How to stay calm during an MRI scan

What is an MRI scan and why is it done?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This may sound complicated, but it simply refers to the magnetic and radio waves used in the scanning process. MRIs create detailed images of what’s going on inside the body, helping consultants to get to the bottom of specific issues.

Typically, MRI scans take around 20 minutes and provide detailed imagery for specific parts of the body like soft tissues, the brain, spine, nervous system, joints, and internal organs.

An MRI scanner itself looks a bit like a tunnel that’s open at both ends. The patient lies on a long moveable table that slides them into the circular part of the scanner. This is where the imaging takes place.

During an MRI scan, the body part being scanned is aligned with a magnetic field created by the scanning machine. Radio waves are then generated and the combination causes the body’s atoms to release signals. These are then translated into images for the radiologist to interpret.

The information below provides details about the different types of MRI scanners.

Closed: this is the standard MRI scanner. It features a narrow tube (usually about 60cm wide) which the patient slides into for the imaging to take place. These typically offer high-quality images.

Open: this MRI scanner is open-sided and, usually, the patient is only slid in halfway. This type of scanner is designed more for patients who cannot tolerate the standard closed scanner. Among the drawbacks of an open scanner are longer scan times and a lower magnetic field strength resulting in a decreased level of image quality.

Standing: sometimes called an ‘upright imaging MRI’, this type provides more flexibility for the patient, allowing for scanning in numerous positions. Standing MRIs are particularly good at scanning weight-bearing joints but it’s worth bearing in mind that these machines are very rare in the UK. You’re more likely to find a four-leaf clover than a UK hospital with one of these on its equipment list!

Extremity MRI: designed to create images of arms, legs, hands, and feet, this type of MRI scanner is much smaller than others. Capable of generating high-quality images, an extremity scanner allows for more patient comfort and creates less noise than a traditional MRI. The major drawback is around its size as it’s only capable of scanning smaller body parts. Patients with head, neck, or back issues will need to use one of the other MRI scanners.

While our facilities feature some of the best MRI equipment on the market, please note that open, standing, and extremity MRI scanners are not available at Practice Plus Group hospitals. In fact, they generally aren’t readily available in the vast majority of UK hospitals.

Why do some people feel anxious in MRI machines?

It’s important to mention that feeling overwhelmed or anxious during an MRI scan is entirely normal. It’s so normal in fact, that it’s estimated that every year, around two million MRI scans are not performed due to patients suffering from claustrophobia.¹

Below, we look at the main reasons behind why scans cause such anxiety and stress for people.

Common fears: claustrophobia and confinement

There’s not really any getting away from it: MRI scanning machines are tight, confined spaces. A typical closed MRI scanner is just 60cm wide which is pretty small whichever way you look at it.

If you suffer from claustrophobia (it’s estimated around 10% of the UK population do!)² or are anxious about the MRI scan, there are techniques and tactics you can employ to your advantage. Breathing techniques, meditation, listening to music, or even squeezing the life out of a stress ball can help keep you relaxed during your scan.

We cover some of these techniques in more detail later on in this blog.

How MRI anxiety can affect your scan

During the scan, it’s important to lie as still as possible so the machine can capture detailed images. Increased movement can result in the images being blurred or of poorer quality but being in an enclosed space can cause some people to become stressed, and in some more extreme cases, cause panic attacks.

If, at any point, you need to stop the scan, squeeze the buzzer given to you before you enter the machine. This will allow you to speak to the radiographer. The scanner is very noisy – this is due to the electrical current passing through the components of the machine. Don’t worry though, this is completely normal, and you’ll be given earplugs and headphones to help dampen the noise.

Top tips to stay calm during an MRI procedure

Just as some people would rather never step foot inside a dental surgery again, it’s totally normal to find MRI scans intimidating. Let’s face it, there aren’t many of us that like loud noises or being confined in small spaces for a long time, unless it’s in the crowd at your favourite music concert.

To help, here are some tips to help you stay calm during the procedure.

Practise deep breathing techniques

Breathing is a great technique to help focus and relax your mind. If you’re feeling anxious during the scan, try to breathe slowly and in a rhythm.

For example, focus your mind on breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for a further 4, breathing out for another 4 seconds and finally, holding that for a final 4. Repeating this technique will slow your breathing and naturally reduce your heart rate. Combining this with other methods – like counting numbers or visualising places in your head – can help to further focus your mind and keep yourself calm.

