Help for Claustrophobia and Anxiety During MRI

open_bore_MRI

If you suffer from claustrophobia, the prospect of needing an MRI can induce a great deal of stress.  For many people, closed spaces can evoke anxiety or panic attacks, which can manifest in breathing difficulties, overheating, profuse sweating, nausea, heart palpitations, and other highly uncomfortable symptoms.

Claustrophobia is very common, with studies suggesting that it affects anywhere from 2% to 10% of the population.  At Iowa Radiology, we strive to make every patient as comfortable as possible while receiving the imaging necessary for optimal health care. If you know that you are claustrophobic or prone to panic attacks, discuss the issue with your health care provider ahead of time.  Planning ahead in this way will allow us to work with your doctors to provide you with all available measures to make your procedure as comfortable as possible.

 

Dealing with Claustrophobia and Anxiety During MRI

Wide Bore MRI

One way that claustrophobic patients can feel more comfortable to is use a less confining MRI machine. Iowa Radiology offers both closed and wide bore MRIs.  Our wide bore machine has a 20% larger opening and a shorter core than a traditional MRI machine, which lessens the feeling of being inside a small tunnel. Our machine also operates considerably more quietly than any other MRI available while providing superior image quality. Pictured is the wide bore Toshiba Titan MRI used at Iowa Radiology.

 

Education

Often, simply having a thorough understanding of what is happening can increase a patient’s sense of control and limit anxiety.  We fully explain procedures and encourage our patients to ask any questions they have prior to undergoing imaging. We understand that this can be an uncomfortable and anxiety provoking time.  Our technologists are highly trained and experienced in making the exam comfortable and putting you at ease. 

 

Simple Comforts

Our technologists will help you to remain as comfortable as possible during imaging by providing headsets with your favorite music to drown out noise and blankets for warmth and added comfort in positioning.

 

If You Require Extra Help With Anxiety

If you require additional support with symptoms of anxiety, your referring provider may prescribe a benzodiazapine to take prior to the exam.  A benzodiazapine is a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat anxiety.  This intervention is typically sufficient to relax the patient enough to complete the MRI.  If you will be taking a benzodiazapine, ensure you have a driver. 

In the event that you suffer from extreme cases of claustrophobia or excruciating pain that is likely to prevent completion of your MRI, your doctor may recommend intravenous (IV) conscious sedation. Paitients must be over 18 years of age and in good health. Contraindications for conscious sedation can involve patients requiring a CPAP machine for treatment of sleep apnea, morbid obesity and uncontrolled COPD, emphysema, lung and/or heart disease.

Speak with your doctor well ahead of time if you think you may need sedation to complete your MRI. Often, patients must have a current physical and medical history performed within 30 days prior to the procedure to ensure safety, and the exam must be medically necessary. 

For IV conscious sedation, it’s common to use a combination of Versed and Fentanyl. These two drugs work together to relieve pain, enhance relaxation, and reduce memory retention. Those who receive intravenous sedation must be closely monitored to ensure medical personnel can quickly respond to any adverse reaction. If you will be using any type of sedation, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

 

Successful MRI Completion

If you are concerned about your ability to tolerate a necessary MRI, talk to your doctor.  We will work with you and your health care providers to ensure the most comfortable and successful experience possible.

For more information about what to expect during an MRI, download our free ebook. 

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