Advantages of our MRI machine for patients with claustrophobia: Thanks to the large opening and the extremely short magnet, many examinations can be performed in such a way that the head can remain outside the tube.
Many patients get a queasy feeling when they are prescribed an MRI scan for diagnostic clarification. They are afraid of the confinement, of feeling cramped in the MRI machine. Colloquially, this is often referred to as claustrophobia. In reality, however, this is referred to as claustrophobia, i.e. the fear of confinement in enclosed spaces.
But you don't have to worry with us: We work with the Magnetom Aera from Siemens. This MRI scanner has the largest opening available on the market and the extremely short magnet means that many examinations can be carried out with the head outside the device. This is why it is often referred to as an „open MRI“.
We will examine you with the Magnetom Aera MRI machine. This device offers a particularly wide „patient opening“ of 70 cm, and the magnetic tunnel is bright, well ventilated and has friendly, rounded contours. If you wish, you can have a look at the device in advance so that you can better prepare yourself emotionally and adjust to the examination situation.
The tube of our MRI scanner is very short at 125 cm, which means that the head is often outside the scanner, depending on the examination. This is the case, for example, when examining the lumbar spine. Often the entire upper body can even remain outside the tunnel. Examples of this are MRI scans of the feet, lower legs, knees or hips.
Our MRI machine is one of the best currently available on the market. It delivers high-resolution images and the sequences are optimised so that the average examination time is just 18 minutes. The examination therefore only covers a short period of time.
If you still have a queasy feeling, you can trust us! You will be given a bell and can contact us at any time via an intercom system. A camera at the head end provides additional security. Your companion is welcome to sit with you during the examination.
The system also contains noise-reduced sequences in which the volume is greatly reduced by optimised and intelligent switching of the gradients. Some measurements are even completely noiseless. But you may not even notice this - because during the examination you will be given headphones through which you can listen to your favourite music. Not only the improved background noise, but also the surroundings contribute to the most relaxed examination atmosphere possible: The panelling of our MRI machine is equipped with MoodLight illumination. There is also an illuminated „sky“ in the examination room.
As you can see, we make every effort to create a friendly and pleasant environment in which you feel comfortable and can forget about the examination as much as possible.
If you are nevertheless afraid of the examination, e.g. because you suffer from particularly pronounced claustrophobia, please let us know when you make your appointment. This will give us the opportunity to give you a sedative before the examination. In this case, we would ask you to come to our practice 30 minutes before your examination appointment. Practice to come. They are given the tranquilliser as a drink. Our patients have had very good experiences with this.
It is important that you come to the examination with an accompanying person and are taken home afterwards. You must not actively drive, operate machinery or climb ladders for 24 hours after the administration of a sedative.
The term „open MRI“ is misleading and is often used colloquially by patients to describe particularly favourable and „open“ examination conditions (such as those offered by us). In this context, the term „open“ does not mean that the device is open at the top, but rather that the MRI tube takes up very little space and that the head can be moved in many cases. Investigations can remain outside the tube (as already described above).
If you have any questions or other uncertainties before your MRI scan, you can contact the staff at the bottom of the page. frequently asked questions (FAQ) can help you. For individual requests, you can send us an Message or ask us personally.
