MRI advise

rose_thorn98 · Post by **rose_thorn98** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 11:56 am

I'm going to get an MRI and MRA of my brain next week. (I have had a headache for 6 weeks).

They say it will take 90 minutes. Anyone have any advise how to get through one without having a clausterphobia attack?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 12:05 pm

If you can, ask if you can bring an IPOD. Also, you can ask for something to calm you (XANAX or VALIUM). I had an MRI of my pelvis done and could not move for 45 minutes in this small tube thing. I ended up staying up late the night before to be able to sleep in the machine. I was unable to sleep as the pipe banging noise kept going on, but at least I was relaxed.

Shal416 · Post by **Shal416** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 12:47 pm

If it's possible you can be asked to be scheduled where they have open MRI's. The sides are open and it makes you feel like you can jump out at any time if you need to.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:27 pm

I am going to take Xanax before the appt. Unfortunately, we don't have an open air MRI place where I live. Thanks for the advise.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 5:53 pm

Rose
I took a xanax before I had an mri done. Unfortunately you cannot bring anything in room that has metal or is attracted by magnet. my suggestion to you is take a xanax and keep eyes closed, some of the mri places have headphones in room, hopefully they do so you can listen and relax. All will go fine, I actually am a CT technologist, so i know some about these exams. All will go well.

Let me know how it ends up going
Aimee

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:42 pm

Hi Rose,

I would suggest that you use a face cloth over your eyes while in the Magnet tunnel as the idea for a 90 minute test is to fall asleep and take a nap. Not sure of your history with anxiety but I advise patients who know they are claustraphobic in tight spaces to speak to their MD in advance for a mild sedative to take the edge off your nerves. Most MRI dept offer music or headphones so bring your own CD and you may want a friend in the room with you as long as there is no prior surgical implants involved. Good Luck

ps ask for the call button so that you are in control while in the tunnel to be able to contact the technologist if necessary.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:53 pm

My neurologist ordered a brain scan for me, and I had it 3 weeks ago. Yes. it did last an hour and a half! I managed by keeping my eyes closed so I couldn't see that I was in a small place. It is necessary to lie very still, so I went through some of the relaxation exercises that Lucinda has on the tape.

Also, there was a little opening at the top where I could see out into the room. I knew the technician giving me the test was very close.

I didn't think about taking something to relax, but it sounds like a really good idea.