 |
|
|
|
|
October 26th, 2011
06:01 PM ET
Don't get hurt by an MRIMRI machines allow doctors to see inside your body and diagnose what’s wrong with you, but if mistakes are made, they can hurt or even kill you. “If administered properly, it’s one of the safest exams that have ever been invented,” says Tobias Gilk, an MRI safety advocate. But accidents do happen. “Most errors are a combination of human error and bad timing,” says Dr. Emanuel Kanal, a professor of radiology and neuroradiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Faulty training and lax rules about who can be around the machine also contribute. There are four main ways MRI machines can pose dangers. Projectiles: Gilk’s website, mrimetaldetector.com, shows photos of metal objects, including a bed, a floor polisher and a chair forced against the MRI machine. If someone is being scanned when these devices fly into a machine, they could face serious injuries. A child in New York was killed in 2001 when the MRI machine sucked an oxygen canister into the machine where he was being scanned. “Projectiles usually happen when there are breakdowns in policies and procedures and proper training wasn’t performed,” says Frank Shellock, an adjunct clinical professor of radiology and medicine at the University of Southern California. He points out that MRI magnets don’t just turn on when they are scanning. They are always energized and there is no visual cue the magnetic field is present. Newer MRI machines can be even more powerful. Burns: “Generally it is supposed to be gentle, like a heat lamp,” says Gilk. “If there are electrical conductors like an EKG lead (on the body) it becomes an antenna and can pick up the RF and concentrate it.” Touching the side walls of the MRI tunnel can also lead to burns, Shellock says. MRI operators should put material between the patient and the wall if there is a risk of the patient coming in contact with it. Some burns have been so severe patients have required skin grafts. Hearing loss: Gilk compares getting a scan to standing near a jet aircraft. He says patients and anyone else near the machine should be given adequate earplugs or protective earphones. “Scanner technology is improving and machines are getting quieter,” Gilk says, but “anyone in the room could get hearing loss.” Implants and medical devices: “Most medical device manufacturer's products made in the last five years will be OK,” says Gilk. But, “if, for example, you had an aneurysm clip that is 15 years old, you should be particularly cautious.” Shellock says he has studied 3,500 implant devices over about the last 25 years and the devices that are labeled as appropriate for use in an MRI should be fine. In addition to the medical metal inside the human body, some patients require external devices to keep them alive or monitor their condition. Those devices need to be specifically designed to function around an MRI. The federal government doesn’t regulate the use of MRIs and state regulations for the machines vary. “Many states have more stringent requirements for hair colorists than who runs an MRI center,” Gilk says. So what can patients do to make sure they are safe when they get an MRI? 1. Fill out MRI questionnaire: “Patients should fill out a screening form and ask the MRI technologist if they have questions,” Shellock says. It’s important that patients go over the questions with the technician to make sure they understand what is being asked. Kanal says honest answers are essential. He gives the example that a patient might not want to reveal they have a wig, but it’s important for the operator to know. Details about any metal that may be in the body, including bullets, medical devices like aneurysm clips, stents or pacemakers should also be shared with the operator. 2. Remove metal: Since magnetic metal poses such a risk in an MRI, it is essential patients and anyone near the MRI remove it. 3. Use hearing protection: Make sure you and anyone else in the room with you are given proper ear protection and make sure it fits. 4. Look for open doors: MRI facilities should be secure. Gilk says open doors could be a sign the facility isn’t as careful about access as it should be. 5. Look for wires: Make sure there are no unexpected wires or metallic objects like left over EKG sensors on your body. