MRI of eyes - anyone know what's involved?

[whethertheweather]

My DH has been referred for an MRI of his eyes as the diabetic optical consultant says he has "unusual fissures" worthy of investigation. DH saw the consultant on his own , so of course didn't ask what that meant or what would be involved in the procedure.

DH is now bricking it. He is to be fair very claustrophobic and the thought of being posted down an MRI tube is making him say he's not going to have it done. Does anyone know if it will involve his whole body going in the scanner or will it just be his head so I can calm him down?

I don't know but I had an MRI on my head and only my head was in the machine bit. I had headphones on and could see out quite well.
Is it actually an MRI he is going for? Could it be a different type of scan such as ultrasound or a retinal scan?

It will be quite a bit of him going in and as it's a head scan it's likely he will have a brace fitted around his head, quite frightening if you don't like confined spaces. I've had 4 scans and they are noisy if anything. Best tell them before about his fears and he may get a sedative.

The fear of the unknown is worse. I usually have a nap in them.

The MRI is a tight fit for blokes shoulders.

I empathise with you and your DH. My head scan was full body in but I could see out the end of the scanner if I looked up and back.
It truly isn't as bad as it sounds . The main thing is to take time to settle comfortably before going into the scanner . Get breathing calmly . close eyes and listen to the music on the headphones they give you. Take your own CD if you want .
My fear was lying flat as I have difficulty breathing . Saw my GP and she gave me a small dose of Valium to take before . Also you are given a handheld buzzer to press if you need to get out.
I do recommend that you look on YouTube for head MRI. They give you an idea . They are noisy !

The staff are well used to anxious patients and will help.

I am claustrophobic and kept my eyes shut from before I went in until after I came out.

Thanks so much. It's definitely an MRI he's having. He had a diabetic eye screen and the optometrist referred him to consultant at the hospital as she thought he had a bulge at back of eye that could be due to intracranial pressure. Consultant said no pressure issue but then immediately referred him to have MRI and see neurosurgeon (!) due to unusual fissures. No explanation about what unusual fissures might mean.

I'll make sure I tell them well in advance of his anxiety. They've said I can be in the room with him so that will help. He's a big chap so my next worry is how he will fit in the tube if it's more than just his head!

Ahwhether they managed to squeeze me in . My DH stayed in the room and stroked my foot bless him..make sure you have no metal on you as well.
Re mild sedative if needed . See your GP beforehand as it is unlikely to be prescribed on the day. No driving home after.
It truly isn't as bad as our fears imagine but I do understand .