Synonyms
MRT for claustrophobia
General information about the MRT
In order to be able to assess different questions and diseases as precisely as possible, in many cases an examination with an MRI machine is necessary. With the help of the MRI ́s, structures of the body can be depicted which cannot be adequately imaged using other imaging techniques such as computed tomography or X-rays. An MRI machine is usually an elongated device with a hollow tube in the center.
The patient to be examined is usually pushed into this tube with the request to lie as still as possible during the examination. For some examinations it may even be necessary for the patient to hold his breath for a few seconds while the images are being taken. An MRI machine creates the required images using magnetic fields and thus without the use of harmful radiation.
One problem that relatively many patients have with the MRI examination, however, is the need to lie completely still in the narrow tube until all images have been taken. Especially for patients with claustrophobia this is a great challenge. Such claustrophobia can be treated with different methods.
For example, sedatives can be administered or even a short anaesthetic can be given for the time during the examination. Some surgeries and clinics also offer examinations in modern, so-called open MRIs, where the problem of claustrophobia takes a back seat. Sometimes, however, there is simply a lack of information about the performance and mode of operation of an MRI machine, which leads to the emerging claustrophobia in the tube.
In these cases, the practice or clinic team should provide comprehensive information about the upcoming procedure in order to possibly eliminate any fears, especially claustrophobia, in advance. For some patients, claustrophobia makes it impossible to perform an MRI examination. In some cases, other imaging procedures can be used.
In other cases, this is not possible, which may result in a diagnostic or monitoring disadvantage for the person concerned. In any case, persons who fear that they may suffer from claustrophobia during the MRI examination can and should contact their treating physicians for information about individual alternatives and possible solutions. In most cases, a satisfactory solution can be found, which at the same time takes into account the anxiety of the treated person and allows the medical diagnosis to be carried out.
The editorial staff also recommends: MRI for overweight patients who suffer from claustrophobia and who are about to be examined in an MRI machine are confronted with a problem. Nowadays, there are a number of different ways to make the examination possible for people suffering from claustrophobia as well. First of all, it is important which body structure is to be examined with the MRI machine.
If, for example, only the knee joint is to be examined, in many cases it is not necessary for the whole body to lie in the narrow tube. In the case of complex problems that affect the entire organism or large parts of the body, the solution is of course not possible. But even in these cases, alternatives to the normal performance of an MRI can be offered.
For example, in many patients it helps if a sedative is taken shortly before the examination. If desired, the doctors in the hospital can provide individual consultation. If claustrophobia is so severe that even the use of a sedative does not allow an examination, an anaesthetic may be considered.
Here, as with the anaesthesia of operations, there are various options for carrying out the procedure. Which anaesthesia is most suitable for the individual patient should be discussed with the anaesthetist in charge. These anaesthetists are also responsible for the procedure when anaesthesia is performed in the MRI machine.
Another possibility is to use a different MRI machine. On the one hand, there are devices that have a wider tube, which can significantly reduce the feeling of tightness during the examination. On the other hand, in the last few years, so-called open MRIs, which can do without a tube completely, have been used more and more often.
Instead of the tube, the patient to be examined must now lie between two plates so that the MRI images can be produced.It must be said that not all public health insurances cover the costs of the MRI examination without restrictions and furthermore the image quality is (worse) than that of a modern closed MRI ́s. Dormicum® is the trade name of a drug from Hoffmann-La Roche containing the active ingredient midazolam. The drug is one of the narcotics available on the market in Germany.
It is used, among other things, in upcoming MRI examinations, for example when patients suffer from claustrophobia and therefore the examination can only be performed correctly with Dormicum®. The group to which the drug Dormicum® belongs is known in the pharmaceutical industry as short-acting benzodiazepines. Dormicum® is therefore relatively short-acting compared to other sedatives and is therefore perfect for use prior to an MRI examination.
The fact that the effect also occurs very quickly after ingestion makes it ideal for anxiety before the examination. In most cases, if the patient wishes to be sedated before the examination, Dormicum® is the solution of choice. Children can also be given Dormicum® for temporary sedation by adjusting the individual dosage of the drug.
However, the use of Dormicum® for examination purposes should not be taken lightly, because as with any drug, Dormicum® is subject to side effects. Since the sedative acts on structures in the brain, the side effects are sometimes not insignificant. Only if an MRI examination cannot be performed without the use of a sedative should the use of Dormicum® be considered. An individual consultation should be held with the treating physician, during which he or she should explain the risks of taking Dormicum® and any side effects which may occur.
