Many patients are frightened by their physician's recommendation to have an MRI. Most of the time, this is related to fear of claustrophobia or panic attacks. People have heard "stories" in the press, or from friends, about how having an MRI can feel like "being put into a coffin". We at Wake Radiology wish to reassure you that this will not be the case at our facilities.

Although many patients fear getting into the magnet, or suddenly find that they are afraid once they see the magnet, we have found that almost all patients can successfully have an MRI at Wake Radiology when we administer medication on site.

That's right - on site. We will provide the medication that you will need to get through the MRI examination without a problem. We do this by administering a small amount of Valium® just before the examination.

After you arrive, at your request, we will place a small IV (intravenous) line into your vein, and through that we will administer a small amount of Valium®. This will relax you for the exam, making it possible for you to easily manage your own stress or anxiety. We will not "put you to sleep", but rather will relax you thoroughly for the duration of the examination.

Please note that if we give you Valium® at our facility, you will need to have someone drive you home. Although you will feel nearly normal by the time the MRI is concluded, you will still be subtly affected by the medication, and cannot drive safely. Also, you should take the next few hours to relax, to allow the medication to wear off naturally.