Claustrophobia

Many times when a patient is ordered a MRI examination, there is a pre-screened procedure that must take place prior to the scan. During the MR pre-screening a number of questions are asked and routinely the question of claustrophobia is included? MRI professionals are very familiar with the claustrophobia of MRI patient and how the MRI imaging team must work to manage patient anxiety.

Claustrophobia has been defined as an irrational fear of dark or confined spaces. This sensation of distress and anxiety the patient undergoes is real and many times an experience the patient may have never had. This phobia is often referred to as an anxiety disorder because the patient often displays symptoms of panic. The MRI scanner and the physical environment …show more content…
The team works to provide care and compassion in a mobile environment. Most importantly, our staff understands exactly what we are asking of our patients. Therefore, we treat each patient with respect and practice an unhurried approach. This can help to make the patient feel at ease and comfortable enough to successfully complete their MRI scan. Adjustments can be made in the mobile MR environment to optimize the patient experience by the reminding the patient that they are always in control of the exam. The use of various techniques used to minimize patient anxiety can be as simple as explaining the procedure, providing instruction on how to use the emergency buzzer when the patient needs to stop the scan, positioning the patient feet first when possible for certain exams, offering the use of prism glasses, providing special headphones with relaxing music, and the placement of a small cloth over the eyes. The utilization of these practices can be beneficial to the patient and can allow them to complete the scan without the use of sedation. The fundamental principle is the technologist maintaining continuous communication throughout the exam, allowing for many claustrophobic patients to successfully complete the