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Do I Need Sedation for an MRI?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are a common diagnostic tool used in modern medicine. While an MRI is not usually painful, some people with severe claustrophobia or conditions that do not allow them to remain still may request or be prescribed a sedative to take before the scan. Sedation for an MRI is not usually total, but instead puts the patient in a lightly sedated state.

An MRI works by aligning the water molecules of the body to create a signal that can be turned into a three-dimensional image of the body. The process requires almost total stillness while in the machine, as moving around will distort the image. Sedation for an MRI can help people with chronic pain relax during the scan, by reducing their need to shift or move.

An MRI scan of the brain.
An MRI scan of the brain.

Sedation before an MRI may also be helpful to people with tics or twitches that are the result of medication or a medical condition, such as restless leg syndrome. A sedative for an MRI may calm the condition for long enough to get the necessary images. Usually, an oral sedative is used for MRI scans, but in more severe cases, an IV-drip sedative or an inhaled sedative may be used to put the patient under a deeper level of sedation.

Many patients are lightly sedated before an MRI.
Many patients are lightly sedated before an MRI.

Another reason that a person might request sedation for an MRI is claustrophobia. The MRI machine usually looks like a narrow tube, prompting reactions in people with a pronounced fear of small places. The scan also can take up to an hour, depending on the amount of images needed, so those with anxiety or claustrophobia issues need to be able to lie still for a long period of time. For those who do not believe they can remain still or who suffer panic symptoms when in small spaces, sedation for an MRI may be useful. In addition to calming the patient, it also will make the test go faster than if the patient moves or panics.

Sedation may be administered via an IV drip.
Sedation may be administered via an IV drip.

Children may also be required to be sedated for having an MRI. Though a safe and painless scan, the machine and the inability to move may be scary to some younger patients. The fear may be worsened by the fact that a parent cannot be with the child in an MRI room, though most MRI scanners have a microphone that allows the patient to talk to the control room if concerned.

An MRI works by aligning the water molecules of the body.
An MRI works by aligning the water molecules of the body.

It is important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully when taking sedation for an MRI. Some forms require that a patient not eat or drink for several hours before taking the medication. Since extreme drowsiness is a common side effect, a person under sedation cannot drive home alone and must usually be monitored for a few hours after the procedure for signs of complications.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1002126

If you don't want to do sedation try going for an open MRI scanner. There is no tunnel and it is much better if you are claustrophobic or larger in size. In one year of scanning claustrophobic patients only three were not able to complete the scan. Do a search for 'open MRI'.

serenesurface

I have had to have three MRIs so far and I didn't feel scared through any one of them. Yes, it's loud but that's about it.

For children though, I think they should be given something to calm them down. My nephew had to have an MRI and they didn't sedate him. He was seven or eight at the time. He basically crawled out of the MRI machine because he was so scared.

There are actually open MRI machines used specifically for patients with anxiety and fear. I think only these should be used for children.

fify

When I had an MRI, it was awful. I had the MRI on short notice and the technician was highly unprofessional. I was not told what to expect. So I had no idea that there would be so much noise coming from the machine. I was also unaware of how long it would last. No one offered me earplugs or headphones through which I could listen to music. These are actually norms of MRIs and should always be offered. I find out about them later by talking to others who have had MRIs.

So I had quite a fright when I was in the machine and the noise started. But I knew that the results would be messed up if I moved so I remained still and closed my eyes. I prayed to keep my mind occupied.

If I ever have to have one again, I think I will ask for sedation.

bluedolphin

As long as one knows what to expect during an MRI, I don't think that sedation is necessary for most people. Those with claustrophobia or severe anxiety should definitely speak to their doctor about mild sedation before the procedure however.

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    • An MRI scan of the brain.
      By: Marcin Sadlowski
      An MRI scan of the brain.
    • Many patients are lightly sedated before an MRI.
      By: Hakan Kızıltan
      Many patients are lightly sedated before an MRI.
    • Sedation may be administered via an IV drip.
      By: arztsamui
      Sedation may be administered via an IV drip.
    • An MRI works by aligning the water molecules of the body.
      By: arbaes
      An MRI works by aligning the water molecules of the body.
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      The radiologist may get better results from a sedated patient than one who is nervous or anxious.