Both of these systems use powerful magnets and powerful computers to create and display images of the body. A regular MRI is a tube (called the ‘bore) in which a patient, or part of a patient’s body is placed.
For people with severe claustrophobia, this can be an issue. The open MRI was created to help with these situations. Open MRI’s are usually open on the sides, but there is still a table you lay upon and equipment above your body. Some severely claustrophobic patients even have trouble with this machine.
Regular MRI machines tend to be more powerful and the pictures they generate are therefore better. We always recommend a scan be done on a regular MRI for this reason. The open MRI should be reserved for severe claustrophobia, or for those patients who cannot physically fit into a regular MRI.
Sedation can be given to help with anxiety and claustrophobia prior to an MRI.