Claustrophobia and Anxiety During MRI

Feeling anxious about MRI is common. Planning before the appointment can make the examination easier and reduce the chance of an incomplete scan.

Why MRI can feel difficult

MRI requires you to lie still on a table inside a scanner that is open at both ends. The space can feel enclosed, and the machine makes loud changing sounds. Anxiety may be stronger if you have previously had a difficult scan, pain, breathing problems or a fear of losing control.

Tell the clinic before the appointment

Do not wait until you are on the scan table. Let the booking team know if you have claustrophobia, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, severe pain or difficulty lying flat. The team can explain the scanner, allow additional preparation time and discuss what is practical for your examination.

Ways to make MRI easier

Ask what part of your body will be inside the scanner. For some limb scans, your head may remain closer to the opening.
Practise slow breathing before the appointment.
Use the supplied hearing protection, music or in-scan audio-visual system when available.
Visit the clinic prior to your scan to familiarise yourself with the environment.
Keep your eyes closed before the table moves, if this helps.
Agree on communication with the radiographer and remember that you have a call device.
Use padding and positioning supports to reduce discomfort.
Allow enough time so you do not arrive rushed or distressed.

Medication for anxiety

If you think you may need medication, discuss it with your GP or treating clinician before the appointment. MBR Health do not prescribe or administer routine oral anxiety medication on the day.

Sedating medication can impair judgement and driving. Arrange a responsible adult to take you home and follow the prescribing clinician’s instructions. Tell the MRI team exactly what medication you have taken and when.

If the scan cannot be completed

The team may pause the scan, reposition you or discuss another appointment. Depending on the clinical question, another imaging test may sometimes be considered. However, CT, ultrasound and X-ray do not provide the same information as MRI for every condition.

Related Patient Guides

PG1001 – MRI Scan: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Appointment
PG1002 – What Does 3T MRI Mean? Why Protocol Design Still Matters
PG1003 – MRI Safety with Implants, Devices, Metal and Body Piercings
PG1005 – MRI Contrast Gadolinium Explained
PG1006 – Whole-Body MRI for Cancer Staging, Surveillance and Selected Screening
PG1007 – Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Whole-Body MRI: A Simple Explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page

Can I come out of the scanner at any time?

Yes. You can alert the radiographer. Stopping may mean that some images need to be repeated or the examination remains incomplete.

Will an “open MRI” always solve claustrophobia?

Not necessarily. Scanner design, image quality and the examination required all matter. Preparation and communication are still important. Open MRIs are typically <0.5T and therefore may not have the field strength to answer your clinical question.

Can someone stay with me?

A screened support person may be possible for selected examinations, but this depends on safety, room access and the scan being performed.

Important: Contact the clinic before your appointment if anxiety may prevent you from completing the examination.

PATIENT GUIDE • PG-1004 [Patient information: Feeling anxious about MRI is common. Planning before the appointment can make the examination easier and reduce the chance of an incomplete scan.]

To read more on 3T MRI please see below:

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