Approximately 50% of patients experience moderate to severe anxiety before undergoing an MRI exam. Feeling anxious about MRI scans is completely normal, but effective relaxation strategies can significantly reduce this anxiety.
At Smart Scan Medical Imaging, we’re here to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. With our state-of-the-art GE Voyager 1.5T Wide Bore MRI scanner and our subspecialty-trained radiologists, we prioritize accuracy and patient care every step of the way.
To help ease your mind, we’ve compiled a list of practical tips to reduce anxiety before your imaging exam.
1. Understand What’s Causing Your Anxiety
Identifying the source of your worries can be the first step toward easing them. Many patients feel uneasy about MRI scans for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Claustrophobia, or fear of confined spaces, during an MRI
- Discomfort with the loud noises that MRI machines often make
- Fear of discomfort or unfamiliar exams
- Concerns about radiation exposure (for CT scans)
- Worry about the scan results
- Acknowledging these concerns and remembering they’re shared by many can be reassuring. You’re not alone, and there are ways to address these feelings.
2. Get Familiar With the Procedure
For many, fear stems from the unknown. Learning about your MRI exam at Smart Scan can help reduce anxiety significantly.
Here’s what you can expect during an MRI exam at Smart Scan:
- You’ll lie on a cushioned table that gently slides into the scanner.
- The machine may make rhythmic tapping or knocking sounds during the imaging process. For comfort, we offer headphones to help block the noise.
- The scan is completely painless and typically takes 20 to 45 minutes.
- You’ll be asked to lie as still as possible to ensure clear, accurate images.
If you’re feeling apprehensive, ask your provider for details about the process. Knowing what to expect can reduce stress and help you approach the day with more confidence.
3. Try Breathing Exercises Before and During the Exam
Deep, steady breathing is one of the fastest ways to activate your body’s relaxation response. This simple method can help when you're lying in the scanner or waiting for your exam to begin.
Try this breathing exercise:
- Inhale through your nose for a count of 4
- Hold your breath for 4 counts
- Exhale through your mouth for 4 counts
- Pause for 4 counts before your next breath
- Repeat for 1–2 minutes
Practicing this technique before and during your scan may help reduce anxiety, especially if you’re managing MRI claustrophobia or are prone to panic in confined spaces.
4. Practice Visualization or Meditation
If you’ve ever been nervous during a medical test or exam, you know how helpful distraction can be. Mindfulness techniques such as:
- Visualization: Picture a peaceful beach, forest, or place that makes you feel safe
- Mantras: Repeat a calming phrase like “I am safe, I am calm”
- Meditation apps: Use guided audio before your scan
Some patients even report that they fall asleep during their MRI tests once they get into a relaxed rhythm.
5. Ask Questions—Knowledge Is Power
Our team welcomes your questions. Whether you're curious about the MRI technologist’s role, wondering how long the exam will take, or need more clarity on the machine’s noise, you should feel empowered to ask.
Common questions include:
- “How long will my exam take?”
- “Can I bring music or headphones?”
- “Will I be alone in the room?”
- “What’s the purpose of this test?”
The more you know, the more prepared and comfortable you’ll feel.
6. Let Your Provider Know How You’re Feeling
Don't hesitate to share any past experiences with anxiety, claustrophobia, or panic during medical tests. Your provider can offer:
- Extra time or breaks during your scan
- Guidance on how to prepare mentally or physically
- In some cases, a referral for mild sedation if needed (you’ll be informed in advance)
At Smart Scan, our MRI technologists are trained to work closely with anxious patients and make you feel as safe and supported as possible.
7. Choose a Patient-Centered Imaging Center
Where you go matters. At Smart Scan, we’ve designed our facilities and processes with your comfort in mind. Our GE Voyager 1.5T Wide Bore MRI scanner provides more space than traditional machines, making it a great option for patients who feel uneasy in confined spaces.
Additionally, our subspecialty-trained radiologists and compassionate team are committed to delivering not only accurate results but also a supportive, calming environment throughout your visit.
Why Choose Smart Scan?
Choosing Smart Scan means choosing an imaging center that puts your comfort and peace of mind first without compromising on accuracy.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Comfort-Focused Technology: Our GE Voyager 1.5T Wide Bore MRI scanner offers a more open, spacious design than traditional machines, helping to ease claustrophobia and create a more relaxing experience.
- Expertise You Can Trust: Our subspecialty-trained radiologists bring years of expertise and precision to every diagnosis, so you can feel confident in your results.
- Compassionate Care: From the moment you arrive, our dedicated team will guide you through the process, addressing your concerns and ensuring a calm and reassuring environment.
- Timely and Accurate Results: We understand that waiting for results can be stressful. That’s why we prioritize efficiency, providing you with accurate results as quickly as possible.
At Smart Scan, we combine trusted clinical expertise with a calming environment, so your experience feels less like a test and more like care.
Make Your MRI Exam Stress-Free
Feeling anxious before an MRI exam is normal, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. At Smart Scan, we’re committed to delivering both clinical precision and personal reassurance throughout your imaging experience.
Call (855) 694-3300 or schedule your MRI appointment online at our Eau Claire or Weston locations. Let us help you feel at ease before, during, and after your scan.
