When not properly accommodated during an MRI, claustrophobic patients may experience panic attacks, which can bring on increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chills, sweating, and other distressing symptoms.
For patients who may experience claustrophobia during an MRI scan and require prophylaxis, the University of Wisconsin Department of Radiology suggests the use of Lorazepam (Ativan, Temesta), a short-to-intermediate duration benzodiazepine.
Because there is so much room, 99% of patients who are claustrophobic are able to tolerate the exam. These patients enjoy the benefits of traditional closed MRI, quality and speed, while also having an experience akin to an open MRI.
Sedation for diagnostic services conjures up images of pain and discomfort. MRI sedation is used during an MRI for patients who cannot remain still in the scanner due to problems such as anxiety, claustrophobia, or a condition that causes physical discomfort.
Generally, MRIs under anesthesia are performed under sedation, although sometimes they are performed under general anesthesia. Sedation is characterized as being in a state between relaxed and very sleepy, but not quite unconscious.
Chloral Hydrate – Belongs to the group of medications known as sedatives and hypnotics. It promotes sedation and sleep by acting on certain areas of the brain. It is given orally. Possible side effects include: slow breathing rate, vomiting, irritability and prolonged sleepiness.
Oral Benzodiazepines
Many patients find that an oral benzodiazepine, such as Xanax, Ativan, or Valium, taken prior to the exam sufficiently relieves their anxiety and allows them to complete an MRI with relative ease.
An open-bore MRI machine is open on both ends and enclosed by a tube-like bore; it offers a wide opening of approximately two feet. A conventional MRI is also open on both ends but has a smaller opening.
Exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are the two main treatments for claustrophobia. In this type of psychotherapy, you are gradually exposed to your feared situation. With gradual, repeated exposure, the goal is that you will feel comfortable in your specific feared situation.
A. Diazepam 5 mg po, once for MRI study or Lorazepam 1mg po, once for MRI study.
Patients with certain conditions that may prevent them from staying still in the MRI machine, such as claustrophobia, anxiety, or any condition that causes physical pain, may qualify for an MRI with sedation.
Conclusion: The use of melatonin before the musculoskeletal MRI in preschool children is an effective, safe, and inexpensive alternative to standard sedation and general anesthesia in preventing motion artifacts.
Since the MRI machines are magnets, it is best to not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination. These items contain metals that might interfere with the magnetic field inside the MRI machine and cause you to have distorted images and wrong results.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a painless procedure that lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and the number of images being taken.
The MRI scanner is well lit, and has a fan to ensure you are at a comfortable temperature. You will be required to lie still during the MRI scan but will be made as comfortable as possible with the use of pads, a pillow, and supports.
In most cases, a family member or friend may enter the MRI room with you and stay with you throughout your exam. If the situation allows, they may even hold your hand or pat you on the knees so that you know that they are there with you.
The standard options are as follows: IV sedation or benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, or Valium). If your doctor wants you to be more awake instead of fully sedated, they will likely choose benzodiazepines.
The use of immobilization masks ensures that the MRI and CT exams are performed in the same treatment position (TP).
When it is possible to give diazepam to patients with claustrophobia at the time of CMR, it is a safe, predictable, and highly effective method of obtaining a successful result.
The usual dose is: anxiety – 2mg, taken 3 times a day, this can be increased to 5mg to 10mg, taken 3 times a day. sleep problems (related to anxiety) – 5mg to 15mg, taken once a day at bedtime. muscle spasms in adults – 2mg to 15 mg a day.
By mouth. 5–10 mg, to be given 1–2 hours before procedure, for debilitated patients, use elderly dose. 2.5–5 mg, to be given 1–2 hours before procedure.