How to Stop an MRI Claustrophobia Panic Attack (10 Tricks for Crushing MRI Anxiety!)
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- MRI claustrophobia affects about 1 in 10 people, and panic attacks while inside an MRI machine are not uncommon. Here are 10 of my favorite tricks for preventing and stopping panic attacks while inside an MRI machine.
You can check out the full, original article for greater detail here: dontpanicdothis.com/mri-claus...
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Disclaimer: This channel does not contain professional or medical advice. The author of this website is not a doctor. This channel is based on opinions and my own personal experience with anxiety and panic. ..
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I had an MRI scan on my whole spine and brain yesterday so had to also wear a cage over my face. It took an hour and a half. I've had a few MRI scans now and can say the best thing to do is not look at the machine and close your eyes as soon as you're laid down and think of your happy place. There is lots of air movement in the scanner so you can feel you are getting air, it's just enclosed so doesn't feel like it but closing eyes means you don't get that sensation. You can do it and remember, it's for the good of your health to have these things ❤
Glad to hear it went well for you! Thanks for sharing those awesome tips :)
Good for you . your brave .. they did the Samething and I panic had to leave
@@shereecleary4685 I wouldn't say brave as I had a few times I nearly went into a panic but just trying to help people by letting them know it's best not to even look at it and close your eyes straight away. See if you can get sedation for it. I think most hospitals offer that and good luck x
I had an eye mask over my eyes 👀. But still, the SECOND i went into that machine I had a FULL BLOWN panic attack 😂😂😂😂.
@Santa-fu1bz It's hard, did they offer you a sedative to help next time? Sorry you had such a bad experience. Hope the next time is better. I've had about 6 now and will have to have them regularly and I've gotten so used to them. They always ask if I want the radio, so I say yes and count the songs so I know by the time I get to about 12 songs, it's near finishing time. I think the fact you don't know how long you're in there doesn't help with the panic, so I use that as a reference. Good luck for next time
Problem is feeling suffocation.
I went today fr lumbar spine I couldn’t do as I was siffercating
In the last 2 years I’ve had several MRIs & today I will hopefully have another. I have claustrophobia & have rejected a small bore MRI several times on different occasions in different hospitals but managed a wide bore MRI. Whilst I don’t know which is which my body’s reaction does. It’s quite visceral, crying & then feeling stupid because I know it’s not going to hurt. I have never been offered music but a blanket helps. I self sooth, rhythmic tiny strokes with a finger or two against whatever part of my body my hand is against. I focus on the light inside but not all have them so will focus on a spot. I repeat in my head, This will pass. I think of a sunny beach, my head in in the shade, with the blue sea gently lapping close by & tell myself I’m relaxed & will rest for a little while. I play games with myself, how many words can I think of beginning with A or B etc? How many colours can I think of? What colours would go well with what in which room? I think of my cats gentle purring & warmth when relaxing beside me. Anything to distract me. Then I’m out! A MRI is a wonderful diagnostic tool that I feel grateful for. I took a fall last year & broke my left elbow & hurt my shoulder but a X-ray showed I didn’t break any shoulder bones. An X-ray showed the elbow break but it was a MRI (with shoulder coil ) that showed a rotator cuff tear which explained the pain I was experiencing. I had a head scan complete with head cage which was reassuringly negative.
Thanks for sharing these tips! I love the positive outlook about feeling grateful that such a powerful diagnostic tool even exists... hadn't considered that :)
I had an MRI a couple of days ago. My last MRI was 14 years prior to the recent one. I could not handle it and had to leave. That was before I knew you could take something for anxiety. I got another appointment a few weeks later and picked up my prescription. Alone with the prescription and placing a cloth over my eyes, I was able to get through it. Fast forward to earlier this week, I had another MRI. This one was 45 minutes. I took my prescription, covered my eyes with a cloth (I bought a mask for my eyes but was not allowed to use it because the adjustable band was metal😮) and everything went smoothly. I'm not sure if the machine was the same size as my first one but appeared to be a bit larger. The noise is still just as loud. I was given earplugs. I "think" I probably could have gotten through it without medication this time, as long as my eyes were covered. I'm glad it's over and this video helped.
