THEREALITYOFMRICLAUSTROPHOBIA
IfthethoughtofanMRImakesyourheartrace,youaredefinitelynotalone Clinicalstudies andglobalimagingdatarevealthetruescaleofMRIanxietyacrossdifferentdemographics:
15%
Upto15%ofallMRIpatients experiencevaryinglevelsof claustrophobiaduringtheirscan
45-64yrs
Theagedemographicwiththehighest statisticalincidenceofclaustrophobic scanfailure
WHYDOWEPANIC?
• Small Spaces: Activates the brain's survival response a "false fire alarm "
• Loud Noises: Repetitive tapping and thumping can overwhelm the senses
• Staying Still: The requirement to remain motionless exacerbates the feeling of being trapped
2Million
GlobalMRproceduresare prematurelyterminatedeachyear worldwideduetosevereanxiety
1.25x
Femalepatientsarestatistically125 timesmorelikelytosufferfromMRI claustrophobiathanmales
COMMONSYMPTOMS
• Rapid heartbeat & sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness & chest tightness
• A sudden, intense urge to leave the machine
ACTIONABLECOPINGSTRATEGIES
Before the Scan
• Ask Questions: Remove uncertainty by understanding scan duration and noise levels beforehand
• Dress Comfortably: Wear loose, soft, nonrestrictive clothing
Mental & Physical Focus
• Positive Self-Talk: Replace I'm trapped with "This is temporary I am safe "
• Keep Eyes Closed: Close your eyes before entering the bore; out of sight means out of mind
• Use Sound & Touch: Listen to provided music and request a comforting blanket
Deepbreathingisthefastestwaytosignalyournervoussystemthatyouaresafe
YOUREXPERIENCEINSHARPSTOWN
NextGen Diagnostic Imaging understands that MRI anxiety is real A compassionate environment can dramatically reduce fear before the scan even begins
• Compassionate Staff: Experienced technologists guide you step-by-step
• Advanced Technology: Modern systems are designed specifically for patient comfort to reduce scan times
• Total Support: Emergency buttons and two-way communication systems ensure you are never ignored
