Open or closed mri for brain scan

dixie46 · 10-01-2008, 06:37 AM

I was wondering whether you could use an open mri to do a brain scan as I am very clostrophobic. I know they can give you meds to help with that but was just curious if the open stand up one could be used.

Sheila · 10-02-2008, 12:42 PM

Dixie, I am thinking it would be closed as they do have to put your head in a cage type device to immobilize it...just ask your dr. to order an ativan. That helps most! They also pulll you out halfway through and inject you with dye, and slide you back in for more. I hate them, but I have them yearly to keep a check on the brain.

kcherub · 10-02-2008, 01:28 PM

Hey...I was actually on the phone with my husband, when I saw this thread. He runs the imaging lab for the MS Center of Atlanta and does MRI. He said that closed is better. I get a little freaked out in small spaces, so this is what he does for me:

The air in the room is turned way down. If I am particularly stressed, I take 1/2 a Xanax beforehand (he says that some patients take 2 wholes!!!). He places a dry hand towel over my eyes before he puts me into the machine. Once I am in there, I have no idea how close I am to the machine. Also, if you panic at ALL, they can hear you speaking and will take you out if requested.

You do not have to have contrast. I never have. They use the constrast on most of his patients (MS), but tend to do contrast only on other patients should something questionable show up and they need to look at it enhanced.

You can do this!

Take care,

dixie46 · 10-02-2008, 02:44 PM

Thank you so much for the info. I was going to ask my onc but won't see him for another three weeks.

I am currently in treatment and he said any scans would be done after treatment in Dec. I am trying to get him to give me an mri since I have never had any scans since diagonosis or treatment.

pattyz · 10-02-2008, 02:53 PM

Dixie,

I have had a minimum of 30 closed Mri's for brain mets these past 6 yrs.

No, I was not claustrophobic, but did find that Ativan helped with the first couple. Plus, much like what was suggested:

I always ask for a cloth to cover just my eyes, so that there is never any peeking at my closed confines.

Always get covered with a warmed blanket, tucked in with ear plugs well in place.

Some like music, but I 'go away' and think of the things that I want to do or places to go, IN DETAIL.... I end up nearly drifting off. At least emotionally I am very calm.

And the handheld bulb they give you is just a squeeze away from you being brought out if that is what you need.

Wishing you well,
pattyz