You're speaking truth here. This what I do with the CT scan. I don't believe I can manage a MRI. Only God can help me. Love your comment and pray you heal fully.🙏🏾💕
I have had multiple skin cancer removal surgeries on my face. I bought a cheap radio at Walmart and cheap headphones and I found that listening to music definitely helped. Those surgeries are done with you wide awake. I also used those for a prostate biopsy and it worked like a charm, so I am hoping music will help me get through my first MRI in a couple of weeks.
First, you have an incredibly soothing voice. I had my MRI this morning and I was extremely anxious about it. Your tips helped. In fact, I had NO anxiety at all during the procedure. I had the tech play soft instrumental music and I kept my eyes closed the entire time. I did take a Valium before but honestly I'm not even sure it kicked in and I think I would have been fine without it. The exam was over before I knew it. Hang in there people! You can get through it! Oh, I did request to go into the machine feet first. Psychologically this helped me.
Just came back from my 1st MRI on my rotor cuff. I didn’t last 45 secs. I had no idea it was going to be that bad for me. It was touching both my shoulders and the ceiling was like 3-4” from my face. Was embarrassing but tried twice and couldn’t do it. Reschedule is for this Friday after thanksgiving, I plan to sedate myself liberally before hand lol.
I had an MRI for a torn rotator cuff and labrum, so I know how uncomfortable that thing is. I was pretty anxious myself and fidgeting quite a bit so it took a few tries to get the images right 😢I hope take 2 went alright for you, man!
Same! I was so embarrassed but I couldn't deal with it. Not only were my shoulders squeezed to my sides but my head was put in a vice type contraption. Im a bigger girl so it was extra claustrophobicey. My Dr prescribed me a antihistamine like benedryl which only dried my sinuses but did nothing for my nerves. Good luck for ur next appointment
I so understand how you felt ! I totally freak way before I even get in the machine and as soon as I lay down and they make the thing move me in to tube I simply lose it and try to claw my way back out ! The last one I had to have my doc gave me a drug that helped very very slightly…. So next time I have to have one I am going to make sure I take one of those pills a few hours before and one right before I go in in hopes to be able to stay in that tiny little tube…..
Same here - you ain’t the only one ! Whoa 😳
@@sarajeanmarinershera208 OMG! I had to do the one where my head was locked in, too! That one was the worst!
When I had an MRI in the Philippines, there wasn't even a panic button. I had to bang on the inside of the machine for them to let me out. I couldn't go back in after that. The next time my mom had to touch my feet the whole time I was in there so I knew someone could pull me out if I needed to get out. I was in my forties at the time. Very humbling experience.
thank you had my first MRI today and this helped me not to freak out I had to lay on my stomach for 30 minutes and if I hadn't mentally prepared I wouldn't have made it.
Awesome, you're so welcome. I'm glad it helped!
Just listening to this makes my heart race. I have to go in soon and I’m trying to hard to work past this!!!!!
I just had one yesterday, and I've had about six in my lifetime. These are the things that have helped me get through it.
First major tip: DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES. It's easier to feel like you have more room if you don't actually look at how close it is.
Second tip: Going into the tube was the worst part for me. Once I adjusted, and I was in, I was able to do it. They put me in twice (one without contrast dye and one with). The second time was easier.
Third tip: The two times that it was the hardest having someone touch my hand or feet while I was in the tube or talk to me helped me know that I wouldn't be trapped in there alone.
Fourth tip: Counting. It gives me something to do. I got two 2,000 yesterday. lol
Naturally, YMMV.
its a bitch!!!! you need complete mind control to get thru it!
If those nurses that call you with appointment time didn’t ask you if you’re claustrophobic then you wouldn’t worry about it being claustrophobic. Nurses don’t ask!!!
