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Original poster

How bad is an mri scan if you are claustrophobic?

87 replies

JadeVS72 · 12/01/2024 20:30

I have been offered an mri of my heart as part of some research due to me having an inflammatory auto immune condition. I would be interested in understanding my heart health but I am quite claustrophobic. As it is for research purposes, they would not offer any sedation. Does anyone have any experiences they could share about how bad it actually is? I wouldn't mind the noise it's just not being able to see an open room. How close to your face is the roof of the tube? Thanks!

OP posts:
Shabbystar · 12/01/2024 21:12

I have to have an MRI on my head every couple of years or so (with cage locked over head). I used to be fine but then I had one where I felt very claustrophobic and a bit panicky and now I dread them. My new method is to not actually look at the scanner, just walk in and lay on the bed, close eyes before going in and then sing songs in my head for the duration of the scan and open eyes once out again!

StragglyTinsel · 12/01/2024 21:12

JadeVS72 · 12/01/2024 21:05

My husband suggested wearing an eye mask but this might be a bit scary if I can't move my hands to adjust it?

Show quote history

It’s worse without it IME. Practice wearing it so you don’t feel the need to adjust it when you’re in there.

You don’t want to move at all both for the purpose of the MRI but very much also because you do not want to touch anything that reminds you of where the sides are in relation to your body.

It’s worth remembering that they will always get you out if you panic and need them to. The staff are very used to supporting claustrophobic people.

DaisyCat33 · 12/01/2024 21:13

I've had two, one pelvis and one brain and I found them both fine. The noise bothered me the most - it is truly very loud!
The tube is open both ends, and in my experience there's a little mirror above you so you can see a bit of the room behind you. You have a bell in your hand you can press and if you do, the radiographers come running over immediately to check you're ok (I had to on my first one as I had a reaction to a medication they'd given me)

Try to remember that you can get out if you really need to. You're not trapped.

StragglyTinsel · 12/01/2024 21:15

IME the length of time isn’t the main problem. For me the main issue in relation to claustrophobia is managing to get into the tube and the first couple of minutes.

If I can make it through that, then continuing whatever I’m doing to avoid thinking about being in a small tube is likely to be fine for quite a long time. The issues with longer scans are that you get physically uncomfortable in there.

Icannotbudget · 12/01/2024 21:17

OP I’m extremely claustrophobic, I cannot go in lifts, planes, very enclosed Loos! But 18 months ago I had a neck injury and absolutely had to have one. I was able to go in a ‘wide bore’ MRI which although still ‘Close’ was not as extremely enclosed as I had imagined. They also gave me a mirror thingy which enabled me to see ‘behind me ‘ and i could see the staff behind the screen. However the most helpful thing was I told them how claustrophobia and that I needed to know they would come and get me out immediately if I rang the buzzer, knowing they would do this helped me feel in control.

ScierraDoll · 12/01/2024 21:18

I didn't like it and I'm not claustrophobic. It's very noisy and very hot and your face will be very close to the top of the scanner. Sorry OP this isn't good news for you. Perhaps they can give you a sedative of some sort

Icannotbudget · 12/01/2024 21:19

Also they talk to you continually and break it down into short chunks xx

WhoStoleYourHighHorse · 12/01/2024 21:24

I don't find them easy, sorry. I would definitely recommend the Valium route - it makes it bearable.

crew2022 · 12/01/2024 21:26

I'm very claustrophobic. Can't go in lifts and hate the toilets on planes.
I had two : 15 minutes and my head did not go in: that was fine. Forty minutes and my head went in and I panicked badly. The radiographer was lovely and persuaded me to keep going but I'm not sure I could do it again.
They told me I can have someone in the room with me if I have to go back again and also to get some sedation but even with that I'm dreading it

WeveGotThis · 12/01/2024 21:31

LittleOwl153 · 12/01/2024 20:38

Find out how long you would be in there. 15 mins might be doable for your, but the chap before me was in for 2hours!

I had a lumber spine and 'feet first' had my head just in the tube so I could see the room behind me but I guess for the heart you'd have to go head first so I don't know if how far that would take you in.

I agree, find out how long it will be.

I'm not especially claustrophobic but they are not my idea of fun. I've had a lot for my epilepsy, including one last month. Some providers will offer you music so find that out too.

I did hypnobirthing classes once upon a time and I use the breathing and meditation techniques in the machine to keep myself calm. I almost fell asleep last time. Remind yourself that it's temporary and a very small part of your week, and be proud of yourself for facing it.

