Hey Char, they have open MRI machines now. Here's a brief description:
The new design is open on three or four sides which eliminates the claustrophobic feeling. It also allows more room to accommodate large patients. There are between 18-20 inches between the table and the magnet. The open MRI is supposed to hold patients up to 450 pounds, depending on body build. Instead of a patient being inserted head first into a tube, the patient can slide in from the side. The patient can see their surroundings while the scan is being performed. For patients who are still fearful, they can even have someone sit nearby. An open MRI with low field magnetic strength can produce less detailed images. There is little or no difference in the diagnostic quality of images from a mid field magnetic field open machine as compared to a closed machine.
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They aren't everywhere but there are enough around that if it ever comes to needing to have an MRI, you can probably find one not too far away.
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