Hypnosis for MRI claustrophobia?

[Cholderby]

Before MS, I didn't even know I was clausterohobic. I found that out pretty quickly during diagnosis.

During my very first MRI attempt, I got as far as going in the tube before I panicked so much I actually broke multiple fingernails clawing my way out. I've since tried Valium and Xanax with no success. The only MRIs I've had have been with Iv versed.

Since then I switched neuros and hospital systems. They claim they can't use versed without intubation , so I just went without an MRI last time.

The point of all this is that I need to find some way of being able to get in the MRI. Even if they did versed, I'd still rather be able to just pop a pill and go rather than having to go through pre-op with an anesthesiologist.

Anyone had any success with either hypnotherapy for MRI claustrophobia or anything else?

[tracibk]

I don't think they are giving you enough Xanax! I don't know the mg but I take two pills 1 hour before and then 1 more 15 mins before. Pretty sure I fall asleep because it doesn't feel that long that I am in there. Just tell your dr that you want to be as drugged as possible without being knocked out just need to make sure you have someone to drive you.....good luck!

[justacowgirl]

Agreed; I got a bigger dose of Valium my second mri and slept through the whole procedure!

[MSer102]

I think hypnosis might help you.

I start to hyperventilate during my MRIs even though I'm not claustrophobic. So I use relaxation techniques I learned when I learned how to meditate. I can calm down the automatic processes that start the hyperventilation and during my last spinal MRIs I darned near fell asleep. I don't get to the point of total zoning out during head MRIs because the banging is just too loud. But I can keep the hyperventilating under control and stay calm and still until its over. I'm in and out of the machine in a breeze. No drugs no muss no fuss. I don't have to depend on anyone else and I can get right up and drive home.

I think a couple of sessions of hypnosis training with a qualified psychologist or other mental health professional - that means NOT somebody you find on Craigslist or in the Pennysaver - could be very helpful. Hypnosis isn't somebody else doing something to you. Its really you learning how to relax and direct your own mind around whatever is blocking your thinking or triggering responses you don't want like panic and pain. If you can get the MRI claustrophobia under control you might be surprised at what other stressful things in your life you can get under control too.

[DogMa]

There is such a thing as an "open" MRI, although they are harder to find. Some doctors complain about the pictures they get but many are fine with the results. You might explore this option with your neurologist as it is better than no MRI.

I can't handle a regular MRI and react adversely to most sedation/anxiety meds; an open MRI, although not quite as open as I wish, does not involve a entering a tube, and I am able to avoid the clautrophobic experience of the alternative.

Good luck!

[Thinkimjob]

I'd go for a stronger dose of drugs.
I have done it cold turkey once, and the only thing that worked for me was concentrating on the fact I might have been in a very confined tube, but I was in a great big room. The noise was the worst.
If they can't IV you (which I find a bit odd, since they have to give people intravenous dye sometimes, so why not some Valium?) just up the dose of the drugs. And refuse to get in there until they do. There's no need to be tortured.