I knew the basics of how the MRI machine worked at the time as well, but its discombobulating for one. Also, you can rationally know a dark cave is empty but still something about it can be foreboding.

Its why they are called feelings and not thinkies. :) You're ill, it makes it sucks more somehow.

This decal idea in the article takes the drama out of it I suppose is the best explanation I could offer.