GooglyPop17 · 12/01/2024 21:32

My autistic child had one last year without any drama.

return2sender · 12/01/2024 21:33

Ask to go in feet first.

SoftPillowAllNight · 12/01/2024 21:36

I am not claustrophobic and I struggled. The first time I didn't know what to expect and strangely that meant I didn't panic. The second time I kept waking from my sleep the night prior as I kept thinking I'm inside the tube! Once I got there I was fine. I have to keep my nerves and remind myself to breathe deeply throughout. I found there are air ducts inside which blow in fresh air and if your face is close to one it helps enormously to feel airy and free. I couldn't have my eyes in a mask as I wouldn't be able to take it off if I wanted to. I close and open my eyes every few minutes to vary the experience.

It's not pleasant but you can go through it with the right mindset. Also - prep for 90 mins so that an hour will seem shorter in the end.

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 12/01/2024 21:36

I have a two hour cardiac MRI every two years (I have to… prone to artery tears so they scan my heart/arteries). It’s grim and long and I am claustrophobic.

The trick is to close your eyes before you enter the chamber and crucially, before they put the head cage thing on. Just shut your eyes and do NOT open them. I close my eyes and daydream about throwing a tennis ball to my dog while we’re running along a beach. I eventually fall asleep, which I’m not supposed to do but.. 2 hours is long.

SoftPillowAllNight · 12/01/2024 21:37

Also I try to think of those people with life limiting conditions who need an MRI to save their life. It brings perspective and reminds me that I am in a better position and I should not be moaning about this.

Redruby2020 · 12/01/2024 21:38

I had one done to check my spine/back. I have suffered with anxiety about things since emerg c section, so i wasn't looking forward to it to be honest.

They do give you a button to hold, so you can press that if you need to.

From memory you do go all the way in but your head is near the edge to the open side.

I was also living in a terrible situation at the time, so that wasn't helping and panicking about finishing and getting out.

I think the thing to think about is what it's for, and to have something to think about whilst it's being done. Maybe even try to count to actually see how long it takes.

And give yourself big praise once it's done.

Goodluck.

Answersunknown · 12/01/2024 21:39

I’ve had many - they machines all vary.
best tip - tip you’re head back slightly and you’ll be able to see out the top slightly - definitely helps me

Londisc · 12/01/2024 21:40

Get a proper quality silk comfy eye mask. Practice wearing it and deep-breathing at a regular rhythm (in for 10, out for 10 for example). Find a relaxing audio story or guided meditation that lasts twice as long as the time you will be in the tube. Listen to it numerous times beforehand so you know it well, then guide yourself through it when you are in the scan. Remember you have trained care professionals watching over you all the time and that you are safe.

WolfFoxHare · 12/01/2024 21:44

It’s not good. Your face is inches from the inside of the tube and it’s very noisy. The only thing that stopped me asking them to let me out both times I’ve had an MRI was that I knew I’d have had to go back in and presumably start again if they did let me out, because I needed to get the results. It was extremely difficult. I wouldn’t do it just for research purposes.

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 12/01/2024 21:46

Remember you have trained care professionals watching over you all the time and that you are safe.

Yes, this really helps. And the handheld button you can press (mentioned previously) if it all gets too much is also reassuring. I’ve gripped mine with a sweaty palm but have never used it. You’ll be ok, OP.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 12/01/2024 21:46

I found l could manage 15 mins but not much more.

The music thing was broken. But it was the closeness to the roof that did me in. I had to concentrate on not panicking.

WolfFoxHare · 12/01/2024 21:46

I’d need sedating if they wanted to use the head cage. I didn’t need it for my MRIs, thank God.

strawberryswizzler · 12/01/2024 21:47

don’t want to scare you but mine gave me a panic attack and i tapped out early. if i were to need one again i would still try though but id probably ask if i could put headphones in and wear a sleeping mask so i can try to block it out

Jingleballs2 · 12/01/2024 21:48

I've had 2 on my brain and spine. First one was just brain, took 30 minutes and basically had a panic attack the entire time because of the cage over my face (you won't need that) and how close to the roof I was.
Second one was over an hour, different hospital.. it was so chilled, the man put on a film for me and the mirror above me pointed so I could see it. It made the whole thing feel less enclosed and I ended up falling asleep 🤣

But yes, don't be afraid to ask for valium if you feel you'll need it.

WolfFoxHare · 12/01/2024 21:48

Oh a previous poster mentioned the air jets. I found it made the room too cold the first time, as I had bare feet and they were freezing by the end. I wore socks the second time and that was better.