MRI Panic Attack 5 Tips to Help Ease Anxiety 

Never knew I was claustrophobic until I had a MRI (open or closed). I always ask how long the scan will be, I had four and one of which that lasted 90 mintues, and depending on length here's what I do: 1. Close my eyes before I enter the machine regardless of length of the scan. 2. Use breathing techniques to relax. 3. Once relaxed try to fall asleep. I never do but the attempt relaxes me even more. 4. Replay movies I like in my mind. Right now that is Top Gun Maverick. 😁 5. Pray. 6. Never open my eyes while in the machine. Works for me most of the time and I have yet to squeeze the panic ball.

So glad I read the comments and realized that there are so many people that have felt what I felt at my first attempt at an MRI. It’s very hard to explain to people what it feels like if they’ve never experienced it before.

I now do MRI’s with IV sedation. Slowly got claustrophobic the older I got. Much of it relates to my military experiences and PTSD. it’s a great way to do it. Thanks for sharing.

Does anyone have the irrational fear that the tech won't let you out?

Blindfold! Blindfold! Blindfold! I just had my first MRI. 30-45 minutes. I thought I was going to be fine. Never has an issue with claustrophobia, but I’ve never been forced into a small space before either. As soon as the tech started to slide me into the machine I opened my eyes and saw how close I was to the machine walls and started to get anxious. Luckily the tech needed to make an adjustment, change pillows, and he slid me back out. I started to take deep breaths to calm myself down. The tech noticed that I wasn’t looking too good. I agreed and told him I’d need to keep my eyes closed during the entire process, so he offered me a blindfold. It made a huge difference for me. For some reason there was also a fan blowing on my head which made me cold and dizzy. I ended up getting the cold sweats, so I just concentrated on the music and my breathing and I stopped feeling dizzy and stopped sweating. I actually almost feel asleep after the tech turned the fan down. My hands got extremely numb from having to stay still. I think for me it was more a fear of not being in control of myself than a fear of enclosed tight spaces.

I had my MRI done today and I would like to thank you so much for all your tips they were very helpful! I am extremely claustrophobic and was already nervous every day waiting for this day to come. My neurologist advised me indeed to take some tranquillisers before the exam. I started the night before with one oxazepam (10mg) and then a double dosis two hours before the exam. What also helped me is to use an eye mask, I think this was the best option for me and just imagining I was practicing on my couch. Thirdly I practised one week prior by putting on a headset/earphones and an alarm for 30 minutes listening to the various sounds the machine produces. You can find various RU-vid videos with the sounds. Laying still on the sofa (or bed) and getting familiar with the sounds helped me enormously. I made it through! Good luck everyone for your upcoming MRI’s.

I had to get my first mri today on my pelvis with and without contrast. I cried before they brought me back to the machine from nerves. Once I got in there the terror started from seeing the opening and how small it looks. My technicians were very nice and offered me a blindfold which I took them up on and asked me what music I wanted in the headphones. I choose 80s music and it really helped. What got me through was not seeing my surroundings and using each song playing as knowing how much time had to have passed. Scan lasted about 45 minutes and I feel now like the hardest part was having my arms above my head the entire time. My muscles started spasming in the last 10 minutes really bad. All I know is I’m so glad that is done and I survived. 💪 now I just hope the results come back with good news. 🙏🏻

I had my MRI yesterday, nervous going in, full blown panic attack and crying IN the machine for 20 minutes, it was a brain MRI so rugby looking helmet on my face AND face mask they wouldn’t let me take off. I’m not going to lie it was awful and I nearly pressed emergency buzzer twice because I also have a huge fear of loud noises. This video helped me SO MUCH. I managed all the way to the end because of this video, I admit at times the panic was so intense and noise was so loud I couldn’t focus on my breathing but I did it - if I can anyone can. Got out shaking like a leaf crying and my finger nails were blue with how bad I couldn’t catch my breath, I treat myself to a nice toastie and hot chocolate afterwards and I’m still fatigued from it all but I’m so so proud of myself. Thing is, i knew I was gonna have a panic attack, no matter what I did to calm myself so I had to just accept that and make sure I stayed calm and still enough to finish the scanning and I did!!!

