The necessity of an MRI scan can be a daunting experience, especially for those who struggle with claustrophobia. Getting an MRI can provoke anxiety and discomfort, making it a challenging endeavor for many patients. In this blog post, we'll explore practical strategies to help individuals manage their feelings of claustrophobia while undergoing this essential diagnostic procedure. By understanding the techniques and tools available, hospitals can better support their patients, ensuring a smoother MRI experience. Join us as we provide valuable insights that not only calm nerves but also empower patients to approach their MRI appointments with confidence.

Before Your Appointment: preparation is key

• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! Don't be shy about discussing your claustrophobia with your doctor and the MRI technologist before your appointment. They can offer valuable insights, make special accommodations, or even suggest medication if necessary.
• Know what to expect: If you have never had an MRI, or if the MRI scanner is a more powerful type, the experience can be quite loud and possibly constricting. Try to find out as much as you can about what the machine looks and sounds like because this can help prepare you for what level of claustrophobia and loud noises you may need to endure.
• Visit the facility first (if possible): If you have severe anxiety, ask if you can visit the imaging center beforehand to see the MRI machine. Familiarity can sometimes reduce the fear of the unknown.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Start practicing deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation a few days or weeks before your appointment. These skills will be invaluable during the scan. There are many free apps and online resources available to guide you.
• Find out what kind of MRI comfort products are available at the facility. Most MRI sites will provide foam hearing protective earplugs (more on that in the next section) but some will also have an MRI sound system. Find out if you can listen to music during the experience and choose a playlist or podcast that is comforting or distracting.

Making the experience more comfortable: Know how to use MRI-safe comfort accessories

• Firstly, many patients are given foam earplugs but aren't given much instruction on how to use them. Making sure they are inserted and seated properly in your outer ear can make a huge difference in how much noise reduction they are able to provide. To make sure they are inserted properly, first squeeze and twist the smaller end of the earplug until it is very narrow. Grab the top of your ear with the opposite hand and pull the outer ear up and back, then using the other hand to insert the compressed plug into the ear. Hold it in place until it expands fully, forming a seal. Test them to make sure they are in place by making some noise. Sometimes it will take a few attempts to get the seal correct; while most MRI technologists have a tight schedule to keep, it's important not to rush this step because it will protect your hearing and make the experience more pleasant over.
• Many MRI sites have additional hearing protection such as MRI-safe noise reduction earmuffs while others have MRI-safe noise reduction headphones connected to a sound system that will allow you to listen to music. Some patients may choose to procure their own noise reduction earmuffs, but it's important to make sure that the packaging says it is MR-safe. MRI technologists won't want to risk bringing in a potentially ferrous (iron-containing) material because it can interfere with the scan and potentially pull loose if it is attracted by the MRI system's strong magnetic field.
• While it is less common, some MRI sites have prism glasses, which bend the incoming light and allow the wearer to look down past their feet rather than at the inside of the scanner tube. Scan Sound sells a patented type of glasses with reversible prisms which let the wearer choose whether to look up past their head or down past their feet. This is especially helpful because the MRI can require patients to go in with their head first or feet first, depending on the body part being scanned. Being able to look at the open end of an MRI scan tube can dramatically help reduce the feeling of being in an enclosed space. Some MRI imaging facilities have a mural that you can view when looking outward with the prism glasses. Our reversible prism glasses have often made an MRI possible for claustrophobic patients. Check with your medical facility to find out if they offer prism glasses; if not, they may be convinced to buy them in order to provide them for you and future patients. Otherwise, you may want to consider bringing them yourself; just make sure the packaging clearly indicates that they are MR-safe.

During Your MRI: Staying calm and maintaining control

• Use deep breathing to stay calm and remained centered. This is perhaps the most powerful tool in your arsenal. Focus on slow, deep breaths. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale even more slowly through your mouth. This calms your nervous system.
• Many patients find that keeping their eyes closed from the moment they enter the scan tube until the scan is complete helps immensely. This prevents your brain from registering the confined space.
• Visualize a calming scene can transport you mentally to a peaceful place. Imagine a wide-open beach, a serene forest, or any environment that brings you comfort and a sense of spaciousness.
• Many MRI machines have headphones or some other speaker system. Ask if you can listen to your favorite calming music, an audiobook, or a podcast. This can be a great distraction. More intense music may drown out the scanner noise but it might also cause stress, so consider that when choosing what to listen to.
• Some MRI scanners have a call button that let you communicate with the technologist. Don't be afraid to ask how much longer you have, or ask for a moment to stretch or adjust. While they are on a tight schedule, they should be accommodating to your needs, especially if this means you will be able to be calm and still during the scan.
• Focus on the end goal! Remind yourself why you're having the MRI – it's an important step in your healthcare journey. Focus on the positive outcome and the information the scan will provide.
• A small, repetitive movement of a body part that isn't being scanned can sometimes be a subtle distraction, prevent you from becoming too tense, and can help you feel more in control of your body. Depending on what part of your body is being scanned, you may be able to wiggle your fingers or toes. Check with the technologist to make sure that you won't be interfering with the scan.
• Remember, the experience is temporary: The scan will be over before you know it. Keep reminding yourself that this is a temporary situation and you will be out soon.

After Your MRI: Acknowledging Your Strength

• Praise yourself! You did it! Acknowledge your courage and resilience in facing your fears.
• Share your experience with others! If you found certain strategies particularly helpful, consider sharing them with others who might be struggling.

Claustrophobia can be a formidable challenge, but with preparation, effective coping mechanisms, and open communication with your healthcare team, your MRI experience can be much less daunting. You are in control, and you've got this!