How to Reduce MRI Anxiety

Many people who need to have an MRI experience a lot of anxiety. If you have claustrophobia, having an MRI can be a terrifying experience. It may be hard to lie still in the scanner and relax. Follow these tips to reduce MRI anxiety.

Instructions

• 1

  To reduce MRI anxiety, talk with your doctor about the procedure first. If it's possible, ask the doctor if you can take a look at the MRI room before your test. Being familiar with the environment and knowing what to expect will help reduce MRI anxiety.

• 2

  Have a close family member or friend go with you to the MRI procedure to reduce MRI anxiety. Ask them to touch your ankle or feet for comfort. Most hospitals allow a family member or friend in the MRI room unless she is pregnant.

• 3

  Avoid drinking a lot a fluids and eating an hour before the exam. You don't want to feel uncomfortable and need to use the restroom during the scan.

• 4

  Check out the MRI chat forum to reduce MRI anxiety. The link is located in the resource section below. Knowing you are not alone will help you deal with the procedure.

• 5

  If you're extremely terrified about the MRI, plead your case with your doctor and ask for a tranquilizer to take before the procedure. It may take a little begging, but most doctors will write you an anti-anxiety medication prescrition for a few pills.