Efficacy of Diphenhydramine in the Prevention of Vertigo and Nausea at 7 Tesla

Markus Thormann¹, Jens Ricke¹, Astrid Wollrab¹, Daniela Adolf², Oliver Speck¹

In recent years the number of Ultra-High-Field-MR-Scanners is increasing. The most frequently reported side effects at 7-Tesla are vertigo and nausea during table motion. The purpose of this study was to test whether Diphenhydramine can improve patient comfort and the subjective acceptance of high field MR-scanners by preventing vertigo and nausea. In a prospective, double blinded, placebo controlled, cross-over randomized study we quantified the sensations of 30 volunteers before and after exposure to the static magnetic field with and without drug respectively placebo administration. A reduction of the strength of vertigo and a prevention of nausea is possible.