Patients often refer to it as "scanxiety," the fear that comes from being enclosed inside a CT, MRI or some other scanning machine for even the most routine medical examinations. For some - particularly those with claustrophobia or other anxiety disorders - the terror of being trapped inside a coffin-like tube can be more frightening than what the scan might reveal. While almost everyone feels uneasy about getting scanned or nervous while awaiting results, doctors says it's unclear how many suffer from extreme scanxiety. But for adults who do, an anti-anxiety medication may be required to get through the experience. Young children often have to be fully sedated.
