💜 You're Not Alone
Up to 37% of patients experience anxiety before an MRI. Claustrophobia affects about 5-10% of the population. Your feelings are valid, common, and manageable. This guide will show you exactly how thousands of anxious patients successfully complete their MRIs every single day.
37%
Experience MRI anxiety
Journal of Radiology, 2023
95%
Complete their scan successfully
With proper preparation
100%
Say it wasn't as bad as expected
Patient satisfaction surveys
With the right techniques, you can stay calm and comfortable during your MRI
The enclosed space. The loud noises. The need to stay perfectly still. It's no wonder so many people feel anxious about MRIs. But here's the truth: anxiety doesn't have to stop you from getting the medical imaging you need. This comprehensive guide shares proven techniques that have helped thousands of anxious patients—from mild nervousness to severe claustrophobia—successfully complete their scans.
1 Understanding Your Anxiety: You're Not Being Irrational
First, let's acknowledge something important: Your fear is completely valid. Your brain is doing its job by identifying a potentially uncomfortable situation. That's normal human psychology, not weakness.
Common MRI Anxiety Triggers
Enclosed Space (Claustrophobia)
The tube-like structure of traditional MRI machines can trigger feelings of being trapped
Loud, Unexpected Noises
Banging, thumping, and buzzing sounds can be startling and overwhelming
Loss of Control
Having to stay completely still while others control the machine and process
Fear of the Unknown
Not knowing what to expect or what the results might show
Physical Discomfort
Worry about having to stay still for 20-60 minutes, potential back pain, or needing the bathroom
Previous Bad Experiences
Past traumatic medical experiences or stories you've heard from others
💚 Good News
Every single one of these triggers has a solution or coping strategy. And most importantly: You don't have to suffer through this alone. MRI facilities are experienced in helping anxious patients, and they want you to succeed.
2 Preparation Strategies: Set Yourself Up for Success
The work starts before you even arrive at the imaging center. These preparation strategies can dramatically reduce your anxiety:
Ask About Anti-Anxiety Medication
Most effective intervention
Don't be embarrassed to ask. Your doctor can prescribe mild sedatives like:
- • Lorazepam (Ativan) - Taken 30-60 minutes before scan
- • Alprazolam (Xanax) - Fast-acting, short duration
- • Diazepam (Valium) - Longer-lasting calm
Important: You'll need someone to drive you home if you take sedative medication.
Request an Open MRI or Wide-Bore MRI
Specifically designed for claustrophobic patients
Open MRI
- ✓ Open on multiple sides
- ✓ No enclosed tube feeling
- ✓ May take slightly longer
- ✓ Not available for all scan types
Wide-Bore MRI
- ✓ 70cm opening (vs 60cm standard)
- ✓ Same quality as traditional
- ✓ Shorter tube length
- ✓ More widely available
Call ahead: Ask if the facility has open or wide-bore options before booking your appointment.
Visit the Facility Beforehand
Eliminate fear of the unknown
Many imaging centers allow you to visit and see the MRI machine before your appointment. This helps:
- • Familiarize yourself with the environment
- • Meet the staff who'll be helping you
- • See that the machine isn't as scary as you imagined
- • Ask questions in a low-pressure setting
- • Practice lying on the table (some facilities allow this)
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Train your mind ahead of time
In the weeks before your scan, practice these daily:
4-7-8 Breathing
- 1. Breathe in for 4 counts
- 2. Hold for 7 counts
- 3. Exhale for 8 counts
- 4. Repeat 4 times
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- 1. Tense feet for 5 seconds
- 2. Release and relax
- 3. Move up body (legs, stomach, arms)
- 4. Notice tension melting away
Guided Visualization
- • Picture your "happy place"
- • Beach, forest, childhood home
- • Engage all 5 senses
- • Practice 10 mins daily
Meditation Apps
- • Calm
- • Headspace
- • Insight Timer
- • 10% Happier
Bring a Support Person
You don't have to do this alone
Having someone with you provides:
- • Emotional support in the waiting room
- • Someone to talk to and distract you
- • Transportation if you take sedation
- • Reassurance that you're not alone
Note: They usually can't come into the scan room with you (metal safety), but they'll be just outside.
3 During Your Scan: Real-Time Coping Strategies
You're on the table. The anxiety is building. Here are proven techniques that work in the moment:
👁️ Close Your Eyes BEFORE You Go In
The #1 most effective technique: Close your eyes as soon as you lie down, and keep them closed the entire time.
Why This Works:
- • You can't see the enclosed space if your eyes are shut
- • Reduces visual stimulation and anxiety triggers
- • Helps you focus inward on breathing and relaxation
- • Many patients report: "I didn't even know when I was fully inside"
Bonus: Ask for a washcloth or eye mask over your eyes for extra darkness.
🌬️ Focus Intensely on Your Breathing
Your breath is the most powerful tool you have to control anxiety in real-time.
Box Breathing
- 1. Breathe in: 1-2-3-4
- 2. Hold: 1-2-3-4
- 3. Breathe out: 1-2-3-4
- 4. Hold: 1-2-3-4
- 5. Repeat continuously
Diaphragmatic Breathing
- • Place hand on stomach
- • Breathe deep into belly
- • Feel stomach rise (not chest)
- • Slow, controlled exhales
- • This activates calm response
🧠 Distract Your Mind
Give your brain something else to focus on besides the enclosed space:
Mental Counting Games
- • Count backwards from 100 by 7s (100, 93, 86, 79...)