Listen to music or guided meditation

MRI scanners are very noisy and because of this, it’s not uncommon for patients to listen to music or a podcast while the machine is at work. As music might be available in the scanner itself, it’s worth asking the radiographer beforehand about what melodic masterpieces are available.

Use an eye mask or keep eyes closed

Have you ever been in a pitch black room and felt more comfortable simply closing your eyes? Some people find that covering your eyes with an eye mask or simply keeping your eyes closed can help you feel as if you are at home or in a different space. Doing this can be quite effective as it can reduce the sense of confinement you feel.

Try cognitive distraction techniques

Cognitive distraction techniques work by diverting your attention away from negative feelings or thoughts by focusing and engaging on a different task. This can be anything from simply visualising calming scenes or everyday tasks to reciting songs or poetry.

As most of us can only focus on one thing at a time, this technique works by shifting your focus to thinking about something positive, breaking the loop of negative thoughts.

Ask about sedation if needed

While we aren’t able to offer sedation, we can provide you with a particularly snazzy pair of new specs. These are called ‘prism glasses’ and work a little like a periscope, reflecting light that allows patients to see out of the scanner rather than the machine’s interior.

A word from one of our MRI specialists

“Staying calm during an MRI scan isn’t just about comfort – it helps ensure the clearest images, reduces the need for repeat scans and makes the whole experience smoother and shorter”

Kerri Leaf, Clinical Lead at Practice Plus Group MSK and Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire

Alternatives that may help with MRI claustrophobia

If the tips and advice mentioned above don’t sound feasible to you, there might be some useful help featured below.

Wide bore and open MRI machines

There are two main types of MRI scanners: wide bore MRIs and open MRIs.

Wide Bore: The key advantage of a wide bore MRI is its size. The wide opening of 70cm can help to alleviate feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety, along with providing a more comfortable experience. A wide bore MRI scanner also produces higher-quality images through high-field MRI technology.

Open: Being open on three sides, an open MRI is the largest and least confining MRI machine. Its open design offers a more comfortable experience and can feel less intimidating than closed designs. As an open MRI prioritises patient comfort, however, it takes longer to scan than other types and has a lower magnetic field strength. This results in a decreased level of image quality.

Preparing for your MRI scan

So, you’re all booked in for your MRI scan and the day is fast approaching! Let’s take a look at what to expect and how to prepare.

Know what to expect before the MRI scan

What happens now? Well, first you’ll be taken through the safety questionnaire by your consultant. This is to ensure that you’re physically and mentally prepared to have the scan. If there’s anything you need to do before you can have a scan, your consultant will discuss this with you in detail.

On the day of your scan, try not to wear clothes that contain metal parts (i.e., zips, buttons, jewellery). It’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes – and remember to remove jewellery!

What happens during the MRI procedure?

To start the procedure, you’ll be asked to lie down on a bed, which will slowly slide into the MRI scanner. The radiographer will leave the room once you are in the scanner, but you’ll still be able to contact them at any point during the procedure via an intercom.

If, at any point, you need to stop the scan, you’ll be given a buzzer to squeeze. This allows you to speak directly to the radiographer. The scanner is very noisy, but don’t worry: this is due to the electrical current passing through the machine. To help dampen the noise, you’ll be given earplugs and headphones.

Role of the MRI radiographer

The radiographer plays a pivotal role in the MRI scanning process. Not only do they prepare the patient for the scan, ensure everything is safe for the procedure to begin, and stay in contact with the patient during the MRI, they also carry out the scan itself, ensuring the images taken are of high quality for the radiologist to report on later.

Typical sounds, duration, and what you’ll feel

MRI scanners are noisy, so during the procedure, you’ll hear loud tapping and banging noises. Don’t worry though, this is nothing to worry about! This noise is caused by electricity passing through the coils within the magnets. These coils vibrate strongly in the process of the machine creating a magnetic field which results in the noise. Usually, MRI scans on one body part last around 20 minutes.

After your MRI: what to expect

Once the scan has finished, the machine will quieten down and the table you’re lying on will move you out of the scanner. But what about the results?

Immediate aftercare and scan results

Well, the scans will be read by a radiologist with the results being sent back to your referrer who will discuss the results with you. If you’re a private patient, results take around three working days. Both you and the referrer will receive a copy of your report (unless you self-referred). 

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