Combating MRI Anxiety

That first MRI was taken upon my initial NMOSD attack. What they told me was that I would be in a big tube where I have to sit still. In order for the machine to work well, I had to be still. With me being paralyzed, not being able to move wasn’t the issue. But because I was still under an admitted attack, all four of my limbs had a different nerve pain sensation.

Sitting through two hours of an MRI was not something that I thought I could handle. Unfortunately, that is the biggest way to tell if you’re having an attack. Since that first MRI I’ve had about 15.

A lot of people’s fear with MRIs is due to claustrophobia; being in a tight space for a long period of time can cause a lot of mental angst.

Overcoming MRI anxiety

In order to ensure that you make it through an MRI, it’s important to understand the process. There is fear in the unknown, and the more you know, the less fear is associated. Knowledge can also help alleviate anxiety. Components of the MRI that you should take note of are what the machine is doing, the duration of the scan, and why the technician is constantly monitoring. All of this information can demystify the experience and reduce apprehensions.

Pre-scan prep for NMOSD patients

Communicating your needs before an MRI is also very important if you have anxieties or fears like claustrophobia, pain, or any mental block that will not allow you to have an MRI comfortably. There are things that can be done such as anxiety medication. When I expressed to my doctor the fears that I was having, we both agreed that it would be best to try some type of anxiety medication that would reduce that fear and allow me to sit there comfortably and even fall asleep.

Over-the-counter medication can also be helpful, but it’s always important to consult with your doctor if you plan on taking anything prior to an MRI.

You can also discuss the procedure in detail with your doctor, including sedation options and ways to combat any fears you have. The technician will also be very helpful and a valuable resource to provide real-time updates, offer distractions, and respond to needs during your scan. They always ask me what kind of music I would like. I am also asked if I would like to be updated when they are moving to a different scan, if they want to talk to me through the procedure, or if I would like quiet.

They also set me up with plenty of warm blankets to avoid being cold.

Techniques for a calmer MRI

Some things that can be done on your end before you receive your MRI include relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm nerves. These techniques can be learned and practiced before the scan. Sometimes the technician can guide you through them during the procedure.

Some of my favorites are 4-7-8 breathing: you inhale for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds. This one can be especially helpful if there is a song on that matches the rhythm. There is also another breathing technique called box breathing. You inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for four, then hold for four. The goal is to visualize a square as you breathe.

You can also request a guided meditation recording to help practice mindfulness and present moment sensations. It’s important to notice your thoughts without judgment.

Practices like yoga beforehand can also help ease the body into an MRI. It’s best to focus on staying present and in the moment. A lot of fear and anxiety are based off of events that have not occurred or the future.

The power of support: after the scan

The most helpful thing for me is having a support system waiting for me when I’m done. My mom has always been a great support system, who would wait for me before and after my scans, and just knowing that she was just outside the door provided comfort and reassurance.

All in all, MRIs can be very scary, but with the right tools, you’ll be a pro and going to sleep as soon as you hit the table in no time.