Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/14/2007

Question
Dr. Levy,
My Doctors have ordered an MRI on my brain, inner ear, and L-Spine.  However, I am horribly claustrophobic.  They are ordering IV Sedation.  My question is, can they sedate me enough so I won't have a clue as to what is going on, keep me under long enough to get all the pictures they need, and keep my airway patent for that long under sedation.  As I said, I am horribly claustrophobic, and to come to inside the MRI machine would be a very horrible experience for me.  So I need to be completely sedated so I won't care about being trapped in a machine, and I need to stay that way during the entire procedure, but I don't want to stop breathing either.  I understand these are irrational fears, but they are my fears.  Open MRI is not an option as both Doctors said they can not get the pictures nor the quality they need.
Your prompt answer would be greatly appreciated, because I need to have this done as soon as I get rid of the pneumonia and bronchitis.

Thank you

Answer
In general, we can sedate you enough (and give you enough anxiolytics) to safely do your MRI. Some people, however, still can't do it. In those cases, general anesthesia is always an option. I suggest trying the sedation option first and see how it goes. Who knows, it might not be so bad after all.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston