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Dear Debbie: I can see that a lot of people have offered advice, however, I believe the point of your question was not claustrophobia, but your mother not being able to lie flat for more than a couple of minutes because of extreme pain. I think you were seeking information to determine if there was there another test or method of getting this test done. As far as I am aware, there is not an MRI that will allow a person to sit or stand. A person must be lying down and remain perfectly still during the test. Most scans, be it MRI, CT scan, PET scan, etc., require that the person lie flat for a period of time. Unfortunately too, the surface is usually quite hard. As others indicated, many people have difficulty being enclosed in this tubular like device and added to that, is a tremedous noise level. This causes many people to become anxious. Sometimes, a mild anti-anxiety medication, such as the mentioned Xanax, is given to help relax the person. In severe situations, there is something called an "open MRI" in which the person is not totally enclosed. It is still noisy, but the person will be able to see, periperally, outside of the machine. Availability of open MRI is somewhat limited. I believe the actual machines are much more expensive than the regualr MRI and I do not know how they compare in accuracy. Bonnie Cunningham, R.N. Patient Services Director NPF Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 20:05:18 -0400 From: Debbie White <[log in to unmask]> Subject: MRI Help My mother Joyce (69/1 year) is seeing a new movement disorder specialist who happens to be an osteopath. He wants to get an MRI of her neck and spine. When I asked her why he was ordering this test, she said that he wanted to check out the way her neck and back were functioning. I am hoping that this is just something an osteopath would order (i.e., I hope he doesn't suspect something worse than PD). In any case, my mother is unable to lie on her back for even two minutes. She called to set up the test and asked whether a pillow can be used, but the center said that it couldn't. My mother is convinced (I agree with her on this one) that she cannot take this test. Has anyone had a similiar experience and come up with a solution? Thanks. Debbie White [log in to unmask]