Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

4 Tips for Easing Your Stress When You Have an MRI Scheduled

9 March 2017 by Freddie Cox

When you have an MRI scheduled and it is your first one, it is useful to know a bit about MRIs and how they are done. If you are nervous about the testing, this is pretty common. Some people have difficulty with small spaces, while others simply get nervous about medical testing in general. If you have an MRI coming soon and you are feeling nervous, there are a number of things you can do to ease your anxiety. Talk with your provider about your upcoming test and let them know you are nervous. Your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative to allow you to relax on the day of the test so that you can complete the MRI and get the results you need.

Understand MRIs Don't Hurt

There is nothing painful about an MRI. While you may feel a little discomfort from having to lie still, the MRI machine itself never even touches you. The machine has powerful magnets inside, which are used to take images of your body. Whether you are getting an MRI on your head or your knee, the procedure is basically the same. You will lie down on a table, and the technician will slowly get you into place. It is much like an x-Ray, in that you don't feel anything but you have to stay as still as possible.

Bring a Friend with You

If you are going to take sedative medication, you will need to have someone drive you to your appointment. It can help to have a friend with you to ease some of your anxiety. Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor, and you should feel your stress ease.

Choose Soothing Music

You will be offered headphones and the ability to choose some music to listen to. Pick music that is soothing to you, or music that will get your mind off of the test itself. The MRI is loud, as the magnets will bang against one another during the test. You'll want to be listening to some sort of music or use ear plugs to drown out the noise.

Learn Some Meditation

Before you go to your MRI, take the time to learn some meditation techniques. This will help keep your breathing even and make it easier for you to be still while the test goes on. If you are stressed about an MRI, learning meditation can help ease your stress.

To further understand the process, reach out to services like Omega Diagnostic Imaging PC.

Share

Search