- • Count the knocking/buzzing patterns
- • List countries alphabetically
- • Name all 50 states
- • Recite song lyrics or poems
Visualization Techniques
- • Imagine you're on a beach, not in a tube
- • Picture yourself floating on water
- • Mentally walk through your home room by room
- • Plan your ideal vacation in detail
- • Relive a happy memory minute by minute
Music & Audio
- • Most facilities offer headphones with music
- • Some allow you to bring your own playlist
- • Focus on lyrics and melody
- • Let music drown out the machine noise
💭 Reframe Your Thinking
Change how you think about what's happening:
| Anxious Thought | Helpful Reframe |
|---|---|
| "I'm trapped" | "I'm being held safely. I can stop anytime with the button." |
| "This is taking forever" | "Each sound means we're one step closer to being done." |
| "I can't breathe" | "There's plenty of air. I'm breathing normally. This is anxiety, not suffocation." |
| "Something bad will happen" | "Millions do this safely. The tech is watching. I'm completely safe." |
| "I'm going to panic" | "Anxiety is uncomfortable but harmless. I've handled hard things before." |
👨⚕️ Remember: You're Not Alone
The technologist is watching you the entire time:
- • They can see you through a window
- • They can hear you through a microphone
- • You can talk to them anytime
- • They've helped thousands of anxious patients
- • They WANT you to succeed and will support you
You have a panic button: Squeezing it will immediately stop the scan. Just knowing you have this control can be incredibly calming.
4 For Severe Anxiety: Advanced Options
If your anxiety is severe or you've tried unsuccessfully before, these options exist:
💤 Conscious Sedation
IV medication that keeps you awake but deeply relaxed and drowsy.
Benefits:
- • Very effective for severe anxiety
- • You're calm but responsive
- • Time passes quickly
- • You may not remember the scan
Requirements:
- • Must arrange driver
- • Fasting beforehand
- • Additional cost ($200-500)
- • Takes longer (prep time)
😴 General Anesthesia
Completely asleep during the scan. Rare, but available.
When Used:
- • Severe, unmanageable claustrophobia
- • Pediatric patients who can't stay still
- • Failed attempts with other methods
- • Certain medical conditions
Considerations:
- • Requires anesthesiologist
- • Significantly higher cost ($1,000+)
- • Usually hospital setting
- • Recovery time needed
⚠️ Talk to Your Doctor
These advanced options require medical evaluation and prescription. Discuss with your ordering physician or the imaging center medical director.
5 "What If I Panic and Can't Finish?"
This is the #1 fear. Here's the honest truth:
It's Okay to Stop
Seriously. If you need to stop, you can stop. That's why you have the panic button.
✋
Stop Anytime
Squeeze the button. Table comes out immediately.
🧘
Take a Break
Get up, use bathroom, walk around, calm down.
🔁
Try Again
Most people who stop successfully continue after a break.
Real statistic: About 5% of patients stop mid-scan. Of those, approximately 80% successfully complete the scan after a short break and some encouragement from staff.
💙 You're Stronger Than You Think
Many patients report that the anticipation was worse than the actual scan. Once they got through it, they felt proud and relieved—and realized they could handle more than they thought.
Real Patient Success Stories
Sarah, 34
Severe claustrophobia
"I was TERRIFIED. I took the Ativan my doctor prescribed, closed my eyes the second I lay down, and focused on my breathing. I didn't even know when I was all the way in! The technologist talked to me the whole time. It was SO much easier than I thought. I actually fell asleep near the end."
Michael, 47
Panic disorder
"I've had panic attacks my whole life. I was sure I couldn't do an MRI. But the open MRI machine made ALL the difference—it wasn't even enclosed! Plus, I counted backwards from 1000 by 3s to distract myself. 45 minutes later, I was done. I'm so proud of myself."
Lisa, 28
First MRI, very anxious
"I visited the facility the day before and saw the machine. That helped a lot. During the scan, I imagined I was on a beach in Hawaii. The technologist checked on me every few minutes. I did have to stop once to take a break and regroup, but then I finished it. If I can do it, anyone can."
You've Got This 💪
Anxiety is normal. Claustrophobia is common. But with the right preparation and techniques, you absolutely can do this. Millions of anxious patients successfully complete MRIs every single year. You will too.
20-60
Minutes total (really not that long!)
100%
Painless & safe (no radiation)
95%
Success rate with prep
You
Will be one of them!
About the USRad Healthcare Team
Our compassionate team of Radiologic Technologists and patient care specialists has helped thousands of anxious patients successfully complete their MRIs. We understand that anxiety is real, and we're committed to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. You're never just a number—you're a person who deserves support and understanding.
Ready to Schedule Your MRI?
Book at a USRad facility where our compassionate team understands anxiety and will support you every step of the way. We offer open MRI options and work with you to ensure your comfort.
Call us: 1-866-USRad-24 • Mon-Fri 8am-8pm EST
