A common question that might pop into your mind is – ‘Why was my body shaking during the MRI?’
Although it might be unsettling, shaking during an MRI scan is normal!
Knowing why your body can tremble during an MRI scan helps reduce anxiety and make further treatments more comfortable.
Let’s delve right in!
Why Was My Body Shaking During An MRI?
To know the answer to the question – ‘Why was my body shaking during the MRI’ read up the following points!
Physical Effects Of An MRI
Vibrations from the MRI machine are one of the most frequent causes of shaking during an MRI scan.
The machine and the patient may move or vibrate slightly due to the quick changes in magnetic fields.
However, this is completely normal!
Even though they are usually minor, these vibrations occasionally seem like shaking.
Due to the sudden thumping or tapping noises produced by the MRI scanner, your body may perceive these sounds as vibrations, which could lead to the sensation of shaking.
Physiological Reactions to the MRI Environment
Involuntary Muscle Movements
Involuntary muscular movements may cause shaking during an MRI!
Certain muscles may get uncomfortable due to the small area of the MRI scanner and the requirement to remain motionless for prolonged periods!
Muscles may twitch or spasm as your body attempts to adapt to being still in an uncomfortable position.
Some people have tremors due to a pre-existing medical condition. For instance, individuals with essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological conditions may shake more during stressful events, such as an MRI.
In these situations, preexisting tremors may be made worse by the stress and worry of the MRI procedure, even though the MRI itself isn’t the direct cause of the shaking.
Psychological and Anxiety Factors
Some people’s bodily reactions during an MRI are greatly influenced by their anxiety.
For claustrophobic people, the process may be too much!
Anxiety can be brought on by the sensation of being confined in a tiny area, strange and frequently loud noises, and the expectation of medical results.
Anxiety can activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline.
Physiological symptoms like trembling, shaking, elevated heart rate, and shallow breathing may result from this!
The conditions of the MRI scan may cause anxiety in even those who are not typically prone to it, causing their muscles to tense and shake uncontrollably.
Claustrophobia
Another important condition that might cause shaking during an MRI is claustrophobia.
The enclosed area of the MRI scanner is upsetting to many patients which may lead to panic.
Thus, shaking associated with claustrophobia is frequently linked to the individual’s elevated emotional state and sense of being confined.
As the body responds to what it believes to be a threat, this may cause uncontrollable shaking.
Some people may hyperventilate, which lowers blood carbon dioxide levels and causes tremors or dizziness.
If the scan takes longer than expected, or if the patient feels immobile or unable to interact with the professionals, these symptoms may escalate.
So, look out for these symptoms!
A cold setting
MRI rooms are often kept cooler than normal to ensure the machine runs optimally and to protect the sensitive electronics from overheating.
This cooler temperature can make patients feel cold resulting in shivering or shaking.
If you were not given enough blankets or your body was exposed during the scan, the cold environment might have caused a physical response, resulting in trembling.
Medical Conditions
Restless legs syndrome or RLS
Restless Leg Syndrome is an uncontrollable desire to move the legs, particularly when lying down or during inactivity.
When requested to remain motionless during an MRI, a person with RLS may experience extreme discomfort resulting in twitching, shaking, or involuntary leg movements!
Side Effects of Medication
Muscle spasms and tremors are among the adverse effects of some drugs.
Certain medications can cause side effects such as tremors or muscle spasms.
Medications that affect the nervous system, such as those for anxiety, depression, or neurological conditions, can sometimes cause side effects like jitteriness, restlessness, or shaking, especially in stressful situations like an MRI scan.
Magnetic Stimulation of the Nervous System
Rarely, the body’s nervous system may be affected by the strong magnetic fields produced by the MRI equipment.
Even though MRIs are safe for most patients, some people may have uncomfortable feelings that could cause shaking if they have metal in their bodies or certain implanted devices.
Don’t worry!
Before an MRI, patients are checked for metal implants or other medical equipment.
How To Prevent Shaking During An MRI?
Talking with Technicians
It’s crucial to let the MRI technician know if you do not feel comfortable during the scan!
Most MRI equipment has speakers and microphones so you can communicate with the technician.
Inform them if you’re feeling uneasy, chilly, or nervous. They can offer blankets, change the speed of the machine, or provide additional comforts like soothing music to listen to through headphones.
Anti-anxiety or sedative drugs
Sedation could be an option for those who suffer from severe anxiety or claustrophobia.
To help you relax before the MRI, doctors may give a moderate sedative or anti-anxiety drug.
This can stop nervousness-induced shaking and drastically lessen panic attacks!
However, people with extreme anxiety are usually the only ones who can use this approach!
Open MRI Machines
Ask your doctor about open MRI machines if you have claustrophobia.
Because of their more open form, these machines may help people feel less confined.
This can be a good substitute, even though they might not be accessible everywhere or be suitable for all kinds of scans.
Conclusion:
We hope you have the answer to the question – “Why was my body shaking during the MRI scan”.
Numerous reasons, such as physical and physiological ones can induce shaking during an MRI.
If you have any queries during the scan reach out to the technician for immediate support!
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