Eye Pillow Use for Claustrophobic Patients in MRI
Medication in MRI Sedation:
Several years ago, when I began working in Radiology, I had to learn about the sedation of claustrophobic patients in MRI. We tried several combinations of medications and found that there was never a truly effective outcome. Versed and Fentanyl worked to relax the patient while conscious , but the amnesic effects of the Versed caused the patient to forget to hold still during the exam! Valium allowed the patient to remain still, but also put them to sleep, making for longer recovery time, and an increased occurrence of side effects, such as respiratory depression and general malaise.
Eye Pillows in MRI:
Patients who were claustrophobic were apprehensive about placing anything over their eyes during the exam because they were afraid this would intensify their claustrophobia. Initially, in addition to medications, we placed washcloths over the eyes of our claustrophobic patients. It was taken a step further at Sky Ridge Medical Center and special "eye pillows" were made from satin and stuffed with flax seed. The patients who used the eye pillows found that it made their exam more relaxing, and they were able to open their eyes and not see their surroundings, decreasing the feeling of claustrophobia.
Scented Pillows and Reduction in Medication:
The use of scents in our eye pillows has proven to make the patient even more at ease, as it has shown to decrease the amount of sedating medications that need to be used on subsequent visits. We have non-scented eye pillows, for those who decline the aromatherapy, but we also have eye pillows scented with vanilla and lavender. How does this aromatherapy work? In the human nose, we receive odors through the olfactory nerves in our nostrils, which have membranes with thousands of highly sensitive cells on the surface. Nerves to the limbic system, the part of the brain that perceives and responds to memory, transmit impulses from a scent. When triggered, the limbic system releases petrochemicals that, in turn, reduces pain, creates a feeling of well being, and relaxes the body. This natural response decreases the need for medication.
Summary:
Since we began using eye pillows in MRI, we have seen a decrease in need for medication for sedation. This decreases the adverse side effects for the patient that may be present with sedation and also keeps the costs of the overall exam lower.
- Paul Johnston, RN, CNC Sky Ridge Medical Center
To Whom It May Concern,
I would like to than you for your product as it has proven to be an extremely useful tool in our MRI environment. Many patients arrive at our facility with preconceived notions, often erroneous, and are quite anxious about having their MRI. Your pillows have repeatedly shown themselves to be an excellent means of getting the patient to relax and forget about their surroundings for a short while. When presented with the options of scents the seem to become even more interested and involved in the process of allowing themselves to relax. We have had numerous patients who claim that they can now do the exam without sedation, as long as they have the pillow.
The opportunity for putting our logo in front of the patient during the exam and later when they take it home is a valuable asset. Thanks again for your great product.
Sincerely,
Robin Gagnon
MRI Supervisor, Sky Ridge Medical Center
May I Offer You a Pillow?
July 2006
Going to the hospital for an MRI means lying still in a tight space for a seemingly endless period of time. For many patients, that causes severe anxiety. Realizing what a stressful experience this procedure can be, the Imaging Department now provides small, 4 inch by 8 inch eye pillows for each patient who comes in for an MRI.
“Many people who have apprehension about the MRI are able to use the eye pillow and complete the test successfully. Some patients that are severely claustrophobic still require sedation, but we use the eye pillow in conjunction with the sedation,” said Jennifer Katnik, MRI Technologist.
The mini pillows are made of silk and filled with flax seeds. Offered in lavender, vanilla and unscented, the most popular eye pillow is lavender. The eye pillow is placed over a patients’ eyes while they’re lying down and for most gives the feeling of calmness and relaxation. After the exam the patients' get to take it home.
MRIs can be a difficult test for patients to complete. For many, the eye pillow helps reduce anxiety about the procedure,” said Katnik. “We've had people comment to us that if it hadn't been for this little pillow, they may not have been able to complete the exam."
The Imaging team has been offering the eye pillows since late last year and have given out close to 350 to date.
“Most all of our MRI patients feel pampered and see that we went that little bit above and beyond to make them more comfortable, said Katnik. “We are happy to be able to offer our patients something so small that can make such a big difference.”
Submitted by Jennifer Katnik MRI Technologist
From the Associate Newsletter
Parker Adventist Hospital
Parker, Colorado
Dear Kiana Hana Inc.,
Two days ago I had to have an MRI, and I was so nervous and scared because I was told it was a closed MRI machine. The Tech noticed how nervous I was and asked if I was claustrophobic, which I am, and she then offered me the Malana Eye Pillow. It was vanilla scented, and she put it over my eyes and allowed me a few minutes to relax , take in the scent and before I knew it i was very relaxed and I was able to go though the MRI. I was so relaxed and calm and I know it was because of the Malana Eye Pillow. The tech allowed me to keep it and it still smells so good.
Thank you for making this product! I know I will have to have more MRI's in the future and I will be taking my eye pillow with me!
Sincerely,
Patricia L. Rush
Ohio State University Medical Center
Columbus ,Ohio
