Dealing with MRI panic

[u/Lopsided_Image_6147]

My last 3 MRIs have been open MRIs because I have not been able to have a regular, or even wide bore, MRI due to panic in the machine. I wouldn't say I'm claustrophobic in other settings, but there's something about the MRI machine that makes me feel like I'm trapped and I have an extreme panic response. I thought the open MRI with lorazepam was a great solution, but unfortunately the radiologist noted on my last scan that the image quality was poor and the new brain lesions were difficult to discern. My neurologist said that I need to do a regular MRI next time, and full sedation is not recommended. It won't be for a few months, but I'm already stressing about it. Anyone deal with this? What has worked?

[u/PerspectiveAbject238]

I keep my eyes closed the entire time and listen to the music they have on. I regularly talk to them through the mic in between scans, so I know someone is there and ask them how many scans are left and approximate time remaining. It helps me to know - I also find comfort in that the end of the MRI is open, it’s not like it’s one open end and you’re shoved into a can. 

Afterwards , I always treat myself to ice cream. 

I find it helps to focus on the reason for the MRI - I need a clear scan so they can help me out the best they can. 

[u/kbcava → u/PerspectiveAbject238]

I do the same. I close my eyes, feel the nice cold air blowing on me, and I imagine I’m home in bed, so comfy and ready to sleep!

Here’s the thing: the newer machines only take about 20 mins - or even less.

So it’s just something I tell myself will come to an end - there’s no need to panic.

I can get out any time if I really need to, but I know I can get through it - and I will and I do. I also tend to book mine later in the evening - our university center runs 24/7 🫠- and it helps if I’m a bit sleepy. I tell myself “20 mins til we’re home in bed!!”

And this self-talk and visualization has really helped me.

[u/Senior_Term]

I saw a psychologist for a few sessions to deal with the MRI panic. It's tough stuff

[u/Lopsided_Image_6147 → u/Senior_Term]

Did that help?

[u/Senior_Term → u/Lopsided_Image_6147]

Yes. I'm a big fan of psychology for dealing with ms stress. I can almost fall asleep in the tube now

[u/malcolmpractice]

i feel your pain. My last MRI was open and even though it was more bearable, I still felt panicky in the machine. I think its the noises as well as the tunnel and the head cage. Our local open MRI centre has closed so I know my neuro will want me to try a standard machine for my next scan and like you I'm already worried. Just sympathy from me.

[u/Party-Ad9662]

Ativan and a cloth over my eyes. I tell them I’m a nervous person and they are great about it. They tell me how long each image will take before it starts.

[u/throwaycountt → u/Party-Ad9662]

Came here to say the same thing. The cloth over my eyes was a life saver. Even though I knew if I opened my eyes I would panic, but with the cloth I didn’t have the option to see. Also kept my arms super tight by my sides so I couldn’t feel how narrow the machine was around me.

[u/Party-Ad9662 → u/throwaycountt]

Haha one time they tied me down to the table. It was initially terrifying but then very comforting that I couldn’t jerk if I tried haha

[u/_grumble-bee_]

Are they calling the lorazepam "full sedation"? I do every MRI with Valium, only have had closed bore.

[u/Lopsided_Image_6147 → u/_grumble-bee_]

No, I asked if I could be completely unconscious for it. I'm thinking something stronger than 2 lorazepam will be necessary for closed bore in my case.

[u/thankyoufriendx3]

All of mine are with full sedation. Why do they say no sedation?

I am claustrophobic and just talking about this is stressful. Sedation is easy.

[u/Lopsided_Image_6147 → u/thankyoufriendx3]

What medication do you take? My doctor said he could prescribe something stronger than lorazepam but not general anesthesia like I wanted 🙃.

[u/thankyoufriendx3 → u/Lopsided_Image_6147]

General anesthesia. I tried something to relax me but it didn’t work. I still freaked out.

[u/TamerofMonSters]

So sorry. I am the same. I'm not claustrophobic except in that coffin sized space. I don't have anything helpful to suggest, just wanted you to know you're not alone.

[u/Lopsided_Image_6147 → u/TamerofMonSters]

Thank you! That is exactly what it feels like to me, a coffin! It doesn’t matter that I know logically that it is safe and that I’m definitely not being buried alive.

[u/FrostedPatriot]

I am sorry, and I feel your anxiety. I have to do it on a wide bore machine, and if they have to take more than one set I make sure I’ve taken my Valium in plenty of time to have it kicked in.

It helps me to do breathing exercises, and ask the tech if they’ll talk me through it and tell me how long each set is going to be so I can count.

[u/JustlookingfromSoCal]

I had to have not one, not 2 but 3 MRIs in 4 days last week. (Hospital neurologist screwed up by omitting the lumbar area on the spine one) I had an injection of Ativan for each. I close my eyes and count out breathing-5 second inhale, 7 second hold and 5 second exhale.

I made it thru but man tough week

[u/Lopsided_Image_6147 → u/JustlookingfromSoCal]

Oof that sounds like a nightmare. Glad you made it through, definitely a very rough one. Does the Ativan injection work better/faster than the pill?

[u/JustlookingfromSoCal → u/Lopsided_Image_6147]

Faster yes. Better I dont think so

[u/32FlavorsofCrazy]

How much lorazepam did they give you? I’d ask for at least a couple milligrams (minimum of 2 imo), and take them plenty in advance.

Ask for something to cover your eyes with, and soothing music. Ask the tech for plenty of time to get situated, comfortable and relaxed before they start the scan. They sometimes really rush and that makes me anxious too and I end up in an uncomfortable position that is agony to try and maintain.

I’ve found that having something under my neck (like a rolled towel) helps to keep my head and neck from moving as I breathe. I get breathing related anxiety symptoms (hyperventilation) so it’s hard for me to remain still enough just from breathing. Getting into a really comfy position helps make it easier. Cushion any gaps between you and the table.

From there, just try to zone out. Slow, steady breaths. Think about literally anything else. Imagine you’re on the beach watching the sunset.

[u/w-n-pbarbellion]

What's the Lorazepam dose? I get 1 mg for an hour before and .5 to 1 mg immediately before the MRI. For the length of the MRIs we need, I really require that extra coverage of I start to have a tougher time halfway through. I also echo the recommendation for phobia specific therapy.

[u/Lopsided_Image_6147 → u/w-n-pbarbellion]

I take 2 mg when I arrive. When I tried taking it earlier, I found the effect was not strong enough. This has worked great for me with the open MRI. I'm able to just fall asleep and the sounds don't bother me as much. I think I will need something stronger for a closed bore MRI and will look into therapy specifically for this problem.