Facing An MRI With Claustrophobia? Your Guide To A Calmer Experience

The words "you need an MRI" can be for the trigger of immediate anxiety in the event that you are a person who lives with claustrophobia. The thought of being in a confined, noisy tube is a thing that is daunting, but the avoidance of the scan is not the answer. The good news is a thing that is this: with the right preparation, it is possible for you to be for the take of control of the situation and for the get through of your MRI successfully. It is a thing that all starts with a proactive approach, coupled with open communication.

Your first and most powerful step is for you to be for the have of a conversation with your referring doctor and with the imaging technologists. They are your allies. The being upfront about your anxiety is important; it is a thing that they are for the hear of every day, and they are for the have of protocols for the helping. It is possible for you to be for the ask for of a mild sedative for the help of you to relax. Furthermore, the always request for a "panic button"—a small bulb that it is possible for you to be for the squeeze of at any time for the immediate alert of the staff—is for the giving to you of a crucial sense of control. The not hesitation to be for the ask for of an eye cover or of a mirror is a good practice; the not seeing of the tight space around you can be for the drastic reduction of feelings of confinement.

Your preparation on the day of the scan is a thing that is equally important. The wear of comfortable, metal-free clothing is for the avoidance of the scratchy hospital gown. The practice of calming techniques beforehand, such as focused breathing (the in for of four counts, the hold for of four, the out for of six) or the visualization of a peaceful place, is a good idea. Some facilities are even for the offer of "open-sided" MRI machines, so it is always a thing that is worth the inquiry.

The remembering that the MRI technologists are a thing that is there for the guide of you through every step is important. They will be for the explanation of each sound that you will be for the hear of - the knocks and the buzzes are a thing that is normal! By the communication of your needs, the utilization of these simple tools, and the focus on your breath, it is possible for you to be for the transformation of a frightening experience into one that is manageable. Your health is a thing that is worth it, and you are for the have of the power for the navigation of this challenge.