Claustrophobia and the MRI Machine
91MRI Procedures are a Big Problem for Claustrophobic People
During the past 18 years, a friend of mine has undergone 15 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures.His biggest problem with these exams is his claustrophobia. This Hub describes the ways in which he's tried to cope with the claustrophobia; hopefully, these tips will be of some use to anyone who has to undergo an MRI procedure, especially for the first time.
Tunnel vs Open MRI Machines
The following are pictures of a typical "tunnel" MRI machine and an "open" MRI machine.
The MRI Procedure
When you undergo an MRI procedure, you're asked to remove all metal items from your person. The radiology technician will also inquire about metal in your body — dentures, pacemakers, permanent tattoos, shrapnel, etc. Some items may disqualify you from having an MRI. The MRI machine sends powerful magnetic pulses into the part of your body being examined. This doesn't hurt and is not known to harm your body. MRI procedures have been performed for decades now.
The hydrogen atoms present in your body absorb the magnetic pulses and emit radio wave signals which are detected by sensors. These signals are used to create a very detailed image of the part of your body being examined — your brain, for example.
You will be asked to lie down on the MRI table, and you may be injected with a contrast dye to help make the arteries in the examined part of your body appear more clearly in the images that are collected. If you are getting the contrast dye, you will be asked to not eat or drink for a specified number of hours before the procedure. A "catcher's mask" framework will be placed over your face if you are getting a brain MRI. (This "mask" has built-in antennas that detect the signals coming from your brain, and retransmits them to the machine so that the data collected can be used to construct an image.) After this, you are rolled into the machine — which can be scary for people who suffer from claustrophobia. Upon request, some facilities will give patients a "panic button" — a switch you hold and press if you can't take the procedure and wish to be rolled out of the machine. There is also a small mirror in some tunnel MRI machines which allow you to see down the length of your body to the outside of the machine. At some facilities, if you chose to do so, you'll be provided with headphones to listen to music during the procedure.
Many MRI Images (Slices) of Varying Duration
Usually a number of images (slices) are taken.Each image may require an “exposure” of several minutes — from one to as many as 20. The machine is clanging away during each image, and there is a pause — when nothing is happening — between each image. Depending on your condition, there may be 10 to 15 images requiring various lengths of time. Also, the machine usually will make different noises for different images.
Loud MRI Machine Noises
If you don't have claustrophobia, according to my friend, the only problem you're likely to have is the loud clanging and other noises that the machines make when you're inside them, although the newer machines have somewhat less noise. If you DO have claustrophobia, you need to cope with it.
Coping Techniques
My friend has BAD claustrophobia. Here are some of the coping techniques he uses:
- Go to the MRI facility at least a week before the procedure, and have the technician roll you into, and then back out of, the machine. Then you'll at least know what you're in for. (Of course you will have to wait until the radiology technicians have a break between scheduled patients.)
- Most MRI facilities will give you a sedative upon request, or even anesthesia which would make you completely unconscious during the procedure. You should schedule an MRI at least a few weeks in advance if you are going to receive a sedative or anesthesia, since the former requires the presence of a registered nurse, and the latter an anesthesiologist, and that has to be scheduled. My friend has used the sedative once, with positive results. This may be offered in pill or intravenous form. My friend recommends having an intravenous sedative since the sedative begins acting immediately, whereas there is an unpredictable delay with pills which varies from person to person.
- Have the technician agree to roll you out for, say, 30 seconds between images. This gives you an encouraging break from being in the machine. The technician will probably point out that it's important to not move any part of your body while you are out of the machine.
- My friend has his girlfriend hold his hand during the procedure when using an open MRI. (Anyone in the MRI room also cannot have metal objects on / in them.) Or, for a tunnel MRI, she lays her hand on his lower leg. This gives him a reassuring contact with the "outside."
- He also has her give a "countdown" by tapping his hand (or leg) with the number of minutes left in an image; e.g., three taps means three minutes left for the image, and three minutes until he can be rolled out. This will involve some coordination with the technician.
- Some people find it useful to experience a “preview” of the noises they will hear in the MRI machine. Kent Williams (a/k/a “chaircrusher”) of Iowa City, Iowa uploaded some MRI sounds on February 12, 2010 to http://music.cornwarning.com/2010/02/12/sample-sounds-of-the-mri-scanner/. The sounds can be downloaded to your computer and transferred to an MP3 player.
