Coping with MRI Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Support and strategies for coping with MRI anxiety and panic attacks…

Page Contents

MRI scans are a vital part of diagnosing or monitoring a CSF leak — but for some patients, they also bring anxiety, claustrophobia, or panic attacks.

If you’re worried about having an MRI, you’re not alone.

This page is here to help you feel more prepared, supported, and in control for coping with MRI anxiety and panic attacks.

💡 Why MRI Scans Can Be Difficult

  • The scanner is a confined space
  • Loud banging and buzzing noises
  • The need to lie still for long periods
  • Physical discomfort or pain
  • Fear of the unknown or of triggering symptoms

🔹 Preparing Ahead

✅ Talk to the scanning team
You can call the hospital or clinic in advance to ask about:

  • Scan duration and type
  • Whether a friend or relative can come with you
  • Availability of music and earplugs
  • Options for a wider (open bore) scanner
  • Bringing your own comfort items

✅ Request adjustments if needed

  • Sedation or anxiety medication (must be pre-arranged with your GP or referring consultant)
  • Mirror glasses to help reduce the feeling of being enclosed
  • A towel or cloth over your eyes
  • Breaks during the scan (if medically safe or practical to do so)

✅ Practise relaxation techniques

  • Deep breathing (e.g. box breathing or 4-7-8 breathing)
  • Grounding or mindfulness apps
  • Visualisation: picture a calm, safe place in detail

✅ Let them know you’re nervous
You don’t need to suffer in silence. Most radiographers are kind, experienced, and happy to talk you through it.

🔹 Understanding the Face Guard

😌 What is the face guard for?

When you undergo an MRI scan, particularly for the head or neck, you may be asked to wear a light plastic frame, commonly referred to as a ‘face guard’ or ‘coil.’ This device plays a crucial role in helping the MRI machine capture extremely detailed images of your brain, or neck. It assists in keeping your head steady during the scan, which is essential to ensure the images are clear and precise. This is especially important for scans of sensitive areas where even the slightest movement could blur the results.

🛡️ It’s not heavy or restrictive
While the face guard might look like it could be uncomfortable, it is neither heavy nor restrictive. The frame does not touch your face, but instead sits slightly above your head, leaving you with enough space to breathe comfortably and move your eyes or mouth. The design of the guard ensures that it provides the necessary support for the MRI machine to capture clear images without causing discomfort.

🤝 You can still ask for comfort adjustments
If the face guard feels unsettling or if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to speak up. The radiographer can help with several comfort adjustments to make you feel more at ease during the scan, such as:

✅ Removal of the face guard if necessary: If at any point the face guard feels uncomfortable, it can be easily removed. Your comfort is a priority, and the radiographer will work with you to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the procedure.

🕶️ A cloth or towel over your eyes: If it’s safe for your specific scan, you can request a soft cloth or towel to be placed over your eyes to help block out the surroundings and make the experience feel less claustrophobic.

🪞 Mirror glass within the face guard: Many face guards have a built-in mirror glass, allowing you to see outside and maintain a sense of space, which can help you feel less confined during the scan.

🎶 Music or calming sounds: If you’d like, you can request music through headphones to help you relax and distract you from the sounds of the MRI machine.

  • A cloth or towel over your eyes (if safe for your scan type)
  • Music through headphones to distract you
  • A gentle reminder that the guard can be easily removed if needed

👂 You’ll still be able to hear and communicate
Even though the face guard is in place, communication remains clear and easy. You will still be able to hear the radiographer’s instructions through headphones, so you’ll always know what to do during the scan. There’s no need to worry about being completely isolated. In case you feel uneasy or need assistance, an emergency call button will be within easy reach, allowing you to communicate with the radiography team immediately. The staff are always there to ensure your safety and comfort.

💡 The importance of the face guard

The face guard plays a key role in ensuring the MRI process goes smoothly. By keeping your head still and steady, it ensures the radiofrequency signals used in the scan are captured clearly, which leads to high-quality, accurate images. This is especially important when scanning areas like the brain or neck, where precision is critical.

It also helps the machine focus on specific areas, improving the clarity of the images and allowing for the best possible diagnosis and care. So, while the face guard might seem a bit unfamiliar and unsettling, it’s a small but important tool in ensuring you receive the most precise imaging possible.

🔹 During the Scan: Staying Calm in the Moment

🕶️ Close your eyes before you go in
If you’re prone to claustrophobia, it can help to gently close your eyes before the bed moves into the scanner. Avoiding the visual of the enclosed space may reduce the chance of panic setting in — and you might find it easier to imagine you’re elsewhere.

🎧 Use music, breathing, or counting to ground yourself
Many MRI departments offer headphones or allow you to bring your own music. Soothing playlists, nature sounds, or even audiobooks can distract your mind and help time pass more quickly. If music isn’t possible, try mentally counting your breaths or slowly reciting something familiar — a poem, prayer, or even a shopping list!

🌊 Focus on your breath or visualise a peaceful scene
Deep, steady breathing can calm your nervous system and give you something to focus on. Try to picture yourself somewhere safe and calm — walking along a quiet beach, lying in a sunny meadow, floating in water, or sitting by a cosy fire. Keep adding detail to the image in your mind to stay centred.

🔔 Use the panic button if you need it — and don’t feel guilty
You’ll be given a call button or squeeze device to alert the radiographer if you’re struggling. You’re allowed to pause or stop the scan if it becomes overwhelming. Staff are used to this and will support you without judgement. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it just means you’re listening to your body.

🔹 After the Scan

Take a moment
Sit quietly before heading off. Stretch, hydrate, and let your body reset.

  • Be kind to yourself
    MRI scans are not easy for some people — you got through it. That’s something to be proud of.

🧾 Extra Advice for CSF Leak Patients

🗣️ Mention your symptoms
If you experience pain, stiffness, or discomfort when lying flat, let the radiographer know. While lying down often helps relieve CSF leak symptoms, being in one position for a long time can still be tough. The team may be able to offer small adjustments, extra padding, or breaks between sequences.

🛋️ Comfort is important
If you find certain items help you feel more at ease during the scan, don’t hesitate to bring them along. A small cushion, blanket, or eye mask can make the experience more comfortable and help you relax. Radiographers are used to supporting patients with specific needs, so feel free to ask for adjustments if needed.

🧘‍♀️ Stay hydrated
Dehydration can sometimes make symptoms feel worse, so drink plenty of water before your appointment. It’s important to keep your body in the best shape to manage your CSF leak symptoms and the stress of the procedure.

📱 Bring support
If you can, take a family member, friend, or carer with you for emotional support. They can wait nearby and be there when you’re done, helping you feel more relaxed before and after the scan.

📚 Additional Resources for MRI Anxiety

If you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming MRI scan, you’re not alone. There are several NHS resources available to help you prepare and manage your anxiety:

These resources provide more information and strategies to help manage MRI anxiety, and we encourage you to reach out to your healthcare team for additional support.

Back to Patient Information
CSF Leak Resources
Start your Membership