I'm Claustrophobic: What Can I Expect with an MRI?

Few of our patients are ever excited about getting an MRI, but for those with claustrophobia (fear of confined places), even the thought of having an MRI can induce immediate stress and anxiety. 

Alas, MRIs are one of modern medicine’s most powerful tools, allowing us to detect and diagnose myriad health problems. Unfortunately, they’re often unavoidable and the most reliable way for us to understand what’s going on inside your body. 

The good news for our claustrophobic patients is that there’s a way to have your scan and tolerate it, too. 

So, our team at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery is here with what to expect from an MRI and a few simple tricks to help you get through it easily. 

Understanding the MRI

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an advanced medical diagnostic imaging tool that uses radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create a visual image of the inside of your body. 

Nearly 40 million scans are performed annually in the United States, making them one of the most common, noninvasive tests available. We use MRIs in a few different ways to help us diagnose and monitor the progress of certain health conditions. 

An MRI can reveal:

• Tendon injuries
• Muscle injuries
• Ligament injuries 
• Tumors
• Inflammation
• Disc herniation
• Disc degeneration
• Joint deterioration from arthritis
• Cartilage damage

If you’ve recently had surgery, MRIs may show how well you heal post-op. 

A closer look at the process

The MRI machine is fear-inducing for those with claustrophobia because they’re narrow tube-like structures. During your scan, you lie comfortably on a platform that moves inside the tube. The test usually takes only 20-30 minutes, but you must remain still the entire time. 

You won’t feel pain but may hear buzzing, thumping, or clicking noises as the machine captures images. 

You can easily communicate with our staff during your procedure to tell us if you feel overwhelmed. We’re there to comfort and encourage you throughout your scan and update you on your progress. 

Rest assured that MRI machines are fully lit, ventilated, and open at both ends, so you shouldn’t feel completely enclosed during your scan. 

Many newer machines come with state-of-the-art motion correction technology, allowing us to speed up your scan and reduce the time you’re in the tube. 

Feeling more comfortable with your MRI

We know that getting an MRI can cause anxiety, so we do everything we can to make the experience as easy as possible. 

For starters, depending on which body part we’re scanning, you may not need your head inside the scanner. If we need to look at your lower body, you slide into the tube feet first. 

Talk to us about other methods of relaxation you can use. Metal is not allowed in or around the MRI machine, but we can usually supply you with MRI-safe headphones or earplugs to help you block out some of the noise. 

Having a trusted friend or family member accompany you to your appointment is a good idea. Sometimes, we can allow them in the MRI room with you during your scan. 

If you’re still feeling uneasy, the best thing to do is talk to our experts. We’re here to answer your questions and help you prepare for your upcoming scan. Call or click to get in touch with one of our experts today.