You should listen to these noises with the volume turned up to get an idea what it will be like. The noises in the machine you use won't sound exactly like these, but they'll give you a good idea of the sort of noises. - Some people shut their eyes for the entire procedure — this doesn’t work very well for my friend.
- My friend on one occasion actually went so far as to simulate the MRI experience at home by lying in some confining boxes while listening to MRI noises in MP3 format which had been transferred to his Kindle electronic book reader, the object, of course, being an attempt to desensitize himself to the actual MRI experience.
By all the above means, he's managed to get through the MRI procedures in spite of his claustrophobia.
Perhaps readers have some more suggestions for coping with the MRI process.
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Thanks so much for the suggestion, Sharyn. Changing the title sounds like a great idea.
I'm glad that I don't have claustrophobia. Several years ago, I was in a tunnel machine for an MRI, and there was a major power failure that affected a few states on the West Coast. Everything stopped...no lights, no fan...it took a few people to manually wheel the table I was on out of the machine.
Morning Daisy,
I hope you get some well deserved readers :)
Wow, your experience must have been scary. I think the thing that would have scared me the most is "no fan." I would feel like I had no air.
Have a wonderful day!
Sharyn,
Thanks for stopping by again. With the major power failure, everything stopped...I was in a black tunnel which immediately became very warm.
I had to drive about eight miles home after that, and I was shaking the entire way.
**********
If anyone reading this is scheduled for an MRI, please don't worry about there being a power failure. Massive multi-state power failures are a rare occurrence.
I had one once, the hardest part was not moving and being laid in what i found an uncomfortable position.
Excellent hub.
Oh my...I could NEVER have an MRI. I've been through many with my husband and bless his heart he was a champ. Our hospital allows one family member to stay in the room with the patient. I still couldn't do it. His MRIs were in the tunnel machine. I am too claustrophic. Voted UP!
Uninvited Writer,
Thanks for commenting. I would worry about my allergies. What if I had to sneeze or cough?
Sunshine,
The second of my photos is of an open MRI machine. The sides are open, but the height of the opening when on the table is less in an open machine then in a tunnel.
Hi, this is great advice, I remember having to go through this when I had my kidney op, just before. I didn't think I would be claustrophobic, and was suprised and scared to find that I was. in fact I panicked, and had to get out for a few moments. Eventually I decided to sing in my head, I went back in and mentally worked my way through the pop charts! by the time I came out, I was shaky but not too bad, great info, rated up and shared, nell
I have done it once in the tunnel machine. It's not so bad if they put a cloth over your eyes and you keep your eyes closed the whole time before you go in and until you come out.
I did the open one once too. Same thing, not so bad if you keep your eyes closed.
Sharyn's Slant suggested you change the title but I think it is fitting to the content of the hub. Claustrophobia and the MRI Machine are excellent search words for this topic not to mention your hub score is 86 at the moment. I would leave it as it is for a while and see how it goes. Just my opinion. Great topic. Voted up and shared.
Excellent hub! Having an MRI is explained very well in this hub. The hospital where I work give patients the option to listen to music during an MRI. They have a choice of classical, contemporary, country or jazz music.
I have claustrophobia myself and when I had an MRI a few years ago, I was given a mild anti-anxiety medication and I chose to listened to classical music. It helped very much and I was able to get through the procedure very comfortably. Thank you and welcome to hubpages!
Hi Daisy.....I had one many years ago and needed a sedative to get me in the enclosed MRI. It was the only way I could do it. The picture you have of the open MRI is great. I could do that one no sweet. Thanks for this informative hub.
Nell,
Singing in your head sounds like a great way to deal with the claustrophobia issue...as long as you don't begin dancing while in the machine!
zzron,
Thanks for your comments. The current title for the Hub is the changed title. When I first published the article, the title was Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Claustrophobia. "MRI" is much better in the title than the three words spelled out.
creativelycc,
Did listening to classical music while in the MRI machine help mask the terrible sounds the machine made?
So good to have a friend hold hands with the patient. Thanks for sharing. Hope some other readers have more good hints to share about dealing with claustrophobia (even outside the MRI procedure).
marellen,
It's nice to meet you! I hope you don't have to undergo another MRI procedure, but if you do, perhaps the open machine can be used.
MsDora,
Thanks for stopping by and reading my article. Friends are important, aren't they?
