the feeling of being suspended in a tiny tube,” Daniel says.
Try Meditation And Visualization
MS advocate Vickie Hadge, 56, of Tolland, Connecticut, has had the condition since 2006. She gets MRIs annually. Her comfort method is meditation. She also visualizes and visits open mental spaces. Meditation and square breathing in MRIs are great.
Prep Your Body
“When you lay in one position for a long period, you might experience restless legs or spasms,” Vickie says of MS MRIs. You can use a muscle relaxer and stretch on high-symptom days.
Ask your doctor whether muscle relaxants are okay before your MRI. Stretches may assist.
Talk To Your Doctor About Medication
Ntranos said some patients take a doctor-prescribed anti-anxiety medicine before the scan. “If you are particularly frightened or claustrophobic, your doctor may give an anti-anxiety drug, like Valium, to help you relax during the test,” he says. Valium helps Vickie manage claustrophobia and anxiousness.
Talk to your doctor about medication to help you relax throughout the MRI.
RELATED: New MRI Test May Predict Severity of MS
Ask Questions
Comfort comes from answering all your questions. Chat with the technician before the operation to set expectations and ask questions.
- How long?
- Is music allowed?
- Can you regularly update me on time?
- Intercom system?
- What if I’m nervous?
Dress For Success
Dress comfortably. Wear heavy socks, sweatpants, and a sweatshirt to the MRI since it’s rigid. The facilities might become excessively chilly. Bring or request a blanket.
Get Help From Your Technician
Getting an MRI isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial to your treatment. Before the technician starts, ensure your comfort. Ask your technician for assistance before settling in. Try these suggestions for an easier time.