What could happen if a patient with claustrophobia undergoes an MRI without accommodations?

A patient with claustrophobia may experience heightened anxiety or panic when placed in the enclosed space of an MRI machine. This can lead to a severe emotional response, making the experience distressful and potentially unbearable. The tight confines and the noise of the machine can exacerbate feelings of claustrophobia, prompting reactions that may interfere with the imaging process.

Additionally, if the patient is not accommodated properly—such as with the use of open MRIs, sedation, or other supportive measures—they may refuse to enter the machine altogether. This refusal can lead to missed diagnoses or the need for rescheduling procedures, ultimately complicating the patient's care.

Incorporating appropriate accommodations is essential in managing patients with claustrophobia to ensure they can undergo necessary imaging without significant discomfort or refusal. Thus, both the potential for anxiety or panic as well as the risk of refusal are important considerations in this context.