MRI Claustrophobic Panic Attack

In this video I will talk about the MRI claustrophobia panic attack. I will share my MRI claustrophobia story and what I do to mitigate an MRI claustrophobia panic attack and my tips dealing with MRI anxiety.

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[EvenSoItIsWell]

What are your tips and tricks to get through your MRI? And what is your MRI story?

[justbenice]

I really thought I was a tough guy but this machine showed me I wasn’t.

[joyalmathew]

I can relate my experience and testify one thing as I had my first time MRI today. I went in without realising the horrer awaiting. First few seconds were horrible as I entered into the tunnel, my heart beats went sore high.. tried to call the technician to get out of it, to get mentally prepared. But by that time he had left the room. I didn't know any way to contact him. Then I realised a wonder happened to me as soon as I appealed for help, to JESUS whom I love... I became calm and was in perfect peace throughout the 30 minutes of my scanning.

Then I remembered the promise of Jesus.
"...and the peace of God, which surpasses every understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts by Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

[bryantmarcial]

Went in for my MRI yesterday, everything was god until I opened my eyes and saw that cage up against my face. I started to hyperventilate and began yelling for help. I kicked my legs like an upright cockroach and was able to get that pillow from underneath my legs and got out of the machine. The technician had not seen me hence they were on the other side of the glass, when they saw I was out they ran to me and asked me what happened and how I got out. All I said was I can’t do this, I need more time…they said okay and I waited in the hallway. 5 minutes later the technician said to me are you ready to try again….all I said was no way I can’t do this I need my wife. Never have I ever experienced such anxiety of being trapped and suffocated. It was a horrible moment and I don’t even recommend this to my worst enemy…that’s how bad it was. Currently looking for open MRI but seeing that the cage is used I am hesitant to try. Worst experience EVER😃

[andymcneill]

Thanks so much for sharing - you helped me immensely!
My tips are gathered from researching videos like this one (plus one of my own :)
1. Do you research on claustrophobia and realise that you are not actually in any danger - it’s just a temporary inconvenience
2.take a sedative 30 mins before your scan - definitely helps to calm your nerves
3. Wear an eye mask - put it on as you are laying down (and keep your eyes closed)
4. My suggestion - pretend you are in a nightclub and the buzzing, beeping, alert type sounds are actually DJ samples playing just before the music kicks in! 
Add your own drums, bass, guitar and the like.
My first MRI was a disaster, but with the above tips the second MRI (2 days later) was a breeze and they made the time fly by!

[welcometosusansmukbang]

Thank you for this video. I want to cry with you. I had my MRI brain scan today. I came out the machine freaking out. I never scare of anything in my life. While I was in the tube. I felt like a dead person inside casket and can't get out. It was painful with IV in my left arm too. After the test, I hit the local mall and enjoying every minute of my life. Now, I understand why people said life is too short 💖

[trishierino]

I don’t understand how with technology there’s not a better machine, bigger and not loud. I’m currently searching options for shoulder mri. Have vertigo, major panic attacks. Tried MRI years ago, didn’t even get all the way in before hyperventilating. And was in Valium.

[Lisa-ymkf]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I will have MRI next week and I’m extremely claustrophobic I almost had a panic attack listening to your story. I hope you are doing well now 💕

[braylark]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I had a brain tumor removed last year and have had about 3 MRI's since then and have an annual one every year that must be completed. My MRI's on average last about 45 minutes each. I too have claustrophobia and the first time I went into the machine I started to have a panic attack and squeezed the ball in about 3 minutes of being inside. To help me get through the first time, I had to really control my breathing ... taking deep breaths in and out. Another thing I did that I should not have done was I moved my chin up a bit and when my face hit the brace that was holding me in ... I realized how little space I actually had to move. An of course my arms were already rubbing against the side of the machine. This began to freak me out as well. The second MRI I did not squeeze the ball. I started to have a small panic attack but was able to control it with my breathing techniques and meditation. One of the things that really helped me was I told them to cover my face with a towel. I did not use a blanket. And the most important tip ... do not move my head so I don't accidentally touch the bracket holding me down. As long as I didn't move my head everything went well. I just had my 3rd MRI yesterday and using all of my techniques I managed to have a panic free experience. I made sure to keep my head still the entire time and I had motivational mindset youtube videos playing in the headphones. (ie: Les Brown). I hope some of these tips are able to help you all in the future.

