MRI Under Anesthesia: New Opportunities at NMRRC

Claustrophobia—the fear of enclosed spaces or a patient’s severe condition that can sometimes prevent them from undergoing an MRI scan, even when it is essential for diagnosis. To address this issue, the Center offers a special service: MRI under anesthesia. Tatev Agababyan, Head of the Radiology Department at the A.Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre, – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, explains how the procedure is performed and who may benefit from MRI with sedation.

“MRI is a modern diagnostic imaging technique that provides highly detailed cross-sectional images of almost any part of the human body. It enables timely diagnosis of various conditions, helps assess their severity and extent, and allows for dynamic monitoring during treatment. However, remaining completely still for 20 to 90 minutes during the scan is crucial. If the patient moves or changes position, the images may contain artifacts, making it impossible to accurately assess pathological changes or confirm their absence,” notes Tatev Artakovna.

For some patients, remaining in an enclosed space for such a long period can trigger anxiety attacks (claustrophobia) or even panic episodes, which can negatively affect the accuracy of the MRI results.

“MRI with sedation is also recommended in several other cases,” explains Dr. Agababyan. “For instance, patients with neurological disorders that cause involuntary muscle contractions may struggle to remain still. It is also indicated for patients experiencing severe pain, particularly in those with advanced oncological conditions. Pain often leads to muscle spasms, making it difficult to maintain the necessary stillness during the scan.”

A key feature of MRI under anesthesia is the use of specialized anesthesia and monitoring equipment that is safe to operate in a magnetic field.

“Our Center is equipped with such technology, and the sedative drugs and dosages are carefully selected by an anesthesiologist before the procedure. Throughout the MRI, continuous monitoring of the patient’s vital functions is conducted. Additionally, anesthetic and resuscitation support is provided for patients requiring mechanical ventilation,” emphasizes Tatev Artakovna.

As part of the MRI sedation service, patients undergo a preliminary consultation with an anesthesiologist-resuscitator, who selects the most effective, safe, and comfortable sedation method for each individual case.

To schedule call the contact center at 8 800 250-87-00.