MRI scan/claustrophobia

[2Margaret]

I have just been discharged from hospital following a stroke (bleed as opposed to clot). I must have a MRI scan in about 4/6 weeks and am worried because I suffer from claustrophobia (particularly if the surrounding temperature is hot). Can anyone please advise if the enclosed scan area will be cool or hot. Also would a hypnotherapist be able to help me in advance of this procedure? Many thanks.

[Buenchico]

Watch the video and I'm sure that you'll feel reassured:



Further information:
http://www.nhs.uk/Con...-is-it-performed.aspx

Chris

[wolf63]

I had a MRI done of my brain a couple of years ago and the staff are really used to calming patients down. I got a little button thing to press if I needed help. It is noisy but apart from that it wasn't too bad.

[rowanwitch]

you have a coolish air flow in the 'tube' however you can ask for it to be done at a centre with the 'open 'type not really open but not so enclosing... hypnotherapy would be helpful if they teach you to relax... but be aware your head will be in a frame/clamp to keep it still. Let the department know in advance as they may be able to advise or arrange for a low dose of something to kelp you stay calm. I'd had a couple in the past but have to say last time I couldn't cope (I was suffering a lot of panic attacks at the time so I think the scan was just a trigger) so they said if I need one again they would give me some diazepam to take before hand...

[anneasquith]

i fully understand your concern, but it really is not too bad, good luck.

[emmie]

don't want to throw you into a blind panic, but i couldn't do it, it's very enclosed, somewhat noisy and you have to be very still for the time it takes. According to the consultant i saw, 25 percent of people who go for an MRI scan don't go through with it. I had to get out as i couldn't handle it, like you i have claustrophobia.

[emmie]

try hypnotherapy, also discuss with your consultant about your claustrophobia, they may be able to advise about a different type of scanner, don't know for sure though, but i would definitely ask.

[daffy654]

My mum has to be sedated as she freaks out when being scanned. Most MRI departments will have facilities for this if you inform them in advance of your appointment.

[piggling]

I had one done last year and hated the idea. I hate lying flat, being in the dark, and being enclosed. Although they warned me, it was noisier than I expected. I had a button to press if I couldn't cope. I kept myself calm by concentrating on breathing slowly and counting slowly. They said it would take 40 minutes, so I was counting (I thought) the minutes. I only got to 20 and it was all over. Best of luck!

I'm sure you'll be fine.

[emmie]

piggling, for those like 2Margaret it doesn't always work, breathing slowly, and counting, i tried twice, but gave up and decided that i wouldn't do it again.

[sidkid]

I was asked to bring in a favourite cd which I was able to listen to through earphones that they provided.

[SeaJayPea]

I've had two of these. I swear that I lasted no more than 30 seconds in the first one. Just completely lost it. I genuinely didn't know I am claustrophobic up 'til then.

The second one was a few weeks later, I was in hospital and seriously ill. They said it had to happen and I said it couldn't and explained why. They sent somebody down with me who gave me something that so relaxed me that, although I was conscious throughout, I had no problens and I remember very little about it.

Speak to your specialist and I'm sure they'll organise something for you.

[emmie]

seajaypea, that was me, ten seconds and i was having a heart attack, told them in a loud voice to get me out.

[Old_Geezer]

I am not particularly claustrophobic but have a slight level of it (as I can not, for example, ever envisage myself pot-holing and wriggling through tight tunnels). I didn't find it hot when I had a scan. It was noisy but I didn't think that noisy. One can keep one's eyes closed if that helps. I tended to look at the exit at my feet a fair amount of the time. Hypnosis may help. Almost anything with a reputation to keep one calm could help. But you may not need it if you just psych yourself up for it and go get it done.

[Postdog]

Just being honest here, not trying to scare you but I didn't have any fear. However, the further I got in that tunnel, with my head being clamped too, the more I kacked myself. I didn't have a buttton and just screamed to be let out, but no-one heard and I just bore it in the end. It can be daunting but you do need to accept it. I've endured worse since and - knowing that I have to face more MRI at some time - having done it I know I'll be calmer next time.

[2Margaret]

Thank you all for your info, however, could you advise on the temperature in the 'tunnel' - I think I would have a better chance of coping if it is cool. Also as it is for my head, will I still have to be in it for the same length of time? Thanks.

[Velvetee]

My friend had one recently and said it was all open. I had one about 6 months ago, but I had to be inside the tunnel. I don't recall it being hot in there plus you will only be wearing a Hospital gown.

The only part I found uncomfortable was I had put my head between a cushioned vice like thing to stop head movement, this was uncomfortable. As well as having to lie completely still for about 45 minutes. The Machine also makes loud clicking noises. They do play Music to you throughout and you are able to communicate with Technicians as well as having a buzzer you can press.

I would suggest you speak to the Scanner department and explain your situation. My sister had a MRI recently and was prescribed Valium to relax her as she has panic attacks.

[owdhamer]

I have had every scan going and there is nothing to worry about

[emmie]

don't remember it being particularly hot, but it can take a while to get the images, as others have suggested ask the consultant for advice on length of time it takes, as it depends on the individual
and i wouldn't do it again unless i was heavily sedated.