Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Hi , I have had a few MRI brain scans. I have always had the closed one, and nver had a problem until just this last time I went for one. I actually went into panic mode, and started to have breathing problems. The one I was in didn't have the " Open Window " that you could see out of with your eyes. But instead the only thing I could see was the black color of the wall or ceiling. I did have my favorite CD in so I could listen to music, but knowing that if I opened my eyes I saw black, just scared the heck out of me. I pushed that button and they brought me out and I asked " If they had a " screen saver " or " picture " they could place there? They said " No " . But with some thought the nurse there suggested a clean soft washcloth, which I gladly took, and it did work. But it was the very first time my body ever paniced. It was so scarey. And I will make sure that next time I go to a place that has both pictures and music available. I can't help you with the open MRI, but I do know that they are available and the heavier people and those who are clastrophic use them. Good Luck. I hope for the best for you. Hugs, Ann-Marie MRI brain scan Does anyone have experience being in an MRI brain scan machine???? I have requested to go to a " open " MRI place, but I saw something on TV tonight that makes me think even the open one is going to strap a machine on my claustrophobic head:( Any one able to tell me what to expect? Smiles to you, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 I have several MRI scans of head and neck and shoulder. The older ones look like a cave of sorts with just the opening. These also use a head frame which reminds me of the mask that a goalie wears. It doesn't touch the face and has mostly open spots. There are then those that look like donuts. They are usually larger in diameter. For your brain, you can see light from above your head, but your head is still in the donut part. I think knowing what to expect is the main thing that helps. They can show you the equipment and how the bed slides in, etc. I have found that I have no problems if I keep my eyes closed while the bed is moving in. All of them I have been in have lights inside and usually a sticker or picture to focus on. If you have real problems with enclosed places, let them know and they can medicate you. Good luck with your scan. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2004 23:22:13 -0400 > To: " Mitoldies " > > Subject: MRI brain scan > > Does anyone have experience being in an MRI brain scan machine???? I have > requested to go to a " open " MRI place, but I saw something on TV tonight that > makes me think even the open one is going to strap a machine on my > claustrophobic head:( > Any one able to tell me what to expect? > > Smiles to you, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 , I have had quite a few MRI's done, with probably 5 of them being the MRI brain scan. Each time, with the brain scan, they did put something over my head that made me feel like a goalie or football player. I could see through the wholes in it, so it really helped me. I am always asked if I have problems with tight spaces, as they are very willing to give medicine to calm one down. I don't need it, but know it is always availbable to me. I know my mom would have to be knocked out cold before she could have an MRI! My thoughts are with you. Please do let them know of your fears and see what can be offered to help you. Smiles, a On Tue, 19 Oct 2004 23:22:13 -0400 " Young " jlyoung@...> writes: Does anyone have experience being in an MRI brain scan machine???? I have requested to go to a " open " MRI place, but I saw something on TV tonight that makes me think even the open one is going to strap a machine on my claustrophobic head:( Any one able to tell me what to expect? Smiles to you, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 a, How long does the scan take? I think they will have an idea it will bother me by the way they have to take me kicking and screaming onto the table:))) With any luck I will pass out and they can do it during that time:) I did just have some cancer surgery last Feb. on my face that took 3 hours and I had to just have local anethesia for. I told them too, if I pass out, MAKE SURE you do not wake me up, just get the surgery done while I am out! What a sissy heh?? Smiles to you too, Re: MRI brain scan > > , > I have had quite a few MRI's done, with probably 5 of them being > the MRI brain scan. Each time, with the brain scan, they did put > something over my head that made me feel like a goalie or football > player. I could see through the wholes in it, so it really helped me. I > am always asked if I have problems with tight spaces, as they are very > willing to give medicine to calm one down. I don't need it, but know it > is always availbable to me. I know my mom would have to be knocked out > cold before she could have an MRI! My thoughts are with you. Please do > let them know of your fears and see what can be offered to help you. > Smiles, > a > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 When Is the MRI? Well, actually it will take place as soon as I remember to call the open MRI place and make the appointment. The Neuro sent me home with a script for it as I wanted to have it done in an open MRI. I just keep forgetting to call. Same thing with my foot doctor appointment that he told me to make, I forget to call for that too! Wish I could forget that I was sick! Forget everything else, why not that little tidbit??? Smiles, MRI brain scan > > Hi , > > I think my brain scan lasted 30 to 40 minutes. My brain scan was with " Contrast " and " Without Contrast " . > > And as Barbara said they do announce when the next sequence of bangs and taps will start. And there is always the panic button if you have problems. > > I also wanted to mention that it might be a good idea to bring a picture with you, so if they don't have anything in there for you to look at, you can tape up the picture that you brought with you. It will help you to relax. Just bring your favorite pic, one that will keep you relaxed. > > Like I said in my first post to you, I have always done very well with the MRI's but my last one was not. I don't know what happened but I definitely went into a panic mode. The helmets that they attach to you aren't filled with holes all around it, and nothing to be afraid of. Actually that will most likely be the one thing that doesn't bother you at all. > > Good Luck, when is this MRI? > Hugs, > Ann-Marie > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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