Ok great, I like the new current title, you should get a lot of views.
Thanks, zzron! After I changed the title, I have been getting the views.
*****
Thanks, Sharon! Your suggestion about changing the title was a tremendous help!!!
Hi Daisy Mariposa, the classical music did help somewhat to drown out the clanking sounds in the MRI but not completely. Most of all it helped to relax me and served as a distraction.
creativelycc,
If the classical music distracted you, then I'd say it did its job!
Not had a scan but from the sounds of it I may get claustrophobic (ouch) that is not a nice thought. Anyway thanks for sharing this well written and informative hub.
Brian,
MRI scans can help save lives. It is unfortunate, however, that some people have to suffer while having the scans done.
I had to take an anti-anxiety medication in order to get my MRI - I still have nightmares about being inside it. My word of advice - close your eyes before you slide in and dont open them again until you're pulled out.
Ardie,
Thanks for commenting. Closing your eyes is a big help when having an MRI scan.
Read the second comment in this list of comments (my first reply), if you're up to it. I'm not claustrophobic, but I did experience a major problem while having an MRI several years ago.
Though I have not undergone MRI, I have seen how this is performed. My cousin works in a hospital and he let me see how MRI is done. However, all the information were quite unknown to me. This is useful and informative article.
Thanks so much for commenting, Vinaya.
Having an MRI is not a pleasant experience for many people, but it's a useful diagnostic tool.
Is the hospital in which your cousin works located in Kathmandu?
daisy, i hope your wrist is all better. i don't have claustrophobia, but your explanation of how the MRI machine worked was very interesting.
Jason,
Thanks for asking about my wrist. It's just about 90% of normal.
I don't have claustrophobia, either, but if I need an MRI again, I'll be thinking about the time I was in a tunnel MRI machine when a power failure affected the entire West Coast of the U.S.
This is very very helpful. I wish I had read it before my MRI, I was terrified when I had mine done. It didn't help that I didn't get any briefing before the test. I think knowing about what noises to expect (like you suggest) and visiting the facilities before the test would've helped a lot. Not being tied to the bed would have been a great help as well!
I managed to get through it counting in my head to keep track of the time. This helped having a goal as all I knew was that the test would last about 20 minutes.
Princessa,
Thanks so much for reading my article and commenting.
I'm glad so many people have found this article to be helpful. This was the first article I published on HubPges. When it came to choosing a subject for my Hub, helping claustrophobic people with their MRI experience immediately came to mind.
Awesome hub! Great information to know before getting an MRI!
I get claustrophobic, so I am very thankful for this information! Voted up and useful
I did get a couple of MRI's and the first one was horrendous. But, I passed with flying colors with my second one. Secret is hum a song in your mind or think of all the things that you like.
Good pointers, Daisy!
passing it along!
Kelley,
Thanks for reading another of my Hubs. Hopefully, you won't need to have an MRI, but if you do, now you'll have an idea of what to expect.
Marcy,
I'm glad the information in my article will be useful to you should you need to have an MRI procedure.
Ruchira,
Thanks for reading another of my Hubs. Your ideas for keeping your mind active while undergoing the procedure are good ones.
Hi Daisy,great information about MRI and claustrophobic! I went through few times due to my lung condition. Still don`t like the procedure. Thank you for posting it. Useful and voted up!
urmilashukla23,
It's very nice to meet you. I'm glad you found the information in my article useful.
I had a fair idea bout all this....Got to know more with this...Thanks !
Alisha,
It's very nice to meet you. I'm glad you learned something new by reading my article.
I had an MRI several years ago. It was scary. I think this would have helped me cope. Great idea for a Hub.I wote up and useful....And I am not even claustrophobic.
Rebecca,
Thanks for reading my article and commenting in it. I hope you won't ever have to have another MRI, but if you do, at least you'll be better prepared.
I'm so grateful not to have claustrophobia -- I keep thinking of MRI and other medical devices that would cause a panic if I did. Your friend has some great coping techniques. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Aurelio,
Thanks for reading my article and commenting in it. If even one person who has claustrophobia is helped by having read my Hub, I'll be so happy.
I hate these things. normally, i am not claustrophobic but something about being between 2 powerful magnets makes me that way
Bravo for your friend. What a brave man he is to keep having to go through this ordeal when he has severe claustrophobia.
