3 Ways to help Patients Relax During an MRI Scan

No one likes to feel like they aren’t in control. For many patients, preparing for an MRI scan can be an overwhelming experience. Most will have a lot on their mind already – insurance, fees, the possibility of a scary diagnosis. Add in fear of the unknown, a cramped space, and loud noises. You’ve got a recipe for a lot of stress and anxiety. Here are a few ways to help patients relax and feel like they’re back in control before a scan:

Talk about what to expect during the MRI

Curiosity can be a good antidote to fear. People like processes, especially when they feel they aren’t fully in control. Explaining what you’re going to do and why helps demystify the experience and make it less stressful. Knowing what to expect can also help patients prepare mentally for their scan. Focus on the benefits, the safety, and the routines. Most people don’t experience MRI scanners except on rare occasions. Seeing you as the knowledge expert can help patients relax and let go of the need to control.

Explain how the MRI scanner works

Often times fear stems from an irrational place. Slide into a tube and have your ears blasted with loud mechanical noises? Our survival instincts say, “No thanks!” We can’t quite explain it, but getting into that MRI scanner feels like a bad idea. But the MRI scanner isn’t a dark, scary hole full on monsters. It’s just a tube full of magnets. That’s not something most people would be afraid of – at least once they know how it works. For your more curious patients, learning how the scanner uses magnets to create images is pretty interesting. You don’t have to go super in depth, the highlights will do. Focusing on that – and not cramped quarters or the loud noises – can help put some patients at ease.

Let patients pick music to listen to

Knowledge is power, but don’t underestimate the power of distraction. Music can be a great way to give patients something to keep their attention on during the scan itself. It’s also one small aspect they can fully control. MRI scanners are very loud, and hearing protection is important. But there’s no reason you can’t help protect patients’ ears while also drowning out some of the noise. Our premium sound system is a comfortable, safe solutions. Our headphones reduces noise by 29 decibels and give patients the option of the music genre they want to listen to during their scan.