The most accurate MRI system is the closed MRI scan. You lie in a tube-like, narrow space structure for the scan. Patients often report feelings of claustrophobia while being scanned in a traditional closed MRI.
Open MRI machines have two flat magnets on the top and bottom areas, with a large space to accommodate the patient. The open space in between often alleviates discomfort or claustrophobia, as the patient is not fully enclosed.
People with claustrophobia tend to feel heightened levels of distress over dark or confined spaces or feelings of being trapped. They may also exhibit intense fears of suffocation. With that in mind, it's also somewhat common for people to experience claustrophobia episodes during an MRI scan.
As its name would indicate, a closed MRI, has a capsule-like design where the magnet surrounds the patient. An open MRI, to the contrary, has a magnet top and bottom, which allows for an opening on the sides. MRI scanners are measured in magnet strength in teslas or “T”, which can range between 0.5T and 3.0T.
CT scanners are different from MRI scanners and use very little x-ray radiation, unlike MRI scanners. CT scanners are open on both sides, and you can completely see around yourself during a scan. Claustrophobic patients might welcome CT scans more because they don't have to be in an enclosed space.
Most people who have claustrophobia are able to tolerate the MRI scan in the open, upright MRI machine. This is the structure of most MRI machines that can only perform the imaging studies with the patient lying on their back on a table that is moved into the core of the magnetic field where the images are captured.
When not properly accommodated during an MRI, claustrophobic patients may experience panic attacks, which can bring on increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chills, sweating, and other distressing symptoms.
Counting numbers or listening to music: Counting slowly or listening to a soothing melody can help distract you and make the time pass quickly while you are in the scanner. Talk to the Technician: In most instances, you can speak to the technician throughout most of the procedure.
Many MRI procedures don't require your head to go inside the machine at all, but if you need a head or upper spine MRI, you'll appreciate the fact our machine provides a full 12 inches of clearance between your face and the wall – relieving stress for our patients with claustrophobia.
The technologist will ask you several times to hold your breath and stay still to be able to get good pictures. You will be asked each time to hold your breath for twenty seconds. This part is very important because we cannot do the MRI examination, if you cannot hold your breath long enough.
During an MRI, you should use this same method that is used in yoga classes. Take slow, deep breaths to ensure that you are breathing well. If it helps, count to 10 as you breathe in and out, and then gradually slow it down from there. Slow breathing will ensure a calm and relaxed state of mind.
Conventional MRI machines have a donut shape with a tube that is usually about 3 feet in length. This exam causes anxiety for some people who are claustrophobic. If you know you are claustrophobic, please let our staff know at the time of scheduling. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax during your exam.
The MRI scanner is a large tube that is open at both ends. The scanner consists of a large magnet with a hole in the middle.
For patients who may experience claustrophobia during an MRI scan and require prophylaxis, the University of Wisconsin Department of Radiology suggests the use of Lorazepam (Ativan, Temesta), a short-to-intermediate duration benzodiazepine.
Keep your eyes closed or even wear a blindfold.
It's much easier in an open MRI it's wider than a standard scanner, so patients shouldn't feel any walls touching them.
An MRI scanner is a short cylinder that's open at both ends. You'll lie on a motorised bed that's moved inside the scanner. You'll enter the scanner either head first or feet first, depending on the part of your body being scanned.
It's important that patients remove all clothing prior to their MRI exam. We ask patients to remove: All outer clothing, including shoes. Bras or any undergarment that could have metal in it.
Traditional closed MRI units have long, cylindrical bores. The center of the body part being imaged has to be at the center of the bore/tube. Due to this requirement, the majority of the patient's body winds up being inside the bore. The downside is obvious: a small space for a long period of time.
Many patients find that an oral benzodiazepine, such as Xanax, Ativan, or Valium, taken prior to the exam sufficiently relieves their anxiety and allows them to complete an MRI with relative ease.
Conventional MRI technology sound can be loud. Studies show that at their loudest, an MRI scanner generates about 110 decibels of noise, which is about the same volume as a rock concert. However, instead of producing rock music, an MRI scanner produces scanning sound that varies in pitch and intensity.
There is more breathing space in an open MRI. It has a shorter tube and is open from all four sides. You won't feel suffocated either.
You may be reminded not to cough or move during the scan. Ask for a sedative: If you are claustrophobic, or are uncomfortable in closed in places, tell your physician so that arrangements can be made to make you more comfortable, Bring a favorite CD. It helps to relax while you are in the scanner.