JUST COUNT from 1 to 500 very slowly and usually it ends before you reach 300. Don't worry if you slow your counting down. Has worked for me but I like her tips.

I suffer from a diagnosed panic disorder that gets triggered from even being stopped at a red light around other cars.. I’m really praying I can be strong enough to do this because I need the answers. Thank you for your video! your voice is so comforting.

I am a *very new / training MRI tech and stumbled across your video today. While I don't have claustrophobia myself, I decided to watch so I can enhance my empathy and compassion for patients who do. I am SO glad you made this video to offer these wonderful coping tips for patients! Some things I can offer with my limited but growing knowledge so far...: Depending on the area of the body being scanned (i.e. head or neck) headphones may not be able to be worn as it will interfere with capturing the anatomy of interest but we can use earplugs to muffle noise. If you are scared you will be trapped in the MRI machine, you CAN crawl out, although it may take some effort. (You are NOT trapped in there!) Closed MRI's (that are like a tunnel) offer better image quality than open MRI's, unfortunately. You can ask for the MRI tech to talk to you through a speaker or headphones and let you know when the scan is halfway done, etc...There is a fan within the MRI that can be turned on or off for comfort. I hope this helps!!!

I watched this video last night and got my MRI done today. I had an above average anxiety about it. I thought I was gonna panic and wouldn't be able to complete the exam. I wanted to get it done without any medication though. Out of all the tips in this video or other videos either I didn't try or wasn't an option. Could not take my music with me. Could not take my son with me in the MRI area etc. But one thing that helped me a lot was that I closed my eyes even before going in . I was panicking just before going in the machine. But assurances from the staff that they were right there in case i wanted to get out, the thing in my hand that i could press to let them know that i want out, machine being open on both ends, all helped me. And the single most effective thing was to not open my eyes and just keep them closed. If you don't see how closed the thing is, you can not feel it. I have to say if you are dreading this its not uncommon but its doable if you try. I think I will get it done whenever i need to in future without any dread. In the end i want to thank this lady in the video. She is so honest and clear about everything. It helped me

My MRI experience was horrible because of claustrophobia. In first attempt of MRI I got panic and was screaming badly. Within seconds I was out of machine. I felt my arms and legs are numb and was not able to walk and speak. I got stable after half hour. It was an open MRI machine but I couldn't make it in first attempt. Technician was so cooperative he listened me and gave me courage to try one more time then after one hour I agreed to get into machine. At that time I challenged myself to complete it. Scan time was 30 minutes. In last 5 minutes I loosed self control and hardly able to complete it. The moment when scan finished and I came out of machine was so relaxing and charming. I felt MRI machine same as prison. I feel proud on myself that I succeeded and praying for everyone to overcome their fear. I can exactly relate your video with my experience. Thanks for making this video. It will definitely help in my next MRI.

