[Guest]

I understand there are 3 types of units: the tube, the supposedly open, and a clam shell. I am extremely claustrophobic and even drugged have been upable to complete the test in the open unit. Are there any of the clam shell units in the Philadelphia area? Is there a site to view an MRI being done in one of these units or to see what they actually look like? Why can't I be totally unconcious to have this test?

[Guest]

I am sorry but I do not have information on the sorts or magnets in the Philly area. The best place to call would be one of the excellent university hospitals that you have in your town. The University of Penn for example, has an outstanding imaging department and they should be able to help.
Just a few general comments… there are MRI centers that pride themselves on dealing with claustrophobic patients and who claim a very high success rate in getting patients to deal with the magnets. See if you can find one of those.
Being totally unconscious sounds appealing, but it kicks the risk of having the test up several notches. Now it would become a big deal involving nursing and anesthesiology not to mention risk of complications.


[quote] I understand there are 3 types of units: the tube, the supposedly open, and a clam shell. I am extremely claustrophobic and even drugged have been upable to complete the test in the open unit... [/quote]