Sedation

Every MRI technologist knows sedation is currently one of the most popular interventions for MRI anxiety28. Both oral and intravenous sedation are commonly used, with general anesthesia used to a lesser extent for adults but more frequently for pediatric patients30,31. The main reason sedation is the most popular intervention is because studies have reported a 94% exam completion rate of sedated patients94. Although sedation is commonly used to help patients tolerate an MRI examination, there are inherent risks involved with its use. These risks include drug allergies, being prescribed an ineffective dosage, and potential respiratory distress28,30,94. The time it takes a medication to reach maximum effectiveness varies greatly from patient to patient; thus, there are occasions when patients must undergo their exam even though the medication has not taken effect28.

Hint: The average maximum effectiveness time of the most prescribed oral sedation medications alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) is 1.5 hours after ingestion. If taken with food, maximus effectiveness could take 2.5 hours. Therefore, if a patient says it is not working and was taken less than an hour prior, if possible wait before beginning their exam95,96.