Depending on the nature of MRI scan, the technician might close the doors on the outside of the machine.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans produce highly developed images of your internal body. The CT machine takes a series of X-rays to view cancers, broken bones, internal bleeding or clots and any other anomalies. An MRI uses large magnetic rays to observe your ligaments, brain and spinal cord. Regardless of your illness, few people enjoy medical scans. For the claustrophobic patient, however, an MRI is significantly more traumatic than a CT scan for a variety of reasons related to the differences between the two procedures.
Machine Design
An MRI machine resembles a large canister on its side with a narrow tube in the middle. During a scan, you lie down on a moving tray which slides inside the canister. Depending on the purpose of the scan, the technician may close the openings at both ends leaving you inside a completely sealed, darkened cylinder. For a claustrophobic, being completely encapsulated like this can produce an incredible amount of anxiety. The CT scan on the other hand, is shaped more like a large donut where you lie on a tray which moves in and out of the circle taking multiple X-rays. The CT scanner is much less confining than an MRI machine.
Availability of Light
If you're claustrophobic or have a fear of caskets, it's important to know that the inside of an MRI machine is completely dark. For some, the darkness conceals the tube's narrow interior while others find the enclosed darkness just as frightening. Conversely, a CT scan is similar to lying on a moving tray in an exam room while passing through a giant ring. There is no darkness during a CT scan because you are never completely enclosed by the machine.
Duration of the Procedure
A CT scan lasts only a few minutes and is completely silent, but an MRI scan often lasts an hour if not more. If you are claustrophobic, this can feel like an eternity, particularly with the loud, stamping sounds of the machine throughout the MRI scan.
Tips for the MRI scheduled claustrophobic
Understand that you're not the first patient to be terrified of an MRI machine and that there are some ways to help make the experience easier. Ask the technician for a towel to cover your eyes, this will prevent you from seeing the narrow inside of the machine. You can also bring music and headphones for the technician to play during your MRI. This will drown out the loud stamping noise inside the tube. Finally, if you anticipate having a panic or anxiety attack while undergoing an MRI scan, ask your physician for a strong sedative to take right before the test.
Tags: inside machine, loud stamping, moving tray, scan technician, tray which
