When your doctor tells you they're sending you for an MRI, it can be a bit nerve-racking. That fear mostly comes from not knowing what to expect. A lot of people don't realize that there is more than one type of MRI machine. The traditional MRI most people know about is a closed unit. Another option is an open MRI unit- which is more patient-friendly. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and it will be up to the patient and doctor to decide, together, what the best option