A significant share of MRI scans are delayed, abandoned or repeated for a reason that has nothing to do with the machine: the patient cannot bear being inside it. The narrow tube, the intense noise, the obligation to stay still for minutes: for anyone prone to claustrophobia, it is a hard scenario to endure.
Why the MRI scares people so much
An MRI brings together, at the same time, several classic anxiety triggers:
- Enclosed, narrow space: the direct trigger of claustrophobia.
- Required stillness: any movement ruins the image, which raises the tension.
- Loud noise: the machine is noisy and unpredictable.
- Loss of control: being confined and waiting, unable to leave freely.
In more sensitive patients, the result can be a panic attack that forces the exam to stop, with costs in time, repetition and delayed diagnosis.
Where virtual reality comes in
Virtual reality for clinical use acts mainly before the exam, in preparation:
- Prior relaxation: calm environments and breathing techniques help the patient arrive less activated.
- Familiarisation: reducing the surprise effect of what is about to happen makes the experience more predictable and less threatening.
- Distraction and focus: shifting attention from anticipated fear to a pleasant stimulus.
The goal is not to trick the patient: it is to give them tools to better tolerate a necessary exam, avoiding interruptions and repeats.
The value for the imaging service
Every interrupted exam is lost machine time, an appointment to redo and a delayed diagnosis. Helping the patient complete the exam first time has direct clinical and operational value. A calmer patient is also a more still patient, and better-quality images.
Important note: virtual reality for clinical use is a complementary approach, used under the supervision of healthcare professionals. It does not replace clinical assessment or any decision about sedation, which always rests with the healthcare team.
The role of RVer
RVer is a virtual reality system designed for healthcare environments and registered as a Class I Medical Device (base product) in EUDAMED and with INFARMED (Portugal), bearing the CE mark under MDR 2017/745. Simple to operate between exams, comfortable for the patient, and with content stored on the device itself, it works without depending on internet, it supports the preparation of anxious patients while collecting no patient clinical data.
Preparing the patient before they enter the machine is often the difference between a completed exam and a lost one.
Frequently asked questions
Why are so many people afraid of MRI scans?
An MRI combines several anxiety triggers: a narrow, enclosed space, the required stillness for long minutes, the loud noise of the machine, and a sense of loss of control. In people prone to claustrophobia, this can cause panic attacks that lead them to abandon the exam.
How can virtual reality help with an MRI scan?
Virtual reality for clinical use is mainly used in preparation: calm environments and relaxation techniques help the patient arrive less anxious, and prior familiarisation reduces the surprise effect. The goal is for the patient to tolerate the exam better and avoid interruptions, always under the team's supervision.
Does virtual reality replace sedation for an MRI?
It does not replace it, nor is it a decision made by the technology. It is a complementary, non-pharmacological approach that, in some patients, may reduce the need for sedation. Any clinical decision always rests with the healthcare team.