If you suffer from MRI Claustrophobia, it can seem impossible to get through the procedure. But with a few pieces of advice, you can overcome your fear and get the MRI that you need. In this post, we’ll give you some tips to get through the process without too much anxiety.
Try Asking for Medication
Depending on the level of your anxiety, your doctor may be able to give you a prescription for some medicine to calm you down. Some common medicines are Valium and Xanax, which you’ll need to ingest at least half an hour before your MRI.
Opt for an Open MRI
These types of MRIs can give you a lot more breathing room, especially since all four sides will be open. Sure, there’s still a machine overhead, but at least you won’t have to feel like you’re trapped in a small, closed tube.
Ask As Many Questions as You Can
Sometimes, it’s the fear of the unknown that makes you feel like your nerves are going crazy. But if you make sure to ask your technician about anything that is making you feel scared, you should be fine. Get a thorough explanation of how the whole process will go, from start to finish. The more you know about what to expect, the more you can calm yourself down during the procedure.
Try Out Meditation
Using relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help you calm your nerves naturally. Instead of focusing on the actual process of the MRI itself, try to think about the benefits that getting the process will do for you, says Fox News.
Conclusion
Hopefully, at least one of these tips can help you relax so that you can get the process done without too much trouble. MRI Claustrophobia may be frightening, but as long as you know what you’re getting into, you can keep it from taking over.
