1. Community
  2. Tests and investigations
  3. Investigations and Procedures

MRI claustrophobia

Posted , 3 users are following.

sue73
sue73

I have had lots of MRI scans with increasing discomfort as I am very claustrophobic and now I really can't face another one. I think I would just get hysterical (as I once did when faced with a getting in a lift! Embarrassing). I could try and get a "sedative" whatever that means off my GP but do they work? Has anyone any experience? I don't have anyone to take me home afterwards, either, so how sedated does it make you? Could I walk home okay?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • jan34534
    jan34534 sue73

    Posted

    there is such a thing as an open MRI. You could ask about that. The sides are open and you wouldn’t have claustrophobia.I would not advise taking a sedative for a closed MRI unless you have somebody to drive you home. even walking could be dangerous if you were very drowsy.

    • sue73
      sue73 jan34534

      Posted

      My hospital doesn't have an open MRI machine. I guess I will have to try a sedative and walk home, although I can't find anyone to advise me how much I should take. I will ask my GP. This must be a common problem – I can't understand why there isn't clearer advice out there.

  • joshuapryce1987
    joshuapryce1987 sue73

    Posted

    A sedative is what surgeons use to put people to sleep so they can work. People are put to sleep for hardcore surgery. I must admit that seems scary, i do not think i could do that, if the option was granted to me, id rather pray my life away for healing.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.