Has anyone had to be put to sleep for MRI?

[rie'smom]

After having a terrible one that sent my claustrophobia drive into high, I changed and went to this place
http://www.newmri.com/
and had it done using their "high field open mri scanner". It wasn't "perfect" but it was do-able. There must be more of these types of scanners around the country, I would think, maybe by you?

Terri

My last MRI was in one like that and I almost lost it. The noise in that type was much louder than the old fashioned enclosed MRI. The only kind i would ever consider without a tranquilizer would be one like this:

 

[honugirl]

Depending on what they are scanning you for, an open MRI may not provide enough detail. I have to use the enclosed tube style because they don't have good enough T-3 imaging in the open ones.

 

[Jennasis]

I challenge anyone to nap with the WHIRRRRRBANGBANGBANG.......CLANGCLANGDZZZZZZZZZTWHIRRRRRRRRRRRR <technicians voice> "The next series of sounds will last seven minutes." BANG. BANG. BANGBANGBANG CLICK CLICK BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG

It's reaaaaaally unpleasant.

My two MRI's were both some of th best sleep I've gotten in a while. Both times I went in head first (one for my back as a teen and once for my brain 4 years ago WITH the face cage). They gave me headphones with music.

Downright pleasant.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I never had an MRI and I hope I never do. I've got major issues with claustrophobia. Two of my kids have had enclosed MRIs and did fine, the other had one on her knee so she wasn't in far. My son had an MRI a couple of weeks ago, and they asked me a couple of times "Are you OK?? Are you SURE?" I broke out in a sweat.

I swear, they'd have to sedate me completely for an MRI.

 

[GeorgeG]

I challenge anyone to nap with the WHIRRRRRBANGBANGBANG.......CLANGCLANGDZZZZZZZZZTWHIRRRRRRRRRRRR <technicians voice> "The next series of sounds will last seven minutes." BANG. BANG. BANGBANGBANG CLICK CLICK BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG

It's reaaaaaally unpleasant.

Ah, but I'm a World-class napper! I've been through it and I did doze off. Years ago I lived on an aircraft carrier so I can sleep anywhere. I just imagine the racket is something I'm familiar with (yes, it helps to have a good (if not twisted) imagination.

 

[MinnieTink]

I had to have an abdominal MRI last week. No real choice to have an open. I have worked at the radiology facility where I had my exam done for over 10 years. These are my people! I tell people all the time don't worry, you'll be ok. Hellooo I was not fine the nite before my exam. I dreamed that they were trying to shove me into a weird hot water heater looking thing with all these Willy Wonks type boingy things popping and smoking all over it. LOL. I was wigging out in the morning. I did it and had to pretend I was so fine with it. I kept my eyes closed and I could hear the tech the whole time. I felt like a rock star when I was done. It is not fun. Best of luck to you!!!

 

[disfan07]

I challenge anyone to nap with the WHIRRRRRBANGBANGBANG.......CLANGCLANGDZZZZZZZZZTWHIRRRRRRRRRRRR <technicians voice> "The next series of sounds will last seven minutes." BANG. BANG. BANGBANGBANG CLICK CLICK BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG

It's reaaaaaally unpleasant.

Yes...but it IS possible. I have slept through 5 MRIs in the past 3 years. I have an MRI in 3 weeks.....i will probably sleep through that one too.

I have slept through many medical tests and procedures.....IV's, blood draws, Echos.....it's all routine for me....i'll take a nap whenever i can.

The best story is when I was in the hospital and i was asleep and they decided i needed a second line for IV access.....next thing i know, i woke up with a second IV in....didn't even notice it was put in.

 

[klynn]

I just had 2 MRI's last week at Mayo Clinic. I have had several in the past as well. I actually think they are relaxing and I usually fall asleep. Sorry, I'm not much help!

 

[ginna74]

I had a mri as a child and then when I was in the navy for my migrains. I only remembering people talking and the clanking noise. I wasn't sedated but it was relaxing, even through all the clanking.

 

[disneymarie]

I think I must be crazy

I have been having some tingling issues with my arm/hand, face and foot. My neurologist scheduled me for an MRI. I asked for the open MRI machine as I had some issues with a CT scan a few months ago. He also gave me a valium to take prior to the MRI. Well...I could not do it! They slid me in twice and both times I feel like I am going to come unglued. It did not help that they place a mask like thing over your head to hold it still - yes it is an MRI of the brain.

I am heavy , but I am very tall for a female (5"11") but I really think my issue is I have problems lying flat on my back with nothing under my head. I feel like I am suffocating. I tried it with my eyes closed, but I still had the feeling I could not breathe well. I had the same feeling in the CT scanner and it was wide open.

So now, I am scheduled for an MRI at the hospital under anesthesia. I have not been put to sleep since 1997 and I am nervous. I feel stupid, gosh I could not lie still for 30 minutes to get this over with. I know it is common for kids to be put to sleep for MRI's, but adults??? Everything I read on the internet talks about adults with mental problems needing anesthesia for testing. I guess I fall into that category.

Has anyone else had to go to this extreme to get their MRI done???

I am extemly clasterphobic and have had several failed attempts, but we they helped me with tricks when I explained what I felt.
First no they would not put to sleep, it is not important enough for the risk, if it is, then perhaps some IV valiulm.

