If you’ve shied away from getting an MRI scan because of claustrophobia, you’re not alone. You’ll be surprised at the number of people who suffer from claustrophobia – and whose claustrophobia gets  exacerbated once they enter the MRI machine. But don’t worry, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. At Star Imaging, in order to minimize our patients’ discomfort and provide a better experience, we’ve installed the world’s most advanced 3T MRI scanner, with ambient experience, across our 3 centres. Read on to see how it helps.

A movie experience during your MRI scan

The new 3T MRI machines at Star Imaging enable patients to watch movies/videos while inside the tunnel, successfully distracting them from their immediate surroundings and transporting them into a world of cinematic delights. The machine also creates the illusion of more space and light when you’re inside the bore, which otherwise feels narrow and constricted. In fact, thanks to this ambient feature, over 90% of our patients who previously required sedation don’t need it anymore! This is indeed a big win for both our patients and us.

In case you don’t have access to a 3T MRI scanner with ambient experience, here are a few other pointers that could help you tackle claustrophobia and get that much-needed scan.

Feet First

Positioning the patient is an important factor in halting the trigger of any claustrophobic attacks. Some scans do not require the head to enter the scanner, depending on the part of the body being scanned; and you could consult the radiologist on this matter. If the doctor agrees, then you could undergo the procedure without having your head enter the scanner, thereby minimizing your anxiety.

Cancelling Out Noise

Sometimes, the noises the machines make and the overall atmosphere at the diagnostic centre, with the machines beeping and the nurses and doctors going about their duties, can cause anxiety and claustrophobia to kick in. To reduce the ambient noise, we recommend you wear the ear plugs provided. Mentally distancing yourself from the noises can also help – to do this, focus on taking in deep, long breaths. You can also distract yourself by thinking about something that requires concentration – like the names of the last 5 books you read, or the grocery items you need to buy.

Familiarization

Sometimes, anxiety stems from the unfamiliarity of the situation. To tackle this, try taking part in a rehearsal of sorts, where you are made comfortable with the process of getting into and out of the machine. In addition, you can also request the medical staff to help you get familiarised with the machine, which will make it seem like less of a threat. Just a quick reminder though: ensure that you follow all safety procedures before entering the imaging room and that you’re always accompanied by a staff member.

Company

Being in the company of friends or loved ones can greatly help reduce symptoms of claustrophobia. We’ve often observed that when a loved one is standing next to the patient and talking to them, it helps distract and calm the patient to a great extent. However, do remember that the companion will have to follow appropriate safety protocols too, such as removing all metallic items on their person and changing into a hospital gown.

Sedation

If the above methods do not work and you still find the experience unbearably claustrophobic, you could explore sedation options with your doctor. Patients whose claustrophobia and anxiety threaten to  culminate into panic attacks could be given short-acting sedatives. However, the timing of the sedative administration is crucial and patients must also be given sufficient time for recovery. While sedation may be necessary in certain cases, especially for small children, please note that this is not always the solution and caution is to be exercised with this method. At Star Imaging, we have a full-time anaesthetist to closely monitor patients and ensure your safety before, during and after the MRI process.

Need more advice on how to deal with claustrophobia during your MRI scan? Feel free to reach out to us anytime, we’re just a call away – 020 4132 2222.