Extra Life Detroit strives to purchase VR Goggles for Beaumont Children’s
Changing the Game
for patients needing an MRI
Have you ever had to get an MRI? The space inside is small and can feel confining and scary, even for adult patients. Naturally, pediatric patients get scared when they have to get inside the machine. Cinemavision VR Goggles are essential for pediatric patients who need MRIs. Extra Life Detroit is striving to raise $86,000 this year to purchase 2 sets for Beaumont Children’s!
How do MRIs work?
MRIs use very powerful magnets which produce a strong magnetic field. The machine takes photos of the brain for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. Magnetic metals are prohibited inside of or near MRI machines. Cinemavision VR Goggles are completely metal/magnet free and safe to use while getting an MRI (which is part of the reason they are costly)!
Getting an MRI can be frightening – some patients even require anesthesia. The Cinemavision VR Goggles reduce anxiety and drastically reduce the number of patients that need to be sedated for the MRI appointment. Any time a patient requires sedation, there is a risk associated with that. These Goggles effectively reduces risk associated with sedation and, in turn, the cost for patients and families. Additionally, MRIs can take multiple hours and require patients to remain still the entire time they are in the machine to obtain accurate readings. They are loud, small, and confined.
The Cinemavision VR Goggles allow patients to watch their favorite movies or shows while inside of the MRI machine, making the experience less scary and even enjoyable! The Goggles also are equipped with a headset that allows patients and clinical staff to communicate with each other. This also reduces anxiety and helps create the best patient experience possible during a time that is not ideal.
Quotes from Beaumont Clinical Staff
“I’ve used the VR system multiple times in the short time it has been available. I firmly believe that it is the only reason many patients were able to complete their MRI exams. Likewise, the system on has been very helpful with our pediatric patients, as well as the occasional adult who just needs a little more help with anxiety or claustrophobia!”
-John G.
“We had a 10 year old pediatric anesthesia patient who was extremely concerned about being put to sleep. He has had anesthesia in the past and hated how he felt afterward. He was so afraid to go into the machine awake too. He was crying and very upset until we told him he could watch a movie inside the MRI machine. He quit crying when I asked him if he wanted to watch Phineas and Ferb. He actually smiled and got a bit excited. After that, he walked in the room, hopped on the table and completed his exam! His mom was so thankful!! He was so proud of himself for doing it too.”
-Andrea R.