But, it is not a cure, I still tear up and have anxiety, but: the room was light the machine became dark. So darken the room and then placed a towel over my eyes to block.
The thing on my head. I have to have someone touch my shoulder, close my eyes, breath from my tummy, not pant from my chest. As I went in I knew if the hand was still there I was NOT too far in. I never open my eyes.

I do get teary when finally I can come out great relief!!!!!
But I did it. Also, they had to tell me how long, and each thing would start, not to blink or move, ok move now,etc. Then 5 min. and 2, them almost done, DONE.
My cat scan of the throat was worse. I did cry with that one, but just weep.
Di

 

[barkley]

i had to be sedated in march for one.

i've got very mild claustrophobia that's never been an issue with an mri before but in march everything changed. i was taken by dh to the e/r (thought i was having another stroke). they went to give me an mri and i thought 'no problem' until they started pushing me inside and i could feel a panic attack coming on. i told them to stop and get me out immediatly. the techs were great and pulled me out and tried to help me calm down. we all figured it was a situation where i would be best sedated so they called someone in who gave me something in my iv that put me out like a light. i know the person who administered it was there the whole time the mri was done, and up until i woke up (about 20 minutes post mri).

they put ds (9 at the time) out for an mri but whatever meds they used for him were much longer acting. the neurologist who ordered his sent him to some kind of pediatric specialist who gave him something initialy to calm him then whatever they put into his iv put him under fast and heavy. he was groggy the rest of the afteroon whereas i felt pretty normal within about 30 minutes of waking up.

so-there's different levels of anesthesia they can use, including prescribing valium in pill form (a friend has to do this anytime she has an mri or cat scan-open or closed).

good wishes.

 

[mickeyboat]

I had two brain MRIs this spring and had sedation for both - just a little valium. I was pretty nervous, but the meds helped take the edge off my anxiety. I was surprised at how well I did.

What helped me was to have a cloth over my eyes so I would not be able to open them, to concentrate on the air that was blowing over me, and to think about sitting on a tropical beach somewhere. I also tried to become one with the clanking and buzzing noises - making a musical game out of them.

Good luck, OP.

 

[luvthatdisney]

UPDATE

I just wanted to thank everyone for your advice and experiences. I had my MRI yesterday. They did use general anesthesia. I was out for about an hour and a half. The test itself took about 30-40 minutes as I had it with contrast. I woke up in a post procedure room and then moved back to a radiology holding room to eat some cracker and drink something. Then I got dressed and walked out!

I really thinks it helps not being able to remember anything. I did have to walk into the MRI suite before I was put under. I started feeling panicky just being near the machine! The anesthesiologist noticed it and gave me something right away. I laid on the table and I was out!

Glad it is over, but now I have to worry about the results!

 

[rie'smom]

UPDATE

I just wanted to thank everyone for your advice and experiences. I had my MRI yesterday. They did use general anesthesia. I was out for about an hour and a half. The test itself took about 30-40 minutes as I had it with contrast. I woke up in a post procedure room and then moved back to a radiology holding room to eat some cracker and drink something. Then I got dressed and walked out!

I really thinks it helps not being able to remember anything. I did have to walk into the MRI suite before I was put under. I started feeling panicky just being near the machine! The anesthesiologist noticed it and gave me something right away. I laid on the table and I was out!

Glad it is over, but now I have to worry about the results!

I glad it when well for you. Aren't you glad that it's over!!!

 

[Nancy for Disney]

First I am glad it turned out ok.

to your original question--no.
Have they done a siple blood test for Pernicious anemia? My first symptoms were tingling in feet, hands and arms then it also started in my face. I also became anxious and panicky (especially when driving on the highway for me)--which eventually (was not diagnosed for 5 years) turned into full blown panic attacks. I am so greatful for the doctor who tested for this (I am "too young" to have it) as it was easy to manage once we knew what the issue was.

Good luck. It will work out for youeveryone has their fears.

I had the same symptoms which is why I had the MRI. I don't have panic attacks unless I am having an MRI although I find myself increasingly panickey when in closed spaces. I don't know what Pernicious anemia is. They could never figure out what caused my numbness but I was pretty happy that they ruled out a brain tumor and MS. Maybe I should check out Pernicius anemia. I am known to be anemic at times. I may have to check that out.

I haven't been intentionally put to sleep, but anytime I get to lay still for any length of time is a good opportunity for a nap, no matter what the circumstance.

No way that anyone can nap in one of those things. Loudest sound in the world.

MRI's are very stressful for me, too. When I was younger, I wasn't chlosterphobic, but now.... it's bad.

The last place I went gave me headphones with music, and they ended up putting a towel over my eye's. It seemed to help somewhat, and having your eye's closed before they put you in the 'tunnel' helps. I had to do some serious concentrating to try to ease my anxiety...thinking of a vacation helped. Keeping my mind busy thinking of other, more pleasant things, took my mind off of where I was. It was very hard, and I did have to be pulled out a couple of times, but I finally made it through... good luck to you.

Vacation (Disney!) was what got me through my first MRI too but I said there was no way I would ever do it again without medication. When I had the second MRI ordered I thought I would give a try. They started to put me in that tube and I said that I was out of there. My doctor prescribed klonpin (sp?) which I took 2.5 pills rather than 1. It was a help. Being knocked out is the ideal way.

Keep us posted on the results. Good luck.