Reducing MRI Claustrophobic

10 tips and tricks for reducing MRI claustrophobia

Some patients who need an MRI scan are concerned about the process and fear that they may be claustrophobic about the machine. When it comes to MRI anxiety and claustrophobia, knowledge is one of your most powerful tools. If your doctor has ordered an MRI scan, you need to properly map the inside of your body to diagnose and treat your condition. These images are vital to your maintenance. The stories about MRI claustrophobia you may have heard are no longer accurate and you don't have to feel scared as things have changed with time. Modern MRIs are not dark and closed off tunnels and are specifically designed MRI for claustrophobic patients. They are well lit and open on both sides of the tunnel so you no longer have to fear going inside a dark and desolate tunnel when you need an MRI. However, we are aware that MRI Claustrophobia can still be a problem for some patients. We want to help our patients, in this case, those struggling with claustrophobia and anxiety. Therefore we have compiled a list of 10 tips and tricks for reducing MRI claustrophobia.

Here are 10 tips and tricks to reduce MRI claustrophobia during an MRI:

Learn: Be careful of what will happen during the exam. Familiarize yourself with the machine, its noises and investigation procedures. Ask all the questions to your programmer, doctor, and technologist.

Focus on breathing: As simple as it is, focused breathing and other meditation techniques are calming for most people and they can be for you too. Take deep breaths and keep doing it whenever you feel scared or tensed and the whole daunting process will be over before you know it.

Cover your face: If you are likely to feel trapped, cover your face with a towel or washcloth or just close your eyes. Covering your face will help you feel less trapped and more at home. It will help comfort you and alleviate all your present fears by transporting you to a different place. You can't see where you are and that will help you feel less trapped.

Listen to calming music: Listening to music through headphones during an exam can distract, calm you, and make you feel less trapped as you'll be with a familiar friend who is music.

Try your own method: If you already know something will work for you, e.g. Aromatherapy or a specific sound or image, ask if you can use your own technique during the exam.

Talk to the technician: You are not alone and never will be! The technician is there for you and you can converse with the technician throughout the exam. They even have a call button that signals your technician in the event of an emergency or discomfort. It also tells you what stage you are on the exam.

Counting: Another simple soothing technique is counting. Monotony can be relaxing, and when you count slowly, time actually goes by really fast!

Travel to your "happy place": This may seem like a silly notion, but thinking about the details of your "happy place" or the details of a relaxing memory can help calm you and ease the stress of the whole process.

Bring Support with you: You can bring a friend or family member to accompany you during the exam and be in the room with you. Make sure it's someone who understands and reassures you.

Remind yourself who is in control - you are the one in control of your exam and always will be. You shouldn't have to do anything that you are not comfortable with and technologists will help you with the calming technique you choose.

The process can seem very scary especially if you're doing it for the first time. Hope this blog helped you understand the various coping mechanisms and that these tips help you breeze through the whole ordeal without any worry.

We at Kryptonite Solutions offer innovative MRI technology to provide patients with the most seamless experience during their MRI scan. Our advanced product features such as the MRI patient relaxation line and the In-Bore MRI cinema are specifically designed to reduce MRI claustrophobia and make your MRI experience immersive and relaxing! Bask in the comfort of these state-of-the-art features and we will take care of the rest!