MRI and Claustrophobia

Although MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non invasive investigation technique, there are several problems faced while MRI is done, such as claustrophobia, peripheral nerve stimulation, noise etc. Among all the problems faced while MRI procedure is done, the effect of claustrophobia is the most problematic. Claustrophobia may be such a problem that a patient may not be able to undergo MRI or may need to be sedated heavily to do MRI on claustrophobic person.

The problem of claustrophobia is more severe in older machines of MRI (closed bore MRI systems feature a fairly long tunnel), as the space is smaller in older MRI machines. The newer MRI machines are manufactured keeping in mind the problem of claustrophobia and consequently, the newer MRI machines are fitted with wider space where the patient has to lie while undergoing MRI procedure. Due to bigger space the problem of claustrophobia is less in newer MRI equipments. The time taken for MRI scan in older MRI machines is longer and may take more than 30 minutes to complete the procedure, and even individual with mild claustrophobia may not be able to tolerate it, without sedating them. The bore of newer MRI machines are wider (up to 70 cm) and the patients can easily tolerate the newer machines and claustrophobia is not a major issue with mew MRI machines.

How to prevent claustrophobia during MRI scan?

If the patient is nervous and claustrophobic, some strategies can help to reduce discomfort associated with MRI scan:

Prescan preparation:

  • Sedation can be done with sedatives before doing MRI scan.
  • Prescan visit to the scan room and practice lying on the table.
  • visualization techniques.
  • If nothing above helps, general anesthesia may be required for MRI scan.

Managing/coping inside the scanner bore:

  • Instruct the patient to close eyes and cover eyes with washcloth or eye mask.
  • Use of “panic button” (if available) may be useful.
  • Listening to soft music may be helpful.
  • Watching movie on head-mounted display may be helpful.
  • Scan Rooms should have lighting, sound and images on the wall. Some scan rooms come with images on the walls and/or ceiling.

Alternatively open scanners are available in some stations, but the quality of scan is inferior as they use weaker (lower) magnetic field than closed MRI scanners. In some stations, scanners with upright systems are available and these can be helpful in some patients.

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net




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