I couldn't do my MRI today. I've had 4 MRI's in the past with no issues (Knees in 2014, Lumbar back 2017, Lumbar back 2019, and Cervical neck 2019). The Cervical neck one, I had to be pulled right back out because I got hit with anxiety instantly. I collected myself for 5 mins, closed my eyes before going in, and completed with no issues. Today, I had to do a Brain and Internal Auditory Canal MRI. This was the smallest MRI I had ever seen. Turns out, it was a Traditional bore 3.0T device. Less than 24 inches in diameter. I'm 6 ft, 210 lbs, and as soon as they pushed me through I felt squeezed. They put these pads on my sides so that my arms didn't burn on the tube, and there was absolutely no breathing room it felt like. I had a folded black bandana over my eyes, ear plugs in, plus air muffs. Sounded like the technician was 50ft+ away when I went in. I don't remember ever feeling that squeeze from the sides in the past. I must have had the Wide Bore style in the past, because there was definitely room at my sides and I don't remember feeling the tube at my sides. The Wide Bore traditional style is another 4 inches in diameter which could make all the difference. It was too much today. I was already feeling unwell and dizzy, and this proved to be too much to handle. I now have options for the 1.2T High Field Open MRI made by Oasis, the 1.0T Philips Open MRI, or the 0.6T stand-up MRI. In case anyone is wondering, the "T" in 3.0T, 1.0T, etc refers to the unit of measure in which they state magnet strength. The greater the number, the stronger the magnet, and in theory the better the images. This all falls under "Need to Know" information, and the Radiology center certainly doesn't care to educate the patient on this when making the appointment, and the Doctor won't either. I'm now waiting to hear from the ENT doctor on which to go for next, and which would be suitable in his eyes. In just 30 mins of research after my debacle today, I knew more about this than my ENT's secretary who deals with this everyday. If you don't know about this, it really comes down to the Radiology center and what the scheduler puts you down for. The Doctor didn't specify and usually won't for an "initial" scan. After reading the comments, I'm not sure the "Hamburger" style Open MRI will be ok for me either. I prefer not to take any Benzodiazepine going in, because I am already feeling dizzy, unbalanced, and unwell overall. Any increases in those feelings, would likely just increase my anxiety. TLDR: If anyone is unsure, try to avoid the Traditional Bore 23.6 inch diameter 3.0T MRI device. This one today, the smallest one, felt worse than what a coffin would probably feel like. In a coffin, I don't think your arms would be smashed at your sides and starting to ride up your torso. Incredible that anyone could endure this while already feeling unwell and with potentially bad news looming over their heads. Healthy and strong individuals that haven't been laying in bed the past month due to dizziness and imbalance while walking? Sure, I can see that. I've read that the 0.6T stand-up MRI's have come a long way technologically, and they can do things in a way that the others can't. They have a weaker magnet than the rest, but there's something about them that makes up for it. For those truly afraid, I would explore the stand up option.

I would like to thank you for your videos. I have serious claustrophobia and your advice and techniques helped me so much that I was able to get through me two scans in one appointment! Thank you for your help! 🎉🎉🎉

Thank you for this! I haven’t ever experienced Claustrophobia but I do have irrational fears and anxiety, so chances are that I panic over the sound and such. Got my MRI today and really want to get through it without medication. These are great reminders on how to deal with panic attacks, thank you so much!

I final was able to go through with my MRI yesterday having had a previous failed attempt where I had a total panic attack. I did have 3 Diazepam. 2 x 10mg taken 2 hours before and 1 x 10mg 30 mins before. Thought I didn’t feel any different with them but they must have made a difference. I think they took away the flight feeling and it felt doable. The staff were amazing. Didn’t rush me in and were very patient. 1st song was Dolly Parton-good old Dolly. I concentrated on the songs, closed my eyes, done your counting back from 100 and visualised the numbers, focused on my breathing also. It’s done and I’m so happy I could do it. Thank you for the tips

Darkness also makes me feel like I can't breathe. I dread being told that I need another MRI. All rational thought goes out the window when you feel like you are in a coffin for that long😢

I did not know how bad it was going to be until I opened my eyes..looking straight at the piece above me! It was pure torture to get through it. When I knew I was getting a second one. I didn't consume caffeine or sugar for 1 week prior. Then, while I was in the machine, I started to think about stories in the Bible. That experience was much better. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

Thank you so much. My MRI is in 2 days. I am so thankful for this info. My last MRI was a failure due to the panic attack. I have PTSD and the Sounds were a major trigger to my body. I came out shaking, crying and full of anxiety. This was about 10 years ago thou. I'm praying, bringing extra ear plugs, medication and music and breathing deeply. So thankful for you sharing this info. Blessings to you. Kathleen

I want to say thank you so much for this video ❤. I was able to make it through the MRI with the techniques you shared. I've walked away from 2 MRIs in the past. Thank you ❤

I have claustrophobia, although not a severe as some. I had an MRI for my left shoulder around 2010, and it was a challenge. Then in 2020 I was scheduled for one for my right shoulder, so I opted to take diazepam. I took it an hour early as directed. They were running about 15 minutes late. When I got into the room I felt normal but I didn't know what I was supposed to be feeling. Anyway, the procedure started and I didn't feel any calming effect. So I just started concentrating on my heart beats (I can feel my heart when lying down), counting them during each phase. Finally, in the last phase, as I was counting I remember thinking, "oh, heck with this counting stuff" and just relaxed. I'm sure that's when the diazepam kicked in! I go in Monday for a hip MRI and I'm definitely taking it earlier this time! Enjoyed your video. Thanks.

Your video helped me with my second mri by using the breathing techniques, music, power pose and medication. God bless you and keep for sharing this video.

Did any of these tips help you? What other tips do you have to help with claustrophobia and panic attacks?

Excellent. Thank you so much for producing this video. My biggest fear because of claustrophobia is an MRI. Now I am scheduled for next week! Thank you so much!

Thanks for sending me here & I took your advice. I’ve been doing some breathing & things but I'm still panicking still from the tightness. I use to like crawling into tight places years ago but now forget it. I use to enjoy being on top of a mountain looking down at the city’s but last time I did that I couldn’t wait to get down. I even feel that way with the 4K TV when the camera is way up in the sky looking down. Closing my eyes dose help with that part but that tightness. I don’t know what the Dr wants me to do now & if I try it again, hopefully a bigger machine. I did find some videos of some that are oval shape for big guys but I don’t know if there’s one near me. I’ll keep ya informed & thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing this. 😢 Just finished one- I’m now sitting in my car trying to get a handle on myself. I did do deep breathing and praying and speaking calmly with myself. And yes I’m going through peri- menopause and the feelings of claustrophobia was indeed elevated. So yes you are in good company!💖

I had to do 4 MRIs today. I was in the machine for about 2 hours. One of those were a brain scan. Lord have mercy I pray to god I never have to do that again. Never in my life would I have guessed I was claustrophobic, it only took one brain scan. Only reason I held on was the thought of having to start over 😂

When I was sent to do an MRI for my breast. Need it to be facing down with my arms up beside my head for 25 min, your face close to the bottom of the machine. My nose started to get stuffy, I thought I was going to die!! I prayed, breathed deep, tried to sleep on my gosh it was the most horrible test of all!!!

I wish any of these things had helped me. I was breathing, I visualized, I was singing the songs. I kept saying you can do this, I visualized my mom talking me through, I meditated, and then all of a sudden I was on full blown panic and pushing the button. I didn’t hear anyone respond so I really freaked and was about to try to push myself out. Boy did I hear someone then! I am completely traumatized. I will not be doing this again with medication or otherwise.thank goodness this test was just to confirm that my double vision wasn’t related to a tumor. Lord keep me covered!

Thank you for this great video. I had a brain MRI today and got quite scared. A body scan helped me, as well as focusing on things I could see via a little mirror. And then ‘examining’ these items as though I am a child exploring them. Deep breathing also helped, and saying to myself that this cannot and will not kill me. But it was quite stressful… thank you for making this video (i will reference it next time)!

Thank you so much for posting this. I did not know I am claustrophobic until today. I had an MRI today but I couldn't go through it. As soon as I was moved in there, I had a rapid heartbeat, and couldn't breathe. I felt I was about to faint and passing out. The MRI technicians were very kind and patient with me. They tried to help me do it again, butt I failed the second time. I wasted everyone's time. I appreciate very much seeing you here and will try your advice. Thank you!

Thanks. About 20 years ago i had an OPEN MRI in Germany for low back (L5-L3). Brought the film back to UCSF (san francisco) and my doctor said they were very good images. The MRI was truly open, and my claustrophobie did not act up. The machine looked like the hitachi oasis tesla 1.2.

