this qualitative study investigated multiple sclerosis (ms) patients' holistic experience of magnetic resonance imaging (mri). with support from the ms society, eight individuals with ms were interviewed using unstructured, tape-recorded interviews.

the holistic experience was overall a negative one. the most negative aspects being cited as the lack of support and information around the time of diagnosis. the loss of control felt by individuals was also an import ant issue, which led patients to pursue self-empowerment by actively seeking out information and support.

the study suggests improvement in information to patients attending for mri is essential, along with adequate support (including details about the ms society) being offered at the time of receiving confirmed diagnosis and results. the study shows that for some patients, there is a long lasting negative effect from the scan, which impacts on other activities, as well as affecting the patients' willingness to undergo future imaging.