As many commenters have said, this is an excellent description of an MRI procedure you've given. I've only gone through for an MRI once and I don't plan on doing it again -- willingly.
Very helpful. :)
I haven't actually had an MRI scan, but I did have a test, which involved being in a similar situation ~ the claustrophobia set in and I panicked. I asked for my husband to be brought in, which helped no end.
leann2800,
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for reading my article.
I'm not claustrophobic, either, but ever since I was in a tube MRI machine when a major power failure occurred on the West Coast of the US, I've been nervous when I've needed to have an MRI procedure.
Pamela,
It's nice to meet you. Even when someone is claustrophobic, the necessity and importance of having an MRI procedure outweighs the person's fear of being in a confined space.
Tricia,
It's nice to meet you. Having someone in the procedure room with you is a huge help, wouldn't you agree?
Patty Inglish shared this with her followers. I do not have claustrophobia, although I do not think I'd do well in a tunnel if I had to be on my stomach crawling. As Uninvited Writer said, the hardest part for me is not moving. When I'm not supposed to move, you better believe I start to twitch.
I mention this because I have indeed had MRIs. A few times. There are some people in my family with epilepsy and when I had an illness at 12 I was tested for it. Not what I had. Over the past couple of years, when I have been so exhausted by the time I actually sleep (say, not slept for two days), I would literally pass out. So I have been tested for various things. All that has happened is that things have been eliminated. Maddening. not that I want an illness. But when you don't know what you have, you can't treat it. I may just be passing out because that's the only way to make me sleep once insomnia has taken over too long. My mind certainly does not shut off simply because I want this to happen.
Daisy, I had an MRI last June because of severe back pain. The machine at our local hospital is a tunnel one and when I went into it, I was really shocked at how close my face was to the top of it so I decided to shut my eyes. I knew I would be in there for about 25 minutes so I played a game in my head - using the alphabet to discover things - Fruit (A-Apple, B-Banana, C-Coconut etc etc), Vegetables, Pop Stars, Candy, etc etc. My little mind game worked though; I thought I would freak out after about ten minutes but I was fine!
Hi Daisy. Brilliant Hub! As a sufferer of Type 2 Neurofibromatosis, I am required to undergo MRI scans at least once a year. My local country town hospital does not have their own MRI, so one comes in the back of a truck twice a week (full tunnel). My claustrophobia is only mild, but I hate being stuffed in that tunnel! And, because the scans are on the tumours in my head, I am unable to have headphones to listen to music.
Instead, I try to guess how many times the machine will make a particular sound. It helps a little :)
Voted up!
Just came across this hub when it was shared by alocsin. I have undergone MRI scan only once, but that was enough experience to last a lifetime. I have never experienced claustrophobia before, but MRI machine is a different ball game altogether. I did not know what to expect when that table started moving in. Those were the most horrible moments of my life. Hope I never require another scan. I will remember these tips if I ever require them. Thanks for sharing. Voted up and useful.
I've had quite a few MRIs, all of them in a "tunnel" machine. I'm claustrophobic to a moderate extent, and the noise associated with the test also bothers me. Here's what I do:
1. I not only close my eyes, I ask the technician to place a small folded towel over my eyes. This helps me. I also ask for earplugs if the technician doesn't give them to me right away.
2. I keep remembering that any movement will ruin the MRI and cause me to go through it from the beginning. That is definitely motivation to keep still.
3. When the technician tells me how many minutes each segment will require, I count them off in my mind at 60 seconds per minute using the time-honored "One Mississippi, Two Mississippi,...." to be as accurate as possible. This helps pass the time for me and keeps me occupied, whereas just lying there would send me "round the bend."
Thank you so much for this. I have wicked claustrophobia and a tunnel MRI ranks right up there as one of my biggest fears. This hub has helped me relax a bit.
Flora,
Thanks for reading and commenting in another of my articles. I'm so sorry you have had to undergo multiple MRI procedures.
Let's hope the doctors find out what's wrong and you start getting a good night's sleep and feel better.
Julie,
Thanks for reading my article. You're so right about how close one is when lying in the tunnel MRI machine.
That's one thing my friend always complains about...the small amount of space there is between the tip of his nose and the inside top of the tunnel.
The Writers Dog,
It's nice to meet you. I'm so sorry to hear about your illness and your having to undergo annual MRI procedures.
