It's no secret that some claustrophobic individuals may experience difficulty with MRI examinations. Anyone facing a difficult decision feels reassured when he or she is in full possession of the information needed to make a wise choice. We would like to share with you our perspective on MRI issues relating to claustrophobia.
The proper environment
Albany Advanced Imaging strives to provide calm, professional, and supportive surroundings for all of our patients, but most especially those with claustrophobia or other worries relating to their MRI or CT examination. Since we are an outpatient, private physicians' office, Albany Advanced Imaging maintains an orderly, private, and serene atmosphere. Our staff members are among the most experienced in the Capital Region, and have helped hundreds of claustrophobic patients through their examinations by a calm and reassuring demeanor.
A friend or relative is welcome
We encourage you to bring a friend or relative to accompany you during your examination. Many people find the presence of a trusted, lifelong friend or family member to be just what's needed. We ask that your friend or family member answer a few screening questions to ensure that he or she has no implanted metallic object or medical device that could be adversely affected by the magnetic field.
The magnetic field strength issue
Magnetic field strength is expressed in units called Teslas. High field strength magnets are those measuring 1.0 to 1.5 Tesla. Most so-called "open magnets" have lower field strengths of 0.2 to 0.35 Tesla. All other factors being equal, the higher the scanner's magnetic field strength, the more signal, or information, is available to create the final images. MRI examinations at higher field strength, therefore, offer the highest degree of clarity and detail. It is also important to bear in mind that high field strength magnets generally accomplish full examinations in less time than lower field strength MRI units. These are simple statements of the laws of physics.
A patient-friendly magnet
The high field, 1.0 Tesla MRI scanner at Albany Advanced Imaging is comfortable and roomy, without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy. Patients undergoing many types of examinations, such as MRI studies of the lumbar spine and knee, remain mostly outside the magnet. Even brain and neck MRI examinations are made easy by an innovative prismatic visual support system that directs your gaze out of the magnet and into the room. Our MRI examinations usually require only 20 to 30 minutes from beginning to end. Most importantly, however, your MRI at Albany Advanced Imaging satisfies the requirements of the most discriminating referring physicians for highly accurate images, while offering you a comfortable, brief examination.
Alternative medicine approaches
Albany Advanced Imaging is willing to reach beyond traditional medicine to increase the comfort of our patients. For example, aroma therapy is often used in combination with emotional support to enable claustrophobic individuals to successfully complete their MRI examination.
What about sedative medication?
As an outpatient office, Albany Advanced Imaging is not equipped to offer intravenous sedative medication for MRI or CT examinations. Patients requiring this level of medical support are best served in traditional, in-hospital imaging facilities.
Should you wish to take a mild oral anti-anxiety medication prior to MRI scanning, please arrange this with your own physician. Albany Advanced Imaging does not stock, and cannot prescribe, these types of medications. Please have someone else drive you home if you and your physician decide that a mild oral sedative medication is advisable.