Chapter Introduction

One of the things​​ technologists​​ may not have taught is the fact that some pre-existing medical conditions and medications can cause and even exacerbate anxiety. Familiarizing yourself with these conditions and medications along with the conditions they are used to treat will give the insight and knowledge needed to possibly predict who may have trouble with anxiety during their exam. This preemptive measure may enable you to appropriately adjust your patient care strategy, making the MRI exam easier for both you and your patient. Here in the U.S., patients are usually asked for a list of their current medications. Likewise, many medical charts have a list of conditions patients have been​​ diagnosed with. While this has been a common practice even on some MRI screening forms, this information is useless unless you know which medications or conditions may cause anxiety.​​ 

Hint: Before each exam, take the time to look at medications and pre-existing conditions this information, as it can provide valuable information as to whether your patient could have anxiety during their MRI exam.