Since you can't listen to music during your MRIs, counting something or reciting something or making lists will take your mind off the procedure. I wish you well.
hoteltravel,
It's nice to meet you. I'm glad that Aurelio (alocsin) shared this article, and that you found my informtion useful.
JayeWisdom,
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for reading my article and adding your very helpful tips in the comments section. I'm sure some of my readers will be glad you took the time to include your experience with the MRI procedure.
Thundermama,
It's nice to meet you. I'm glad the information in my article will me helpful to you should you need to undergo another MRI procedure.
Hi again,
Yes, having someone with you, to hold your hand and tell you how it's going and how long is left is really really comforting.
Tricia,
Thanks for stopping by again. The support of a friend or loved one is a huge help at MRI-time. Not all facilities will allow someone else in the room which houses the MRI machine, however.
A power failure during your mri? omg! that's precisely the kind of stuff I imagine. how dreadful for you! I would have nightmares for quite awhile
leann2800,
Thanks for visiting again. Yes, a power failure.
I was in a tunnel MRI when the loud noises stopped and it became very warm (the fans stopped). There was a major power failure that affected the entire West Coast of the United States. It took a few people to pull the table on which I was lying out of the tunnel.
I find it amazing that you actually did and MRI after this incident.You are as brave as you are talented.
Thanks for the tips in this hub. I went for my first MRI scan last week and I suffer from claustrophobia. I had never seen the MRI machine before and immediately on seeing how small it was my fear started. I hated everey second of it. I would have asked for some sedation fromy doctor if I had known how small the hole was. I hope I never need one again but this article has prompted me to think of some better coping strategies. I believe there are some vertical ones now although not in my locality.
leann2800,
Thanks for stopping by again. Thanks, too, for your very kind words.
meloncauli,
Welcome to HubPages! It's nice to meet you.
I'm glad you found my article to be informative. My friend had sedation the last time he had an MRI. He said it took the "edge" off his fears.
About 8-9 years ago I needed several MRI's, I'm very claustrophobic, but I lucked into a radiology group who offered mirriored glasses that allowed you to see behind you and they set up their open MRI machine with the back facing a window....so when you went into the machine you would be wearing the glasses and looking out at the woods outside the window. Also you could listen to a music on a headset. The view of the woods took a lot of the edge off with the feeling of being outside with glasses on. It was a very patient friendly group.
I've since moved and called several radiology groups and none offer these glasses, though a google search shows them available. It would be great if all groups would consider offering them.
NJCathie,
Thanks for telling everyone about your experience with the mirrored glasses. I'm sure many readers who are claustrophobic will want to investigate this further before they have to have an MRI procedure.
Has anyone seen the MRI machine you can sit in? I've only seen one around here and I actually stopped in to see it....not sure if it's covered by my insurance though. The next time I need one I will try to see if I can use it.
Here is a link to one of them.
NJCathie,
Thanks for visitng again and posting the link to the MRI machine one can sit or stand in. I had heard about that machine, but it was my understanding that there are very few facilities in the United States that have the machine.
Actually, my Google search shows we have numerous ones here in New Jersey.
I came across your wonderful site because I know I'm going to be asked soon to get an MRI and because I'm very claustrophobic I wanted to see how far technology has advanced for us.
Another machine I just found in my search is one called the "Stand Up" MRI, which looks like technology is coming our way and when I did a Google search for "Stand Up" MRI's in New Jersey, I found many locations with them and this gives great hope for those of us who have to weigh the options of health vs fear. I even found dozens of YouTube videos showing how they work.
Yea! I hope others find this info as welcome as I have. Thank you for creating this hub. :)
NJCathie,
I'll have to tell my friend who has the claustrophobia problem that the stand-up MRI machines are becoming available in more locations. I appreciate the information. Thanks so much.
I'm curious...where in New Jersey are the stand-up machines available? I used to live in New Jersey, so I might be familiar with the hospital.
Quick view I see one in Cherry Hill, Toms River and East Brunswick.....and that's just looking in my central Jersey area...North Jersey looks like they have several also.
They are not hospitals, they are Radiology Groups. The one in Cherry Hill is called Upright MRI of Cherry Hill and East Brunswick is called East Brunswick Upright Open MRI and Toms River is called Ocean Upright MRI. Very exciting news. :))
The internet is a very powerful tool, so if you Google your state and Upright or/and Stand Up MRI you will most likely find what's located in your immediate area.