Awesome tips thank you Vickie 😁

My MRI is coming up soon.I am definitely going to try these techniques.thank you so much.

Great tips❣ Thank you💕

Omg you're the first person who talked about being in the car! Thank you!

Thank you so much for this video! I'm a big guy, and those tube MRIs terrify me. I tend to talk to myself when I'm nervous, so your Fake It Till You Make It suggestions were spot on for me. I have my first MRI tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Yes I can relate

I wish I had seen this before my MRI on my wrist today...had a major panic attack but am glad I got it done as I now know what the issue is with my wrist, and the next steps for treatment are

Thank you so much. That would have been helpful but I'm Beyond

I have a brain mri today. I had it on Monday& I had a anxiety attack. I think this is going to help. Thank you so much for making this video

I just had an MRI done this morning for the first time and the doctor said it was an older machine and the rhythmic tones it was making and the bassy sounds literally made me feel like I was going to explode from the inside out and wake up in another planet it was really trippy I've never felt like that before there's got to be a correlation between the anxiety and the MRI machine I think there's a lot more going on than people realize

When interduce to the MRI I immediately surveyed my surroundings, then started asking questions pertaining the person giving the test, after a short while I felt comfortable enough to go through with the test. People sure can make life much easier.

I have the same issues with cars. I'm usually the driver when I'm in a car and anyone who's ever driven with me knows that I have the fan on continuously. When I'm the passenger, if the A/C is not on, I require a window be open -- sometimes quite to the annoyance of the driver.

Thank you! Had my first MRI panic today, even though I’ve had them before. In the future, should I need one, I’ll make a point to request the clinic with the biggest MRI in my city, where I’ve been before 👍🏻

Thank you

I have lived with claustrophobia for most of my adult life. Many situations can and have triggered a panic attack. Sitting in my car stuck in traffic, in an elevator (especially if there are more people there), in a crowd and, of course, in an MRI machine, especially an older one with a very narrow tube. Surprisingly, I have flown nearly 100,000 miles in airplanes over the years and have never had a panic attack on the plane! Adding to the panic problem in the MRI is the fact that I have trouble breathing on my back. I have several medical issues that have required multiple MRIs over the past three years, mostly of my brain, many lasting up to 45 minutes. I have asked many times for some sort of sedation, but they always refuse, saying I have to be alert so I don't move my head. Given that they place a cage over my head and cushion it on both sides with pillows, I don't buy that. Because my panic attacks are so frequent, my family doctor of more than 25 years prescribed a maintenance dose of Valium (5 MG tablets) that I take daily to help stave off the panic. So, I have started taking 15 MG about 20 minutes before the MRI and it helps, though I still labor to breathe. I manage to survive the procedure without coming unglued, but it is still a struggle, even with the Valium. I have found that closing my eyes, focusing on relaxing my body and listening to my favorite classical symphonies also helps.

Thanks for sharing this tips. I was having an MRI scan and I was so scared when I got into that tube for the first time I couldn't make it . I was asking the guy to try to put me in then release me out again but I couldn't make it. I started to look for open MRI till I got one but the I read online that the best quality of MRI is on the closed one. Second time I went with my mom but l failed. I finally made it on the third time when I followed the tips and read some Bible scriptures and sing some songs.

Thank you for these tips. I was going to do the powerpose I will add to it my daily incantation and your breathing suggestions. I tried box breathing last time and I stopped breathing then panicked. I like the 3 parts of the lungs and body scan technique. I will use valium this time as well. Wish me luck.

Has anyone had a wider bore? I had a panic attack in the 60 cm bore so they've rescheduled me for a 70cm bore. Does that make much difference? The further the top is away from my face the better. Thank you for this video, it really helps to know I'm not the only one who finds it hard and the tips will be useful I'm sure. Good luck to all of you having scans and thank you for all the comments and tips from your experiences. Take care x

For those suffering anxiety or panic disorder, freeze clementines and bring them with you everywhere you go…when you feel like you may experience it coming on, take out your clementine and hold it in your hand. The frozen clementine will be so cold that it will take your mind off of the attack or even being in the mri.

Thank you ❤

Ohhohooo!i have claustrophobia too!im going to go on a MRI tomorrow,wish me luck! Your tips kinda helped thankss:)

I relate to everything you said!

Having been treated for skin cancer for eight years I have had many MRI over the years.its really not the noise that bothers me.Its the laying still for forty minutes that really bothers me!!!It's amazing how everything starts to iitch and you start having muscle cramps!!!!!!

I had one done once on my brain and they attached some type of mirrors that made it look like i was seeing out of the tunnel

I'm not sure I'm claustrophobic but I get fairly intense anxiety during PMS.... I should have known better than to schedule my first MRI (sinus) during that time of the month. Had to use all my mental energy to not cry which is how my body tends to relieve stress. Counting was helpful to an extent but if I have to do it again I'll definitely consider timing more.

I can relate to how you feel with regards to claustrophobia. Most people do not fully understand and do no sympathise. I am due to have a full MRI scan on my brain. Apparently it could take up to an hour to complete. For me even going into a lift for a matter of few minutes scares me so much. I make sure that one person who is with me . Even then I feel palpitations and difficulty with breathing. The only time I put myself through this is when I have to go go to the third floor where my GP is waiting. Unfortunately I suffer with stiff and aching joints plus breathing .Sometimes I am able just about to climb the stairs. I also suffer with restless legs syndrome, so I worry too if I can keep still. 😮

Thank u it was so informative

I had another mri today, used your techniques. thank you again. it helped so much. this was a hard one. it was and mri for nerves and that machine made sounds and vibrations I had not heard before. I was close to freaking out especially at the end, but kept doing my breathing and self talk. it was rough!!

i am so with you!!! all of it!!

I had an mri today I am claustrophobic but this was my third. I do so well now because of the particular machine and they also used a cloth over my face. I can’t tell u how much the cloth helps! Also my doc gives me one Xanax pill you take it one hour before the mri It really relaxes you! It helps a lot

I am so glad I found you. I am a wreck. I have a scan sat at 7:45 am sat for my cervical and thoracic. it will be 40 min. Long.I have to wear mask and will have a brace around neck for cervical scan,plus it's a closed mri machine. I have a valium,but I am extremely anxious. I have had to pull out before. I have another one the following Monday. I have one on my lumbar and si joint. Idk how I will make it helpppp

First of all, thank you for all of your advice. I'll try some of it the next time I have to take another MRI of my head. For me, it was a bit of a different experience mainly because I was never fully inside of the machine itself. As it turns out I am not claustrophobic per se, I just hate laying on my back with my head tilted back because I have a feeling I can't swallow and chocking to death terrifies me most of all. The sounds that the machine produces were like a regular Rave from the 90's or early 2000's and the motion this machine itself produces were almost like a massage to my lower back. And anyway, the technician never gave me a chance to contemplate on my fear of chocking too much. It was all lay down and let's get with it already, there's other ppl waiting outside for you to finish with this exam😮So as it turns out the only fears left for me to work out on are this fear of choking to death and (this is silly) that I'll accidentally press on the yellow bulb that the technician's gave me to hold.

Just had 2 MRI’s yesterday for the third time. Had the larger machine and had to calm myself down a few times. Wish I had this video before. In my first scan over 30 years ago, I had a regular (small) machine and I made them pull me out a couple of times. They then put a fan at the back of my head and made a world of difference. They could not use one for the type of machine I used yesterday.

Im getting my First MRI tomorrow thank you

I just had one today and I almost lost it. These things are so nerve reckon for me. Wish I found ur channel before I did mine.

I had my first MRI today for a shoulder injury. I’m a mental health provider and honestly thought I could ride it out. I wasn’t looking forward to it but I don’t have any other anxiety issues so thought I could get through it ok. 13 min I became totally overwhelmed. Cognitively I was still thinking ‘It’s ok, it’s no so bad. And the next second I was gasping for breath and I had pressed the panic button. It didn’t help that the waiting room was as hot as hell - we’re having a heatwave in England and there’s no air conditioning. So I went in hot, I also have a cold. Just an all round hideous experience.

Can relate to what u just said😞

thank you.. I am going in for a closed mri tomorrow. Had one before and totally freaked. Since I have had open mris and no problem with light drugs. I am getting valium. I'm still going to see if there is something there an IV maybe to get me through it. I really appreciate these sites that talk about it and how to help. I thought I was alone and not "tough enough" to get through it. I see I am not alone. Thank you

I found a few years back I was claustrophobic the first time I had to have a MRI. I had the MRI lying flat on my back with my daughter holding my ankles. In my mind I told myself she could pull me out if I called out to her. Logically she couldn’t but I convinced myself she could, if need be. It didn’t hurt as I was informed but I hated it. Recently I needed another MRI for my shoulder & neck after a fall. I was unable to do the shoulder MRI, due to the position I was put in with my arms crossed over me & my shoulder had to fit into a shoulder section but was able to do the neck MRI. My shoulder MRI response was an intense tearful reaction. I was told I should have got Valium from my GP before my appointment. After I calmed down I was able to do the neck MRI flat on my back with a pillow under my knees. I had ear plugs & ear phones put on me, which unfortunately muffled the voices of the practitioners, so couldn’t really take in what they were telling me throughout. I practised deep slow breathing, relaxation & mind games telling myself I was at a Spa or on the beach with the warming sun my face being shaded. 45 minuted later I was out. I was still shaky for some time afterwards. I have no idea why I have a bad reaction but I can feel panic underwater in a swimming pool or even if I get tangled in my duvet! I don’t have panic attacks in any other type of situation but I avoid crowded places instinctively. Update. I finally got my shoulder MRI done. The good news was it was a wider bore & the shoulder coils were much smaller than the one tried before. The bad news was the roof of the tunnel seemed closer & didn’t have a light, just all white, most disconcerting. I think it helps to have something to focus on. My body was flat & my arm with the coil was flat by my side with a (light) weight on it. My left arm was free & I found stroking the side of my torso repeatedly soothed me. This was months after my injury & when booking an MRI they should book you a large bore if you know you are claustrophobic but maybe that’s too simple!

6 years ago I had Breast Cancer. I had my first MRI. With a breast MRI they put you in laying on your stomach with your breasts in a cone like thing. My head was down the whole time so I couldn’t see a thing. I don’t remember how long it took but I had music on. I was more afraid of the results than the test. Then I go back for a MRI biopsy. That took almost an hour. But I made it through. I did take a Xanax before I got there. Of course the results were not good. The next thing was my double mastectomy. But 6 years later I’m still here. Next week I need a CT SCAN of Abdomen and kidneys. They say it’s not a closed in as the MRI 🤞

MRI went well don't know results yet but she said I held still really good and it was because of the breathing and distracting myself I was on my stomach. Thank you for the tips I really don't lay on my stomach and was about to freak out.

I can totally relate to you ....in the car , malls, small areas ....im having a MRI in a few weeks and im freaked outttt ....i had one about 7 years ago and I completely panic the tech had to take me out several times but I eventually some how got through it ....so this time im having lorazepam 2 mg ...1mg an hour before MRI and another right before I go in ...I'm sooo nervous my anxiety has already started and my MRI isn't until the 27th ..im definitely going to cover my eyes for sure

Oh my everything you are saying is true

Nice tips! I’ll try to follow them up. Today I had an MRI for my knee. I couldn’t do it. Reschedule for another day. The told me to take Benadryl. I was really anxious and couldn’t stop moving. I’m always moving my legs so I have no idea how to relax them and not to overthink about not moving.

The best solution is vertical sit down MRI. It gives you space in front of you - open space. I read it's about 50%-60% less confining. 2nd best is CT scan in lieu 3rd choice is ask Dr for strongest sedative possible. *Imo this machine with its 6" gap between your nose and the ceiling, plus its crazy loud sounds, feels like 1980 technology. Time to improve it. Maybe design it with better air flow (less heat, more oxygen), less loud and at least 18 inches space above nose.

I am going for my MRI tomorrow. 😬 Will share my experience after coming back.

Good to hear your story, I’m also claustrophobic. I went for CTScan today, first time, I was thinking how I will deal with this. My Dr prescribed me 1tablet so that it will help with my anxiety. I tried to keep myself strong and said to myself, I have to do it. It didn’t take more than 5 mins, but in the end I had hot flashes and felt my throat dry, because of IV. Finally, i made it, so much relief now😊.

Totally claustrophobic and being booked for a shoulder MRI!!!!

Hello :) i'm 15 year old with anxiety and I have an upcoming scoliosis surgery in March and i have to get an MRI. it is going to be an hour and a half long and i am really nervous ;~; this video made me feel a lot better. :D thanks!

i have it tomorroww... dont want to go but i really have to. I will be closing my eyes hopefully it helps

One of the techniques I use helps you in two ways. I estimate the time for the MRI. So, if its 15 minutes I start counting backwards from 900. It gives your brain something else to do, and also lets you know when the light at the end of the (pun intended) tunnel will occur.

What helped me was placing a soft scented rag over your face or just your eyes before you go in. A lady did this for me and it smelled like cucumber melon. It really worked.

One piece of music I know would elicit feelings of relaxation as well as stimulate the Vegas nerve is (1:00:30 long) is music by Narayanjot on RU-vid called Stimulate the Vegas Nerve music. A little after it starts there is this soothing Asian music and exotic birds gathering in unison. If our local hospital MRI has headphones that would be a sure-fire ways to deeply relax.

I have just had a call that my MRI is tomorrow morning, never had one before and suffer from Claustrophobia and wont lie I am bricking it. Its on my head and have been told it will be around 40-50 mins, the above has helped but like comments below as I have got older I have got more panicky. No time to get a sedative and too short notice for anyone to come with me so wish me luck, this time tomorrow it will all be done

I can relate😊

I have claustrophobia and freaked out in the MRI recently and screamed to be let out. Total panic attack. I have a breathing problem and seeing the Respirologist this week. She will give me the results of several tests. I’m never going into an MRI machine again. I get claustrophobia in my own bedroom. - a big room that I don’t share. I have to open the window so I can get air. It’s. Awful!

I feel all of that 😢

fantastic

Thank you for your tips. I have an MRI Thursday and plan to take a Valium before going. Should I shampoo? Is hair spray a problem with an MRI?

I'm claustrophobic asf and idk why but I just felt so relaxed in both PET and MRI scans idk why

Great ideas. Love the body scan and the three lug sections. I may pretend that I am scuba diving. And check with my doctor about an additional prescription from my anxiety medication

Thank you so much for this video. I was scheduled yesterday morning for my mri. I didnt last ten seconds instant panic attack. Its the next day evening and im still in panic mode. Ive resheduled for a few weeks but i dont think i can do it. Im going to try.

I kept failing my mri. The medical field was 50/50 on shame or care. Also, claustrophobia has an address on our DNA. I know now, that sedation is required.

I always take Valium before I have my yearly MRI.

Omg ! Being clastophobic it's hard but finally I did it in an open MRI and with a sedetive it was the only way I try twice and believe me it was hard I control my breathing because I felt that the medicine wasn't kicking in ,😊 but I did it ! Thank you

For me was very helpful to close my eyes when I came to MRI alone and never open them until the .end. and in one other MRI my husband was near me touching my feet and it was so helpful. And of cause my eyes were closed

Thanks...just had to back out of my first MRI attempt...not a good time...still feeling anxious.