If you are scared about your MRI, keep in mind that people talk about MRI and claustrophobia (fear of being in a closed space) based on what they have heard or experienced in the past. Not all of this is true today, and certainly not at Mediclinic Dubai Mall. Older MRI machines had narrower tunnels than the modern MRI equipment at Mediclinic Dubai Mall. The older machines were often relatively dark, and the scanner's ceiling was very close to the patient’s face and head.
Mediclinic Dubai Mall has taken the following measures to help those who expect to feel claustrophobic during MRI:
- Our scanners are fully lit, ventilated, and open at both ends. Mediclinic Dubai Mall has invested in the upgrade of the MRI unit to the latest MRI platform that has wider openings and better lighting in the scanner tunnel. These machines greatly improve patients’ comfort during the exam and also yield higher resolution so the images are clearer.
- Our state-of-the-art MRI scanners have “motion correction” imaging that allows for a faster examination. That means the patient is in the scanner for a shorter length of time.
- For some MRI exams, depending on the body part being imaged, we may not need to have your head inside the scanner at all. This dramatically lowers the expectation or experience of claustrophobia. For example, exams of the knee, foot or leg do not require patients to enter the MRI scanner tube completely—only the leg is in the tube.
- The MRI scan room is designed with soothing nature scenes to help patients relax during the exam.
- At Mediclinic Dubai Mall we treat you like the individual you are. We try to find the most comfortable and easiest method for you to successfully complete your MRI. Our well-trained technologists work very closely with you to help reduce anxiety, and we will tell you how long to expect your imaging to actually take. If you are concerned about how you will tolerate your MRI exam, we urge you to ask your doctor to develop a plan to help you. If you are having a MRI appointment, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take to minimise your anxiety.
- During your exam, our technologist will see you and be in contact with you at all times. Speakers inside the scanner will enable the technologist to communicate with you and hear what you say. You also will have a call button (in the form of a squeeze ball) so that you can let the technologist know if you have any problems relaxing during the procedure.
- If you wish, you will be provided with earplugs or a headset to help block out noise from the scanner.
What to Expect During your MRI Procedure
Very little preparation for an MRI exam is needed, but you should not carry objects containing metal into the MRI exam room. Before your exam you will be asked to complete an MRI screening form. You will also be asked to discuss any implants in your body that may contain metal.
During the scanning process, you will be inside the scanner (the tunnel-like scanning machine). You will hear clicking or banging noises as the magnetic field is altered as part of the normal exam process. The banging varies in time and in loudness, sometimes occurring rapidly and sometimes just occasionally. The sounds are part of every MRI exam.
The time for the MRI exam depends upon the imaging exam being performed. During the exam, you will be expected to hold relatively still. You may be asked to repeatedly hold your breath for a few seconds at a time. If your procedure requires the addition of a contrast liquid, you will have an IV needle placed in your arm, and this will be removed before you go home.