Good luck to your friend, I know how everyone feels. I myself can't do an MRI, no matter how I tried...this new technology will make a big difference on how I direct my healthcare.
Just to be clear Daisy, when I was in my early 40's I was able to barely tolerate the open MRI with the mirrored glasses, but as I got older my claustrophobia seems to increased with age. Maybe because they have become more critical now, I don't know....but I can say this new technology takes a lot of fear out of aging for me. :)
I'm a little bit curious as to why I dont see them in the hospitals as you asked...one can't really tell the doctor who's treating you in an emergency to shuffle you over to a Radiology Group, now can they? This will take further investigating on my part, as I have options for hospital treatment and want to make sure I choose an up to date one.
NJCathie,
Thanks for the additional information about the stand-up MRI machines. I appreciate your taking the time to post it.
I am claustrophobic and really struggled having a MRI, I wish I'd read your article before I went!
Not only is this useful advice, it helps to know you are not alone...
Many thanks and voted up
Lesley,
Thanks for reading and commenting in another of my Hubs.
MRIs are great diagnostic tools, but being claustrophobic and having to undergo an MRI procedure is extremely unpleasant. Let's hope you don't need another MRI.
I am also claustrophobic, but not that bad and it has developed only recently. It does continue to get worse every year though so I will def. keep what you wrote in mind for the future. It is very useful and highly detailed so it will help out a lot!
Crystal,
It's good to "see" you again. Thanks for reading and commenting in another of my Hubs.
I hope my information will be of some help should you need to undergo an MRI procedure in the future.
Having an MRI, especially if there is claustrophbia present is a terrible experience. The feeling is like being buried alive. With all the MRI's I have had, I've never been given anything to relax me. Very glad you wrote about this - some of us have no choice in the types of MRI's available. Voted up and awesome!
Daisy, this is very good information and I appreciate you writing it so much. My Mom had an MRI done when she had cancer and she hated it. She was very claustrophobic and the whole procedure made her feel very nauseous. I have never had one, so I did not realize what exactly what was involved. Now I know, and if anyone else I know has to go, I will try to go with them if they need it.
Very informative hub. I appreciate it so much.
Audrey,
Thanks for reading and commenting in another of my Hubs.
My friend had a sedative during his last two MRI procedures. Being more relaxed helped him tremendously.
The most recent MRIs were done at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. It was worth our driving 130 miles round-trip for the procedure.
Sharilee,
I'm sorry your Mom had to undergo an MRI procedure while she was already so ill.
It would be wonderful if you knew someone who needed to have an MRI in the future, and you were able to accompany them. It would mean alot to the patient.
Daisy, this is a great hub about MRIs and what to expect. I've been inside the tunnel MRI several times (with the catcher's mask), and I've never once opened my eyes. I do get anxious, but I use visualization exercises to get through it. I can't imagine being in there with bad claustrophobia, it must be awful.
Glen,
It's good to "see" you again. Thanks for reading and commenting in my Hub. This was the first article I published on HubPages, and it's one of my most-viewed. I'm glad that readers find the information helpful.
It sounds like you have good coping techniques when you have an MRI. You're smart to not open your eyes when you're in the tunnel machine. There's very little space between the tip of your nose and the catcher's mask.
This is a very good description of having an MRI. I also suffer from claustrophobia and would feel some concern about having to have an MRI in a tunnel machine. I think wearing the catcher's mask might be harder for me.
Great article. Voted up, awesome, useful and interesting.
Maralexa,
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for reading my Hub and commenting in it.
Since you have claustrophobia, should you need to have an MRI, see whether the facility would be willing to wheel you in and out of the machine prior to the date of the procedure in order to *desensitize* you.
Sharyn's Slant Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago
Daisy,
I gotta tell you, this is an excellent first hub. Where are all the comments? Come on people :) Many years ago, my Mom had to have MRI's done and she was very claustrophobic. I went to her appointments with her and it was a big deal trying all kinds of things to calm her down. When the open MRI's became available, it was a huge relief. She still had problems with it, but not as bad.
I seriously like and appreciate this article. May I suggest that you change the title. Some how I feel it is kind of "intimidating" because of MRI being spelled out. Claustrophobia and the MRI Machine or Are You Claustrophobic? I really feel that many people would find the info. and suggestions very useful.
Sharyn