I’m claustrophobic, can you still help me with an MRI?
MRI scans are considered to be a wonderful development in the field of medical technology as it has led to the accurate diagnosis and cure of many ailments and diseases.
An MRI scan basically involves the procedure of making use of giant magnetic waves that penetrate the body and give detailed images of areas like muscles, organs, soft tissues, brain structures, etc. This is a great help to medical professionals who can evaluate the extent of damages or injuries caused with the help of these images and thereby start an accurate treatment for the problem.
Claustrophobia can be a major problem for some patients who are to undergo this type of non-invasive scan. This basically entails strapping the patient on a table which is attached to the machine and then the table is taken inside an enclosed magnetic field. This procedure does not hurt the patient in any way, but for some, the inherent feeling of claustrophobia can make this process really frightening. It may also be impossible for such people to stay still inside this enclosure for the entire duration of the process.
There are several ways to combat this problem and at first we look at some medical options available. One good thing about taking the MRI scan is that most physicians offer their patients the option to take a mild sedative prior to the scan. In case your doctor has not mentioned such an option, do make sure to ask him or her about it. You could even find out if your imaging center has an open MRI unit which is a larger tube than the traditional ones.
There are other ways to calm your nerves so that you can combat claustrophobia to a great extent.
1) You could ask your technician for a wash cloth to be put over your eyes so that you do not have to see the proceedings.
2) If the presence of a family member can relieve your fears, do so, provided they are not pregnant or have implants like pacemakers.
3) You could listen to your favorite music so as to take away your concentration from the procedure.
4) Your technologist will likely communicate verbally with you regularly and keep you briefed upon the various images so that you will feel informed and less anxious.
5) MRI scans essentially involves loud noises that may seem to go on and on. The technician can inform you periodically during the test of the duration remaining if you feel that will provide a level of comfort.
6) Involve your mind in other pleasant thoughts so that you are distracted.
Make sure to speak with the physicians and technicians that will be performing the MRI scan for you. They have almost assuredly dealt with other patients that have anxiety about this process. They're there to help you, so it's in your best interest to communicate your concerns directly and early in the process.
An MRI scan basically involves the procedure of making use of giant magnetic waves that penetrate the body and give detailed images of areas like muscles, organs, soft tissues, brain structures, etc. This is a great help to medical professionals who can evaluate the extent of damages or injuries caused with the help of these images and thereby start an accurate treatment for the problem.
Claustrophobia can be a major problem for some patients who are to undergo this type of non-invasive scan. This basically entails strapping the patient on a table which is attached to the machine and then the table is taken inside an enclosed magnetic field. This procedure does not hurt the patient in any way, but for some, the inherent feeling of claustrophobia can make this process really frightening. It may also be impossible for such people to stay still inside this enclosure for the entire duration of the process.
There are several ways to combat this problem and at first we look at some medical options available. One good thing about taking the MRI scan is that most physicians offer their patients the option to take a mild sedative prior to the scan. In case your doctor has not mentioned such an option, do make sure to ask him or her about it. You could even find out if your imaging center has an open MRI unit which is a larger tube than the traditional ones.
There are other ways to calm your nerves so that you can combat claustrophobia to a great extent.
1) You could ask your technician for a wash cloth to be put over your eyes so that you do not have to see the proceedings.
2) If the presence of a family member can relieve your fears, do so, provided they are not pregnant or have implants like pacemakers.
3) You could listen to your favorite music so as to take away your concentration from the procedure.
4) Your technologist will likely communicate verbally with you regularly and keep you briefed upon the various images so that you will feel informed and less anxious.
5) MRI scans essentially involves loud noises that may seem to go on and on. The technician can inform you periodically during the test of the duration remaining if you feel that will provide a level of comfort.
6) Involve your mind in other pleasant thoughts so that you are distracted.
Make sure to speak with the physicians and technicians that will be performing the MRI scan for you. They have almost assuredly dealt with other patients that have anxiety about this process. They're there to help you, so it's in your best interest to communicate your concerns directly and early in the process.
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