[margaretpatterson]

I freaked out within 30 seconds of an MRI brain scan. I pressed the panic button and they brought me out. The one tech suggested I try the mirror. He attached it to the head piece over my face. At first that freaked me out because it was one more thing over me, but I tried it and WOW, what a difference. I could see out and it totally took away that confined feeling. I am able to do the MRi’s without sedation as long as I have the mirror. I don’t know why they don’t suggest it more.

[albertmartinez]

I had mine today for my shoulder. I told myself not to think about it going in. I go into the table, they got my shoulder ready, they gave me headphones and asked what station. I said 98.1 and in I went. It was snug. I saw how close my face was to the machine and the anxiety kicked in. I immediately worked on my breathing then focused on the music. Wiggled my toes to the beat and kept saying short prayers.

I tried to count minutes at first but kind of felt dizzy so I just kept on wiggling and praying. The nice tech lady said I had 9 minutes to go. I breathed and then started counting to 60. After 60 I said it’s now 8, then 7, then 6.... Before I knew it I had like two minutes left and said to myself, I got this.

It was then finally over. I eased out, she helped me up. She asked if I was ok. I said that I got reacquainted with God. God said, there you are my son. I haven’t heard from you in a while.

[brendaokuda]

I tried getting an MRI in Oct, 2019. Before she could get my head into the machine I had a full blown panic attack. It was behind horrible. It is now Feb, 2020 & I have been having nightmares every since. I have never had anything effect me so negatively in my entire life. I'm scheduled to try & get an MRI in 2 days & I'm freaking out. Talked to my doctor about it & he gave me a 0.5 mg lorazepam. I'm seriously thinking of forcing him to accompany me so he can live my terror with me. Thank you for your honesty & for your tips. You are a truly brave woman.

[lizkonold]

It is reassuring to know so many others have had the same reaction. Years back I got stuck in an elevator for about 20 minutes and had an anxiety attack, but I could move, chat with others. Unfortunately, I had no idea what an MRI entailed and assumed that it was similar to a PET scan....slide in slowly, then back out, done in a few minutes. I had been given 'zero' information on the procedure. Within minutes in the MRI tube, I had a full-fledged panic attack. It was unlike anything that I've ever experienced and the feeling, hours later, was still with me. Since then I've found many ways of coping with the problem and plan to use a tranquilizer, eye mask, music and Yoga breathing techniques. Plus several people suggested lying under a bed (if it's high enough) or even using a cardboard box over your head, to practice getting used to the close space. It is as close to 'torture' as I ever want to get!

[sophisticatev]

I can relate! I just went for an MRI today and had to leave without getting it. I had no idea I was claustrophobic. I had one 20 years ago and didn't have a problem. Maybe it was a larger one and I don't know. Thank you for this video.

[AJ-gzqd]

If this is the worst part of any treatment, it should be mandatory that all mri’s be redesigned.

[tamtaeliachvili]

1.Take valium or any other sedative
2.Don't open your eyes and don't look et the machine until you are out .
3. Take someone with you and ask them to hold your hand your foot during the scan,
4. tell the stuff you are claustrophobic and they will talk to you during the scans all the time.
These are the great tips and believe me you can do it if you follow them,
I could do it and so can any of you, TRUST ME YOU WILL GET THROUGH

[cvxrett]

Epic fail with Open MRI yesterday. I've had 9 MRI's in the last 14 years due to spinal issues, all regular machines. I'm closterphobic, currntly about an 8 on a scale of 1-10 but used to be alot less severe.
Yesterday, I tried a open-lying down MRI to look at my neck area. NOPE! I lasted 2 mins and pressed the button. I felt like such a woose as this was an open one! I rescheduled as this company has a stand-up Open MRI 😊 and I'm going to take something to relax me. I truly believe my claustrophobia has gotten worse with age and I don't know if I can ever do a regular MRI ever again. 🙃

[anaavila]

OMG! You were so brave!!! I went for an MRI of my brain today and i almost have a panic attack during the test! What works for me I believe was to closed my eyes before they push me in and i started to pray for the test to be over asap before I squeeze the balloon for help! because I didn't want the test to be repeated again, and Thankfully i did it!

[fernmomk]

I am literally in tears. I've only had one...Or attempted to have one MRI. I had a panic attack and they didn't finish it. I was so embarrassed. I have been dreading going to the Dr. again, getting on a plane, even riding in the backseat of a car. I will practice your technique. Thank you.

[Avievan]

I went for my first MRI today, I wasn’t in the machine 5 seconds and I had a full blown panic attack . I’m a 6ft 200lbs guy, i was so embarrassed 😞