Brain MRI

I had one just before Christmas, fortunately I’m not claustrophobic, they asked if I wanted them to play music but I said no.

Maybe ask them to play the music might help? As I said I’m not claustrophobic so I’m not sure if anything in particular is a trigger for you or the whole thing.

I hope it all goes well for you

Can your GP give you something to calm you or some Kalms might help?

My brother had a panic attack during a scan and had to come out. At the replacement appointment his GP gave him some Valium to take and he was absolutely fine

I had the music, it was fine.

The first time I had a MRI I was very alarmed in going into the machine at how close it was to my face. The second time I closed my eyes and kept them closed while in the machine.

I haven’t had the same scan as you - but I’ve had a lung scan , kidney scan etc but not a brain scan. What scared me most was the loud clunking sounds - don’t know what that was. I was very anxious, more than anything else.
Don’t panic - 24 minutes will fly by. Just close your eyes. Don’t look at the cage in front of your face. Perhaps you can ask for a mild sedative Good luck ! Let us know how you get on.

Never had one, but DH had several and said that whilst unpleasant, it was the means to an end - something he had to endure.

My advice is to practise breathing calmly as you tell yourself that every breathe is taking you nearer to when it will be all over. I also told myself that I could stay in the machine because I had a panic button in my hand....meaning I was not trapped and could come out whenever I wanted to.
I hope this helps.
Good Luck x

I have had two fairly recently, and it did not bother me. Since I did not want to hear music, I decided to close my eyes and have a nap.

The clunks were explained, and I was told at the time, but they did not bother me. Maybe you should plan your next holiday or your next shopping list. the time will soon go.

Juicylucy I have had many brain MRIs but they are not so frightening as in 1988 when I had my first one . The machine took up a whole room and the cage over my head only had only little slits to see out of it was pitch black. . I was in 45 mins . After that I hated confided spaces. But over the years they got better.

I still hate MRIs but have had them on my brain ,spine and my heart. I only have one pillow under my head if they offer one and always have a wedge under my knees to protect my back. I have the ear plugs that go in your ears . I concentrate on a spot on the ceiling of the tunnel and stay still and do my post natal breathing exercises . When the bed moves I concentrate on another spot . The longest I have been in the tunnel was just over 90 mins.

Machines are lit and not as noisy as they used to . But they are a brilliant at diagnosising the smallest thing now .

If you want I think you can have mild sedation but I haven't bothered . I just want to get them over with. I have a rare hereditary neurological condition and my limbs stiffen so I need help getting off the bed and help to walk at first.

I always wear my slippers when I have a MRI as it's cold in the room and keeps my feet warm .

If you need to press the button do so and come out for a few minutes before going back it. But if you can try not to panic and if you can stay still it will be over . I know it feels like forever. But they want to compare the other scan with the new one .

Hope all goes well for you.

It’s important you get this done so practice breathing in for 5 out for 7 count it all and it will be over sooner than you think.

If it’s that bad then diazepam will help relax you. If you can, speak to your doctor.

I hate having mri scans they are so noisy the only way I can get through them is by closing my eyes

I've had 4 or 5, having had a stroke and then a tumour being found.

Yes, having the mesh thing over the face is horrible, but at 2 of the MRIs, there was music playing through the headphones (the hospital had set that up) and I also kept thinking of various holidays, family occasions and even people I'd worked with. Anything to distract me.

I have had a couple of these scans over the last twelve months.The first time like you just as I thought I couldn’t stand anymore it was over.
The second time I had ear plugs and also closed my eyes before I went into the scanner.I concentrated on my breathing the whole time which I found relaxed me as much as you can be relaxed in the scanner.

Thank you for the replies it’s comforting to hear other people’s experiences of them. I’m usually not bothered by these sort of things, I’m normally just a get on with it sort of person. However I didn’t even know I was claustrophobic until I had this done. They explained the loud clonking noise is when the machine is taking the actual photos, I’m ok with the noise. I had head phones on with music and the radiographer spoke to me every 5 minutes through the head phones but I seemed to let my thoughts get the better of me and just couldn’t pull them back and the panic set in. I’m thinking maybe get diazepam on hand and if nearer the time I feel it’s getting out of control I can take one. Do they just make you drowsy, I’m not a pill taker if I can help it and can’t stomach codeine as they make me feel like a zombie so am just interested to know the effects of diazepam.

My GP gave me a script for Valium, so I took 5 MGhalf a hour before . I also took a sleep mask, and wore it so I wouldn't see the machine. I had no problems at all.

During a 45 minute scan I closed my eyes and played games involving the alphabet e.g. thinking of the names of girls and boys (Alice and Andrew, Belinda and Brian), towns, plants etc. Combined with breathing exercises it acted as a distraction and helped the time pass.

Nell82 good idea re keeping my mind of it. That’s what I have trouble with my wind wanders into all sorts of scenarios then the panic sets it. Thank you

I had one, it was ok but the music was so loud.

It will be easier this time as you know what to expect, yes it is noisy but you know it does not hurt, keep your eyes closed and breath deeply, concentrate on something such as the weeks meal planning or your times tables.

If you dont have it whatever is ailing you it could get worse or delay any necessary treatment.

I use diazepam, as a relaxant. I can’t open my mouth very wide so use it when I visit the dentist or if my jaw locks.
It’s not easy to get though but am sure your gp Woukd prescribe you just a couple.
I usually take two 5 mg but have taken 4, which my gp said I was ok. You are always able to walk talk hear, etc etc but it does what it says on the tin, it relaxes.
My dh was given one begire his cataract surgery at the hospital.

I think Valium is the same as diazepam

Taking a couple doesn’t make you drowsy.

If you are claustrophobic then any amount of advice to "just relax" doesn't cut it unfortunately.

Ask your GP for Diazepam.