Yes, you can ask your doctor about getting a sedative or anti-anxiety medication for an MRI, especially if you're claustrophobic or anxious, but it's something to arrange beforehand with your GP and the MRI clinic, as you'll need a prescription and a driver to take you home afterward. Options range from mild oral medications to hospital-based sedation, with the key is to inform the clinic when booking so they can plan.
Patients with certain conditions that may prevent them from staying still in the MRI machine, such as claustrophobia, anxiety, or a condition that causes physical pain, may have an MRI with anesthesia. It is also common for children to have an MRI with anesthesia, since it is often difficult for them to remain still.
If you are concerned about how you will tolerate your MRI exam, we urge you to ask your doctor to develop a plan to help you. If you are having a MRI appointment, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take to minimize your anxiety.
The procedure will involve you keeping completely still inside the scanner (this is why a general anaesthetic is given) while pictures are taken. An injection may be given into a vein to make some parts of the body show up better.
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.
If you suffer from claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), talk to your doctor when your MRI is ordered so you come to the scan with some type of sedation, such as Xanax or Diazepam (Valium).
The right dose of diazepam for an MRI depends on your anxiety, weight, and health history. A 5mg dose might be enough for some, but others might need more. Always talk to your doctor to find the best dose for you.
Increased movement can result in the images being blurred or of poorer quality but being in an enclosed space can cause some people to become stressed, and in some more extreme cases, cause panic attacks.
For some patients - for example those with restricted mobility, who are overweight, or who suffer from claustrophobia - this can be difficult or uncomfortable. Open MRI provides a stress-free, relaxing alternative compared to the traditional MRI scanner.
It is important that you stay still in the scanner and try not to move. You can blink and breathe, but it is important that you don't move otherwise the pictures will be blurred and we won't be able to see the part of the brain clearly.
Tips for Staying Calm and Managing Claustrophobia During an MRI
Many MRI procedures don't require your head to go inside the machine at all, but if you need a head or upper spine MRI, you'll appreciate the fact our machine provides a full 12 inches of clearance between your face and the wall – relieving stress for our patients with claustrophobia.
Patients requiring sedation were compared by these criteria to all non-sedated members over 18 years of age in the cohort who acted as a control. Of the 939 patients 134 (14.3%) required oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia to tolerate MRI.
You must obtain a prescription form from your doctor that states, "MRI with I.V. sedation." You must not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your exam time. However, you may take your medication with a few sips of water.
Age: Typically, children 7 years and under will need sedation to assist them in being still enough to capture the images your doctor is requesting. As children become older they will also be able to better understand the instructions provided by the MRI team during a non-sedated scan.
You will meet the anesthesiologist and they will obtain your consent for anesthesia prior to the MRI. They will explain possible complications and side effects.
At certain times during the scan you will be able to listen to music and close your eyes, while other times we need to turn the music off and have you open your eyes. You may also be given a box with buttons before entering the MRI.
For MRI claustrophobia, doctors will often prescribe oral benzodiazepines like Valium, Ativan, or Xanax. Many people find these drugs are best at relieving their anxiety and/or MRI claustrophobia. For optimal results, take your medication 30 to 60 minutes before your scan starts.
If you are claustrophobic and anxious about getting an MRI, you are not alone. Claustrophobia affects about 12.5% of the population, but getting an MRI can pose significant issues for more than 9% since MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans involve inserting the patient into a large magnetic tube.
Claustrophobia and MRI scans
In more severe cases, the NHS website suggests that mild sedatives are an option for people with severe MRI anxiety.
If you have claustrophobia and need to have an MRI scan, let the staff at the hospital know before the day of your appointment. You can talk to your consultant about having a sedative to help you relax. You should do this well in advance of having the scan.
Before the MRI
You may take all medicines. You may eat and drink unless you are having an MRCP, a specific exam for your gallbladder.
Anaesthesia and sedatives
An MRI scan is a painless procedure, so anaesthesia (painkilling medication) isn't usually needed. If you're claustrophobic, you can ask for a mild sedative to help you relax. You should ask your GP or consultant well before having the scan.
When administered intravenously, diazepam has an onset of action within 1 to 3 minutes, while oral dosing onset ranges between 15 to 60 minutes. In addition, diazepam is long-lasting, with a duration of action of more than 12 hours.