Some advice for being claustrophobic in an mri machine?

Question

I had an mri today and I had no idea that I was so claustrophobic. It was the scariest thing to ever happen to me. I actually had to press the panic button. Am I crazy? Or is this a common thing to happen to people. Can someone give me some advice on what to do if i ever have to have another one. I know next time im going with the open MRI. I just thought I could handle the regular MRI but I couldn't. Now I feel ashamed that I had to press the panic button. And it just scares me how my mind took control over me and I couldnt do anything to stop the feeling of being claustrophobic. I know im crazy lol

Answer 1

This happens to me all of the time. Ask your doctor to premedicate you with something and be sure to have someone drive you home. Cover your eyes with something that will not let any light in, so that you cannot see when you are going in the machine. Make sure that your arms are tucked in well so that you don't touch the sides of the machine. If you are having studies done on the lower part of your body ask if the technician can place you in the machine feet first, this way your head never has to go in.

If you try the open MRI you may find that the same thing happens due to the structure of the machine. They are all different and the words 'open' are often misleading. Once again be prepared to try all of the above steps.

Avoid cafffeine and other stimulants prior to the study also to help you relax. If may help to remind yourself that nothing bad can happen to you while you are in there and take deep relaxing breaths. I had to stop a complete study on my neck due to the anxiety. Good thing I worked for a doctor. I called him from the exam room and had a prescription called in right then for a tranquilizer. Each time after that I have gone prepared with my mask and my pill. If you don't have a mask ask for a towel and close your eyes.