What is Claustrophobia?

Claustrophobia is defined as "a fear of being in a confined or enclosed place".

We strongly believe that by understanding the MRI procedure, many "claustrophobic" patients realize their fears can be minimized. Many can complete the study without any type of medication to help them relax. Most importantly, keep in mind that the area on which you are lying is not enclosed at any time. It is, however, somewhat confining, so if you are very nervous, we do have alternatives available.

First we will thoroughly explain the procedure, and then discuss alternatives for helping you relax. Often times a person battling claustrophobia is able to comfortably complete the study and get the quality diagnosis they need without the assistance of pre-medication.

When you arrive for your MRI appointment, you will need to fill out some information and can request to watch a short video highlighting what to expect during your exam. You will then be shown to a change room where some comfortable loungewear will be provided, or if you wish, you can bring your own metal free clothing. Your personal belongings will be stored in this secure change room during your scan. The technologist will then accompany you to the scanning room and help you get situated on the table. During the scan, you will lie on the MRI table on your back with a cushion under your knees. The cushion helps take the pressure off your lower back and allows you to be more comfortable. You will be given earplugs for the scan to help minimize the noise.  We also have a special pair of prism glasses that you can wear during your MRI that allow you to see outside the magnet allowing you to feel much less closed in.

The table then lifts up and slides into a tube-like cylinder that is flared, wider on both ends. It NEVER closes. It is open the whole time on both ends. There is a fan and a light inside. For head, spine, shoulder, wrist or elbow scans, you will go in head first. For ankle, foot, knee, hips, abdomen, pelvis and chest, you will go in feet first. Either way, the technologist will be able to see you throughout the entire scan and will talk with you over the headphone/intercom system.

Although it is important that you are able to lie still for about 30-45 minutes, the scan is actually divided into numerous sessions ranging from one minute to 6-8 minutes in length. In between these sessions, it is okay to move about a little bit while remaining in the same position on the table. During the picture taking, you will hear a repetitive knocking noise. Nothing moves or touches you and you will not feel any discomfort-it's just noisy. The technologist will talk to you over the headset intercom and let you know when they will start each group of pictures and how long they will last.  Basically, when you hear the noise, lay as still as you can so the technologist can get very clear images for the doctor to read. Motion during this time will blur the images. When it is quiet between pictures, you will need to remain in the same position on the table, but it is okay to stretch or move your arms or legs until the next sequence begins. Again, the technologist will tell you before they start each set of pictures. Sometimes, patients are nervous about the MRI or uncomfortable with the thought of being on their back for that amount of time. We do have several options available to you.

The first and easiest is that many patients find it relaxing to simply have a cool washcloth over their forehead or eyes during the procedure. Thus, they can lie back and relax. Believe it or not, some people even fall asleep due to the repetitive hypnotic knocking noise. If you feel it might be helpful, you may ask to bring a family member or friend into the scanning room with you. Many people feel it comforting just knowing someone else is right there at their side. Some patients would like a mild sedative prior to their study. This is something that needs to be discussed ahead of time with your family doctor. It should be given approximately one half hour prior to your study in order for it to be effective at the time of the scan. You must have someone drive you to and from your appointment if you have taken a sedative.

The Image One MRI staff will keep you informed every step of the way. Remember, we are here to assist you. Should you have any questions, need assistance or become uncomfortable during your exam, use our built-in intercom system in the machine to communicate with the technologist.