Finding calm during an MRI
Researchers say a special type of MRI may someday help doctors predict which high-risk babies might develop autism in their toddler years. Known as functional connectivity MRI, or fcMRI, the scan gives a peek at how different regions of the brain work together. As it turns out, certain areas that are connected also seem linked to autism risk, the researchers said. The fcMRI allowed the researchers to accurately predict 9 out of 11 high-risk babies who later showed behavioral signs of autism. The hope is that such a prediction tool could one day be used to identify babies in need of early intervention. Wochit
Your knee hurts or you suspect an injury in your shoulder – your doctor may order an MRI of the area, but this may send your discomfort level higher, as a result. That's because the enclosed space of an MRI machine can be anxiety-provoking for some people.
"It is very typical for people to get nervous during an MRI, even when they might not expect to feel worried," said Susan Barbieri-Singleton, supervisor of imaging at Renown Health. "The machines also make noise while imaging, which may bother some people even when wearing earplugs."
Many people may wonder why they need to go into a long, cylindrical tube-shaped machine to have an image obtained, but as it turns out the shape of the machine is important to the type of imaging being done.
"To get good images, the magnetic field needs to be consistent all the way around the body, which can only be maintained with this design," Barbieri-Singleton said.
In fact, the imaging process of an MRI is different from other technology in that it does not use radiation, according to the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, it still creates a 3-D image of the area being scanned and is a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
"MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a type of imaging that uses radiofrequency with a magnetic field to make detailed images of the soft tissues in the body," said Barbieri-Singleton. "MRIs are often used to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions in the chest, abdomen and pelvis."
According to the National Institutes of Health, MRIs can be particularly useful in scanning soft tissues in the body and non-bony parts. For example, muscles, ligaments and tendons can be seen more clearly with MRI images compared to the use of X-rays or Computed Tomography (CT), reports the NIH. However, the imaging does require people to lie still, typically on their back, often for 30 minutes or more.
"Claustrophobia during MRI is not uncommon," Barbieri-Singleton said. "Some patients can make it through the scan using some simple tricks, while others need more help. We always want to make sure the patient is comfortable and we’re getting the images they need for their care all while doing our best to calm their nerves."
At ease in an MRI machine
There are many different strategies that hospitals use to help patients be more comfortable and relaxed inside an MRI machine. These can vary from actual distractions to prescription of medication and even use of general anesthesia.
One thing that helps to make patients more comfortable is the use of a microphone and speakers by technologists to talk and communicate with them. Another strategy is to use technology to distract patients from their surroundings and what is going on. One way this is done at Renown is to use CinemaVision goggles, which can play a cartoon or a movie for patients. This can be particularly helpful for kids who may have more difficulty focusing while needing to lie still on their back, but adults, too, utilize the CinemaVision googles, which strap onto the head and integrate the audiovisual components of what is being watched.
"Even in the short time after its introduction, CinemaVision reduced the need for sedation in child patients by 60 percent, and 30 percent in adults," said Barbieri-Singleton.
Similarly, another option is to use a machine that actually has a built-in screen that enables patients to watch a movie. Other strategies for reducing anxiety that are more low-tech include listening to music, encouraging a patient to think about being somewhere else or even covering a patient's eyes to help them feel less anxious.
Patients also can choose to seek an anti-anxiety prescription from their doctor or may want to opt for sedation that ranges from conscious sedation to general anesthesia, if needed, to help handle discomfort or fear.
"If patients are nervous, we encourage them to talk with their doctor about these options," said Barbieri-Singleton.