In this lesson
- Why nervousness before an MRI is so common
- Practical things that genuinely help
- How to ask for what you need
You are not unusual
Plenty of people feel uneasy about an MRI — the enclosed space, the noise, or what the scan might find. All of that is normal, and radiographers meet it every day. Saying “I’m nervous” is not a fuss; it is useful information, because it lets the team plan differently for you.
The most helpful thing you can do is tell someone early — when you book, not when you are already on the table. Early warning gives the department options.
What actually helps
Ask to see the room first. Many departments are happy to show you the scanner before you change, so the first time you see it is not the moment you lie down. Knowing what the tunnel really looks like helps more than most people expect.
Know how you will be positioned. For many scans — a knee, a foot, a hand, sometimes a shoulder — your head stays outside the tunnel entirely. Ask which way round you will go in. The answer is often reassuring.
Close your eyes before you go in, and keep them closed. This is the tip radiographers give most often. If your eyes are shut before the table moves, your brain has much less to react to. Some people find a facecloth or eye mask over the eyes helps.
Use the call button. You will be given a button or squeeze ball. Simply holding something that stops the scan changes how the space feels. Test it before you start so you know it works.
Breathe slowly. A slow breath in and a slower breath out settles the body. Counting the breaths gives your mind a job.
Ask about music. Many departments can play music or a radio station through the headphones, and some let you bring your own playlist.
Ask whether someone can stay with you. In some departments a friend or relative can sit in the room, if they pass the same safety screening. It is not possible everywhere, so ask rather than assume.
Ask about the scanner itself. Some sites have wide-bore or more open scanners, and some scans can be done feet-first. Availability varies a great deal from place to place, so no one can promise it — but it is always worth asking what the options are for your scan.
Ask about medicine to help you relax. Some people are offered a mild sedative. Whether this is suitable, and whether it is available, is a decision for your own doctor and imaging team — and it usually means arranging a lift home. Raise it early if you think you will need it.
During the scan
Break the time into pieces. You do not have to get through the whole appointment, only the run you are in — and the radiographer will usually tell you how long each one is. Between runs you can speak, adjust and take a breath.
If you need to come out, say so. Coming out for a minute and going back in is a completely ordinary thing to do, and it is far better than enduring it in silence and moving. Not finishing a scan is not a failure either. The team can rebook, rethink the approach, or discuss another test with your doctor.
What people often ask
What if I panic once I’m inside?
Squeeze the call button. The team stops, talks to you and brings you out if you want. Nobody will be annoyed.
Does everyone go in head first?
No. It depends on the body part. Ask beforehand — for many scans your head stays outside.
Will they think I’m being difficult?
No. Radiographers would far rather you told them you were anxious than had you struggle quietly. Anxious patients are a normal part of their day.
One thing to remember
Tell them early, close your eyes before you go in, and keep the call button in your hand. Small, practical things make a real difference — and asking for them is expected.
This is general information, not medical advice — your own imaging team knows your situation.
References
- RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR). How to Prepare for Your MRI Exam https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/how-to-prepare-for-mri-exam
- InsideRadiology (RANZCR). MRI info for adults — what to expect during an MRI https://www.insideradiology.com.au/for-health-consumers/mri-info-for-adults/
- NHS. MRI scan https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/mri-scan/