Is it normal to be sedated for an MRI?
William Harris
Updated on March 22, 2026
Is it normal to be sedated for an MRI?
What type of anesthesia is used for MRI? Generally, MRIs under anesthesia are performed under sedation, although sometimes they are performed under general anesthesia. Sedation is characterized as being in a state between relaxed and very sleepy, but not quite unconscious.
How long does a sedated MRI take?
An MRI exam usually takes 20-90 minutes to perform, depending on the type of study being performed.
What kind of sedation do they use for MRI?
Propofol and pentobarbital are commonly used to sedate children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What happens if you panic during an MRI?
When not properly accommodated during an MRI, claustrophobic patients may experience panic attacks, which can bring on increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chills, sweating, and other distressing symptoms. Claustrophobia is a very common condition, affecting as much as 5% of the population.
When should I take sedation before MRI?
If you require sedation, please arrive one hour prior to your appointment.
How do you survive a MRI if you are claustrophobic?
Some techniques that can reduce the anxiety that comes with feelings of claustrophobia include focused breathing and covering your eyes with a towel during the exam. RAYUS also offers headphones for listening to music and, for Open Upright MRI patients, watching TV is an option.
Can you use your phone during an MRI?
Cell phones typically contain metal, which could be moved by the super-conducting magnet within the scanner. If a device containing metal is in the room when a person is being scanned, it could lead to injury.
How do you survive an MRI if you are claustrophobic?
What’s the best drug for claustrophobia in a MRI?
If you experience more severe claustrophobia-related symptoms, your doctor may instead recommend intravenous sedation. It’s common to use a combination of Versed (a benzodiazepine) and Fentanyl, an opioid medication commonly prescribed for pain and sedation.
What can mess up an MRI?
Objects or factors that may affect the quality of the MRI images could include:
- a metallic spinal rod.
- plates, pins, screws or metal mesh used to repair a bone or joint.
- joint replacement or prosthesis.
- metallic jewelry (including body piercings)
- some (especially black or blue pigmented) tattoos or tattooed eyeliner.