Dealing with Claustrophobia during MRI Scans: Tips and Techniques

The fear of confined or enclosed places is known as Claustrophobia. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 12.5% of the population has claustrophobia (Source- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542327/ ). People with Claustrophobia may suffer from heightened distress and sometimes even experience suffocation in a dark, small space.  

Phobias are different from fear. The intense fear that may begin to hinder your daily activities is a phobia and claustrophobia can be difficult to manage. Phobias can limit your ability to work efficiently, put a strain on your relationships, and reduce your self-esteem. 

This may include medical procedures like MRI to be affected. Patients, especially the ones doing it for the first time, may become too anxious to enter the machine. However, one can manage this distress with a few tips and tricks. 

What Can Trigger Claustrophobia? 

There are many common triggers of Claustrophobia: 

• Spaces that are enclosed like tunnels, elevators, and trains. 
• Cabins like airplanes and small cars. 
• Subterranean environments like caves and cellars.
• Restrictive medical equipment like MRI machines. 
• Rooms with limited ventilation or escape routes, including windowless rooms or rooms with unopenable windows. 
• Even the anticipation of being confined can trigger an anxiety response. 

How to Manage Claustrophobia during an MRI Scan?

If this is your first time, it may be difficult for you initially but gradually you will be able to adjust. These are some of the tips and tricks to keep in mind while going through the MRI machine: 

1. Learn about MRI Scan 

It becomes easier to manage your anxiety if you know what’s going to come. Read about MRI scan and why do they have to this. When you are aware of the equipment involved, they are less likely to affect you mentally.

2. Know the procedure 

Read about what is going to happen during the scan. Once you know that it is not invasive and how long it will take to complete the procedure, you will be able to manage. Some people may find their symptoms worsen when they are taken by surprise. Ask your doctor to explain the details of the MRI and have them clarify any questions you have. 

3. Try an Eye Mask

Either a mask or a piece of cloth or a towel. This will help in reducing the light sources and closing the eyes will also help in relaxing the mind you won’t be looking at the procedure. You even fall asleep which is an ideal state for the scan. 

4. Talk to Your Technologist 

This person will be there with you the whole time so you may ask the to keep updating you with the scan, talking to them helps and may even help in distraction. 

5. Wear Ear Plugs 

If you feel that the whirring and rattling noises of the MRI machine is too much for you, try carrying ear plugs. You can block the noise to help you relax. 

6. Listen to Music 

If silence is not something for you, try listening to music instead. It will also help you engage with something and pass the time easily. 

7. Ask for a Wide Bore MRI Scan

Ask your doctor if a wide-bore MRI scan is an option for you. These scanners offer a larger opening and more space inside compared to traditional MRI machines, which can help ease claustrophobia during the exam. 

Let your doctor or technologist know about your concerns, they may be able to schedule you for a wide-bore scan if available. 

8. Try Focusing on Breathing 

Take a deep breath! Slow and controlled breathing is a powerful tool to manage anxiety during the scan. It works by activating your body's relaxation response. Whether you try simple breathing exercises, meditation, or even prayer, focusing on your breath can significantly improve your comfort level. 

9. Bring Along Someone

Although, it is highly likely that you will bring someone with you, but still, having someone you trust give the moral support you need at the time to relax. Whether the person is your parent, sibling or a friend, knowing that someone you trust is just around the corner, helps in calming your nerves. 

How is Claustrophobia Treated?

There are two types of therapy used for treating Claustrophobia- Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 

1. Exposure Therapy

This therapy involves slowly introducing you to what you fear. Through repeated exposure in a safe environment, you'll gradually build confidence and feel less anxious in that situation. 

Exposure therapy includes: 

• Head-on approach: You might directly confront your phobia in a safe and controlled setting. 
• Memory lane: Recounting and describing past experiences related to your fear can be a helpful step. 
• Imagination immersion: Pictures or virtual reality can create a realistic but safe environment to confront your fears indirectly. 

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This talk therapy empowers you to manage your fear by tackling your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Here's what you can expect in CBT :

1. Open Communication: Talk openly about your symptoms and how they affect you. 
2. Understanding Your Fear: Gain a deeper understanding of your phobia and how it triggers your responses. 
3. Challenging Negative Thoughts: Learn to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts that fuel your fear. 
4. Building Coping Skills: Develop practical strategies to manage anxiety and cope with challenging situations. 
5. Facing Your Fears: Gradually confront your phobia instead of avoiding it, building confidence along the way. 
6. Staying Calm: Master relaxation techniques to keep your mind and body calm in stressful situations.

Conclusion 

A lot of people suffer from different kinds of phobias. Help is right in the corner! Talking to your healthcare provider and people you trust will help in coping these phobias. Learn more about your levels of the fear and your reaction and then learn to manage it.