Yes, everyone I know who has been stuck in a closed MRI freaks a little (me, a LOT).
First off, see if you can get an open MRI — the closed ones are being phased out for just that reason.
I selected music I like and closed my eyes and wrote code in my mind. Every line. Then I debugged it.
When I was done, the module just had to be typed in.
You need to be ready with a project or something to COMPLETELY engage your brain.
But I had a friend who panicked and kept screaming to be let out.
They are horrible machines to be in.
“the closed ones are being phased out for just that reason.”
Yes and no. Many locations are getting opens as an alternative but the resolution is not as good just due to the physics of the operation. In fact the highest I’m aware of are some 10, 11, and 13 Tesla units with very small cylinders for research. They have to move the patients into the bore very slowly as the charged iron in the patient’s blood is more sensitive to the field and will cause them to pass out if moved through the magnetic field into the bore too quickly. Often they will go feet first in those cases, but if you’re researching the brain that won’t help.
I’m sorry you have such issues with them.
I happen to fall asleep in MRIs unless they have some uncomfortable contraption they are using like the last one I had for my foot. If I get to just lay there, I have no issues. Most people have to be sedated if they have issues like claustrophobia. No shame in that.