had to take an MRI before I knew I was claustrophobic and nobody on the medical staff explained any thing to me before hand. Maybe they didn't want to influence me. But I got into the very old, tight MRI and I could not go through with it. If you know you are claustrophobic I suggest you find one of the newer very open ones.

Answer 5

I freaked out a little when I had to go until I found out about an office in my area that has what's called an open MRI. It was still a little weird, but I made it. Just take deep breaths. I know how you feel!

Answer 6

some facilities have an "open MRI" which wouldn't be triggering to your clostrophobia... other places have a normal MRI, which is somewhat like a tube, and that would be problematic. tell your doctor, adn they can usually give yous omething to relax you (or sometimes even put you completely to sleep depending on what they need to do, and how badly they need the test), if they don't have the open mri available

Answer 7

MRIs are torture for people with claustrophobia. It's a very small tube that is just larger than a person is wide and they put your whole body into it. There are open-sided MRIs where the tube isn't a complete tube and the person inside can see out. That is much more comfortable for someone who is uncomfortable in tight spaces.

Answer 8

It is really tiny, however, I am clautrophobic and have had a few MRI's done. It is not that bad. They usually play music for you to relax you and talk you through it. If the small space is too much they can give you something so you can sleep or relax, if you like.

Answer 9

Do you know if the MRI is open or closed If this for your joints like knees or hips - no problem IF its for your head & you are claustophobic have you Mom insist on an open MRI

Answer 10

No, i do no longer think of that is stable suggestion. An anaesthesiologist needs to have elementary accessibility to you in any respect situations in case you quit respiration. it is not achieveable in an MRI, even an "open" one. circulate lower back on your well being care expert and demand on being given a heavy dose of an anti-stress drug, including Klonopin or Ativan. additionally, insist on an "open" MRI. that is in basic terms marginally extra acceptable, yet no longer something like a closed one. be certain which you're completely calm in the previous you settle to get on the table. in case you experience woozy, you're arranged. Ask for a blindfold, and placed it on in the previous they slide you in, it helps plenty. So do earplugs, yet they won't drown out the noise thoroughly, an MRI is purely too loud. stable success, you will get with the aid of it as quickly as you insist on being taken care of wonderful. happy trip journeys!