CT scanners are different from MRI scanners and use very little x-ray radiation, unlike MRI scanners. CT scanners are open on both sides, and you can completely see around yourself during a scan. Claustrophobic patients might welcome CT scans more because they don't have to be in an enclosed space.
For those who have claustrophobia or nervousness about getting an imaging test, closing your eyes can help you forget how close the scanner is to you. It can also help you relax and temporarily forget that you are getting an MRI or CT scan.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that the extra risk of any one person developing a fatal cancer from a typical CT procedure is about 1 in 2,000. MRIs do not use ionizing radiation, so there is no issue of raising cancer risk. But they take much longer to complete than CTs.
Talk with your doctor about your claustrophobia and ask for a sedative to help. These sedatives may make you sleepy and often people will fall asleep during the MRI. Make sure you inform the staff that you have taken a sedative so they are aware and make certain you have a driver.
CT scans are quick, painless, and noninvasive. MRI scans are not invasive, but they are noisy, take more time, and may cause claustrophobia (anxiety due to being in the enclosed space of the machine). MRI scans are costlier than CT scans. MRI scanners may cause a safety issue due to their strong magnets.
However, a CT scanner provides benefits in nearly every other area of consideration, including: Takes much less time than MRI scans. CT scans are more affordable and accessible. Reduces risk of the patient experiencing claustrophobia and anxiety.
A CT scan may be recommended if a patient can't have an MRI. People with metal implants, pacemakers or other implanted devices shouldn't have an MRI due to the powerful magnet inside the machine. CT scans create images of bones and soft tissues.
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.
Instead of a tube, an open MRI has scanners on the sides with an opening on top, making it an outstanding option for those who have claustrophobia. The patient lays comfortably on a platform while the scanners on the sides do all the work.
An MRI does not use radiation, and a CT Scan does not use a magnet. Meaning, one is safer than the other for some patients. Anyone with metal in their body (pacemaker, stent, implant etc.) need to ensure the material is MRI safe, for those sensitive to radiation, a CT scan is not a good option.
Being inside an MRI is like being inside a large tube. This causes some people to experience claustrophobia or anxiety, due to the length of the exam. Most people are comfortable with a CT scan as the machine is donut-shaped and not fully enclosed.
A CT scan is used for taking a closer look at the organs and soft tissue and can be useful in diagnosing an infection, making sure the correct area of tissue is biopsied if needed, and examining blood vessels. An MRI can also show many abnormalities throughout the body such as tumors and brain aneurysms.
CT scans are not painful. But you will need to lie still for the entire scan, which may become unpleasant. Since the scanner is shaped like a donut, you will not be enclosed in the scanner at any time. You will hear whirring or clicking sounds from the machine.
Depending on the type of CT scan, the machine may make several passes. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath during the scanning. Any motion, including breathing and body movements, can lead to artifacts on the images.
A computer in the scanner reconstructs the data into cross-sectional pictures of your body, called slices or sections. Unlike an MRI, a CT scanner is an open machine—you are not enclosed and can see completely around yourself.
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.
What type of anesthesia is used for MRI? 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.
Counting numbers or listening to music: Counting slowly or listening to a soothing melody can help distract you and make the time pass quickly while you are in the scanner. Talk to the Technician: In most instances, you can speak to the technician throughout most of the procedure.
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.
It is typically a big red button located on the wall of the magnet room near the door. It may be labelled "Magnet Stop" or "Emergency Run Down". This button should only be used in a life-threatening emergency, such as a patient pinned in the scanner by a metal object or a fire in the magnet gantry.
Diazepam 5 mg po, once for MRI study or Lorazepam 1mg po, once for MRI study. B. For use with adult patients who have a need for an oral sedative for a successful MRI.
Some MRI scans involve having an injection of contrast agent (dye). This makes certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly and in greater detail. Sometimes the contrast agent can cause side effects, such as: feeling or being sick.
The MRI machine uses a combination of a strong magnet, radio transmitter and receiver. When the sequences are performed, electric current is sent through a coiled wire-an electromagnet. The switching of the currents causes the coils to expand making loud clicking sounds.
CT scans are generally quieter and more comfortable for the patient, and faster than MRI scans.