Tips to Make Your MRI More Comfortable

June 22, 2019 – 4 min read

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image of a middle aged man sitting in a waiting room reading a pamphlet

If you are like most people, getting any medical procedure evokes a certain level of anxiety. Some of this uneasiness can be due to the fact that no one gets an MRI assuming everything is normal. Additionally, some people become anxious lying still for any amount of time. A small amount of nervousness is normal and to be expected. The MRI technicians at the medical imaging center where you get your scan done will do everything they can to put your mind at ease and make you comfortable. To help, there are a number of things you can do yourself to ease your discomfort and make things go as smooth as possible.

At Touchstone Imaging, our skilled staff is warm, friendly, and inviting. They understand the anxiety you may have and know how to help. They are more than willing to accommodate your needs and help quell your fears. Join us in today’s post as we discuss some things you can do to help make your MRI experience more comfortable.

Arrive Early

Arriving early will help you get acquainted with the medical imaging facility and the staff. It will afford you the opportunity to ask all of your questions and relax without feeling rushed to flustered. Quietly reading a magazine in the waiting room can help you feel more at home and sometimes the staff can get you in early, helping to “get to it” as quickly as possible.

Ask Questions

Asking questions helps you to better anticipate the procedure before you. It helps you to better understand what to expect before, during, and after so that you can rest comfortably and just allow the MRI machine to do what it needs to do. Many people get anxious in new situations or when undergoing a procedure that may result in less than ideal news. So, asking plenty of questions will help you feel more prepared and comfortable.

Talk About It

If you are feeling anxious about your MRI, talk to your radiology technician about it. Being open and honest will allow your MRI specialist to address your specific discomforts. They have the skills, experience, and training to help you be as comfortable as possible. And, if you are uncomfortable during the procedure, you simply have to say something and they can help correct your discomfort or stop the procedure altogether.

Wear Loose Clothing

When you wear clothing containing metal, including zipper or underwire bra, you will have to remove it for the MRI. So, wearing comfortable clothing serves two purposes. Not only keeping you comfortable, but allowing you to keep as much of your clothing on as possible, which helps most people feel less vulnerable and uncomfortable. We recommend wearing pants, and a comfortable shirt that will keep you warm in an air-conditioned space and that you won’t have to fuss with during the procedure. If you forget, most medical imaging facilities will have hospital gowns for you to change into.

Close Your Eyes

Staring at the inside of the MRI machine can make the time pass slowly and can make some people feel anxious. Closing your eyes and losing yourself in the music playing can help comfortably pass the time. And, you can take comfort knowing the view doesn’t change. Closing your eyes can help you doze off and catch a few minutes of relaxing sleep.

Focus on Breathing

While you are lying still in the MRI machine, focus on your breathing and concentrate on taking full, deep breaths. This will help you relax, give you something to focus on, and help you feel like you are moving when you have to be still. The increased oxygen will help you feel refreshed and help clear your mind. Practice some mindful meditation and let your mind wander.

If you are scheduled for an MRI and feeling anything less than comfortable about it, try these helpful tips. And, read our previous post about how your MRI technician will help make you more comfortable as well. At Touchstone Imaging, our friendly staff will work with you to help make your experience as comfortable as possible. For all of your MRI needs, visit us online to find a location near you and contact us to schedule your appointment.