The doctor who sent me there did in my case, asked if I needed meds too.
I couldn't complete my mri yesterday I only last 30 minutes
now after I see this video I believe I can try again and complete my mri
Thank you for sharing this valuable informations ❤❤😊
No problem. Good luck!
Thanks. I'm headed for my 3rd MRI of head cervical and thoracic W WO contrast. What a Monster session.
Wishing you the best with your next session, Steve. Hopefully some of these tips were helpful to you, and hopefully it's gotten easier for you after a few sessions.
Good luck, you've got this!
Dont know why cant they have open or large rim mri when nealry everyone who goes there is scared why why why.....
And they do it for animals so why not the same for humans instead of little tube!
I don’t understand why they don’t design an MRI better for most people…
The loud sound and closeness is really unnecessary….
I just don’t like it and it’s annoying that we have to be stuck in a tube like machine with loud freaking sounds
They have the open stand up MRI machines now.
I used to have anxiety and related symptoms whenever a needle was involved. I finally figured out that I should concentrate on what I was actually feeling, a pinprick, that was all. That helped a lot. Now I face an MRI in a couple of weeks. I don't have problems with panic attacks and anxiety in everyday life. At work, one time I was in a narrow concrete box culvert under a road that had partially collapsed. I was not comfortable and wanted out as soon as possible. I honestly don't know if I will have a problem with an MRI. The place I am going has "big bore" MRI machines so I am hoping that helps. Anyway, thanks for the encouragement and advice.
Thanks for the tips, wishing you luck with your MRI!
In order to leave you some positive thoughts on mri: I was diagnosed with ms age 16 and from then on I went to the mri scan head on a regular basis, right now every 3 month.
At that time I always was cool with that; I just wanted them to get me in and let me close my eyes.. no talking/caring etc please.
2 years ago having my first thoracic mri I panicked and from then on I was having severe problems. Still need to go every three month (!) for the head plus additional examinations.
2 weeks ago I got my first lumbal mri, and people , to cheer you up:
I was so scared of THAT ONE, but hey, compared to the others you can look outside. E.g stare at a light at the ceiling :), that can be so helpful.
Two days ago I had a head mri scan again.
And well,… I was disappointed of my body still reacting but I ve made it.
Go in there, close your eyes, don’t look,.. and remind yourself that most of your body is outside (!).
In 2 hours I m going to have another thoracic mri. Like with my appointment two days ago I will ask:
- how long will it take?
- tell me when 5 minutes have passed, and another 5 minutes and so on,… this helped
Plus at some point you can tell yourself :
Heyy I did half of it, soo I can move on.
Oh and ps :))))
Over the past two years I left the mri scan on my own.
First time I just panicked, didn’t think, was outside of it - was reaaally disappointed of me the next moment - and then put myself in on my own 😂😂. Just imagine. Because I was so ashamed. They did not stop it.
The next time I panicked, did the same (whoho, outside ?) they had to calm me down first and then back in.
Just relieving to know, that in case of fight or flight you can flight.
You r brave
You guys can do the open MRI for people like me. I’m going next week for open MRI . Wish me luck
This was incredibly calming and reassuring. Especially after not getting through my last MRI (torn shoulder) because I could not stay still. Was actually sweating. Can you come with me Bro? lol Seriously, great stuff. Will use tomorrow. Get 'er done!!!
Haha been there man! I'm glad the video helped, I hope you did well with your MRI this time!
I'm the most claustrophobic person & have tried 2 head MRI's recently with no luck. The scanner I think I could cope with, as it's open at the bottom. It's the head cage I can't cope with! I can't have people locking my head in a box! I screamed to get me out & just collapsed on the floor, I'll never do it if they keep wanting to lock my head in a box, it's impossible.
