MRI anxiety? How to face your fears

Health Letter Article
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If you have a fear of confined spaces, known as claustrophobia, finding out you need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be difficult news.

People with claustrophobia often avoid being in enclosed places or feeling trapped. They may use the stairs instead of the elevator or take a longer drive home to avoid a traffic jam.

An MRI procedure involves lying down in an open tube while a radiologist takes images of the inside of the body. It’s important to lie still during the procedure to get the best images to help guide your treatment plan. Even the thought of this procedure may trigger anxiety for some.

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