An MRI scan is a powerful diagnostic tool that creates detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body. The procedure involves lying still on a table that slides into a narrow, tube-like machine, often accompanied by loud, repetitive noises. The confined space and noise can trigger intense anxiety or claustrophobia in a significant number of people. This psychological reaction can quickly escalate to a panic attack, raising concerns about interrupting the procedure. The body’s involuntary physical response to this stress directly impacts the quality of the diagnostic images being collected.
How Panic Affects the MRI Image Quality
The most immediate consequence of panic during an MRI is the introduction of movement, which severely degrades the resulting images. The MRI machine relies on a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to align and then measure the signals from water protons in the body. The data used to construct the image is collected over time, and a patient must remain completely motionless for the data to be spatially accurate.
Any physical movement, whether a slight twitch, a nervous adjustment, or the rapid breathing of hyperventilation, disrupts this precise data collection. This movement introduces what is known as a “motion artifact” into the scan. These artifacts typically manifest as blurring, streaking, or a ghosting effect on the image, making the anatomical structures difficult or impossible for a radiologist to interpret.
Even small, involuntary movements can render an entire sequence of the scan diagnostically useless, forcing the technologist to repeat that portion of the examination. The process of collecting the raw data is highly sensitive to motion. If the patient moves while this data is being collected, the resulting image will contain misregistered signals, compromising the scan’s ability to provide clear and accurate information.
The Technologist’s Response and Stopping the Procedure
Patient safety and comfort are the first priorities, and the MRI technologist is trained to respond immediately to signs of distress. Before the scan begins, the patient is given an emergency signaling device, often a small squeeze ball, which functions as a panic button. Squeezing this device instantly alerts the technologist in the control room and signals the need to stop the scan.
The technologist is also in constant visual and audible contact with the patient, monitoring them through a window and an intercom system. If they observe signs of panic, such as rapid shallow breathing or excessive fidgeting, they will halt the scanning sequence. The technologist can then communicate with the patient through the intercom to assess the situation.
The decision to resume the scan or terminate the appointment depends on the severity of the panic and the patient’s condition. If the patient can calm down quickly with reassurance, the table may be retracted slightly for a brief break before attempting to continue. If the panic is severe and cannot be quickly managed, the technologist will fully remove the patient from the machine to ensure their well-being. In such cases, the appointment is often terminated and rescheduled, frequently with a plan for pre-scan anxiety management.
Proactive Strategies for Managing Claustrophobia
Patients who anticipate anxiety or claustrophobia during an MRI have several effective strategies to prepare for the procedure. The first step involves discussing concerns with the ordering physician well in advance of the appointment. This conversation may lead to a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication, such as a benzodiazepine, to be taken shortly before the scan to help the patient relax.
During the scan itself, patients can employ specific mental and physical techniques to maintain calm. Focusing intently on deep, slow, diaphragmatic breathing can help regulate the nervous system and counteract the onset of a panic response. Many facilities allow patients to listen to music through headphones, which can serve as a distraction from the machine’s loud operational noises.
For patients whose anxiety is triggered by the narrow space, alternative equipment options may be available. They can request to be scanned in a wide-bore MRI machine, which features a wider opening than traditional scanners. Some facilities also offer open MRI systems, which are significantly less enclosing, though these are not suitable for every type of scan and may not be available at all locations.