I am the same way, I'm very phobic! I don't use elevators alone as I have been stuck in many of them. Also, no bridges, no tunnels, and no highways as these simply are all things that make me feel trapped. So when it comes to MRIs I refuse to go in them for a while there I was able to do them with no problem. I'm not sure what has gotten to me that I cannot get into a MRI now, I don't even know how I did it before? I was supposed to have a MRI of my brain and I am terrified of having the face piece put over that locks your head into place. I understand they don't want you to move because it blurs the picture but still! Whoever made an MRI machine needs to go back to the drawing board and try to create something that helps people who are like us that cannot do an MRI but may need one. I don't want to do a CT scan because of the radiation. There's got to be a way to make an MRI machine much smaller so you can put your head and will not cause so much anxiety to people.
@@lindylou9792 I'm exactly the same! Can't use lifts, can't use public toilets unless there's someone with me to get me out if I get stuck! I even sleep walk in hot weather, where I'm dreaming I'm locked in a room. No idea whrre this comes. So MRI's are impossible. My GP said to try, I went, but I knew it would be a miracle. They want my GP to get funding for an open scanner, being larger, but if they're going to keep locking my head in a box then there's no point, I can't do that. They told me the head cage helps the lasers pinpoint the areas on the head, but they don't need it if they're doing other parts, so don't use it on my head!
Yes, I agree, something should be made available so that we can all have one, otherwise people like us are just left.
My dear, please don't be scared, try to practice yoga in your life to calm your mind, I can understand how you feel with a regular visitor there. Also deep breathing also helps to calm down, ask the technical to put your favourite music, and also at some point they showed me a nice cartoon film and I got absorbed in it. As they had a reflective screen and also one time they had a picture of a blue sky with some.clouds on the top and that helped aslo
@@shantisingh4944 Nothing would help me, once they put the head cage on I feel like head is locked in and I scream to get out. I want them to let me do it without the cage on my head, but they won't, so I can't do it. I can never try it again.
I really appreciate everyone's comments. I've already had two MRIs but never fully pulled into the machine. Now I have to have a brain MRI, and im having panic attacks. My daughter suggested i watch a video, and here I am. I had no idea my head would be covered. My face would be inches from the machine. And I still haven't found out how long i will be in this small machine. Help!
The brain MRI is not bad you don't have to go all the way in the machine. I'm struggling with going all the way in my appt is tomorrow and I'm not ready.
@@kacic.4410how was it?
@@GuadalupeDeLaSierra it was horrible! The first time i had to reschedule because i couldnt do it so i came back the next day after i took my meds and completed the MRI full body
@@kacic.4410 thanks for your reply, I was watching another video, and in that video, it stated that kind fear stems back to an experience of traumatic event. Were you ever able to trace back where it all started?
@@GuadalupeDeLaSierra no never thought about it that way.
just had one today it took massive mind control to get thru it.............almost like being in an elevator thats stuck with no escape however the walls werent closing in
Tried many times even with Valium can't do it
Put me sleep before going in that room
Funny you say that. MRIs machines make me a bit stressed out and uncomfortable, but the idea of anesthesia actually gives me a lot more anxiety! To each their own, I suppose.
definitley!!!!!!!
Why@@tylerjellis
Maybe just make the machine bigger? The damn thing is smaller than a coffin. I shouldn't have to get claustrophobia and a shoulder injury to fix my back injury. Doctors a humans right? Then why is it that most medical things are designed to be horrible for humans to go through?
Haha you bring up a very good point. I was curious so I looked this up... turns out, there ARE bigger MRI machines available (mostly used for larger people); but, as a result, they have to use a much stronger magnetic field.
My guess is that too large a machine won't be able to produce the same test results.
The bigger the machine the bigger the costs......it's a toss up that your health insurance will approve it.....
@@BIG_DRU Really good point!
Where I am going for an MRI (my first) has "big bore" MRI machines that have larger openings, which I hope will help. I don't know if I will have a problem or not.
I don’t understand why doctors put you threw a MRI knowing that we have claustrophobic it’s hard I did 2 already and I still can’t get over with I have nightmares at middle of the night it gust messes with my mind and last week they told me I needed to do another MRI 🤦🏽♂️
Had 45 minutes not too bad. Next time I will take the med the doctor offered to me.
Just try it when you are twice the size of a regular human. I need a big bore MRI with IV sedation and for some reason its nonexistent!...I cannot believe this is all we have.
i go today to see if i have cancer the ultrasound found something and my doctor and radiologist oncologist said mri with and without contrast.
Oh no! Hoping everything goes well and tests come back negative! ❤🤞
I have ine next week, im being put out. Is that bad ? I have to get this done
I'm definitely not an expert on anesthesia and have never undergone it myself, so I'm not the person to ask, honestly. I totally understand feeling nervous about it, as I would as well (just because it's something I haven't done before). You should really consider having a talk with your doctor and expressing any concerns you might be having - I assume anesthesia is a necessity in this case for whatever reason, but talking to them about it could help resolves any doubts.
I need to do a lumbar spine mri
10 years ago I hurt my back I had to get an MRI I had an anxiety attack 10 seconds in that tube I couldn't take it something that would take fifteen minutes to look at my spinal chord took 2 hours mi 10 years later I got to go have a heart scan on the MRI which will take 90 minutes I'm paranoid as hell to go in this big to I think it comes from being a kid always watching Dracula movies with the coffins everytime I think about going in that big MRI close then area I get paranoid but this is something I have to have done at 67 they need to complete image of my heart.. I hope I can do it but I doubt it I have to have a did in 3 weeks and I'm already terrified.. I guess that's what I get for loving horror movies
I get it, MRIs can be intimidating for a lot of people. In addition to the tips in the video, it really might be a good idea to call the office ahead of time and let them know how you're feeling. This is definitely a common phobia, so they for sure have ways to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable while you're in there. Good luck!
Edgar Allen Poe has a lot to answer for!
Close your eyes before you go in and keep them closed and think of being on a sandy beach 🏖️ next thing you know you’ll be ok
That’s a simple solution for big problem, doesn’t work for us with extreme claustrophobia!
Doesn’t work can’t even get to the lay down part!
@@cristinaabdala8289 keep your eyes closed
@@Evolutiontweaked guess you didn’t read my above reply, I have tried everything already. I can’t even get to the step of closing eyes, I panic as soon as see the machine!
@@Evolutiontweaked you already said that and I responded! I can’t even get to the machine to close my eyes I panic as soon as I see! You apparently have no clue about extreme claustrophobia
Man I'm scared tomorrow is my MRI the thing is in feeling dizziness in the mri machine any advice please i went yesterday but the doctor letted me go because I was panicking because I was having dizziness
I hope you reply please help me give me a solution
Keep your eyes closed the entire time and imagine something that soothes you. I imagined cats 🐈⬛ and me being a big cat going into a safe cave for 30 mins.
Unfortunately they didn’t give me any music only ear plugs and then these large headset with no music . I just focused on breathing slowly and relaxing and being safe with cats in a cave
I have AN UPCOMING MRI ON MY SHOULDER IM TERRIFIED 😢
How did it go ???
@@Evolutiontweaked IT ACTUALLY WENT WELL ..WAY BETTER THAN I ANTICIPATED..MY PCP PRESCRIBED LORAZEPAM FOR MY ANXIETY IT WORKED
I don’t think I can do it
They said I was too fat for the MRI. They told me to come back when they had made another scanner. 😢
Open mri?
Thank you for the effort but, trying to offer someone a strategy that begins with a #1 of " lets review your impending torture step by step," was reason enough to bail.
Different things for different people. I personally think preparation is key. 🙂
When your mind knows you are going into small tube telling myself all these things doesn’t help! No it doesn’t get better and pass for me gets worse! I panic just thinking of a MRI even at home or watching on tv! So none of these tips help at all!
Keep your eyes closed the entire time and just breathe and relax your muscles . Meditate while you are in there . Imagine something that makes you feel happy and comfortable. For me it’s black cats
@@SirenASMR_ doesn’t work for me, I can’t even get near the tube without already having panic attack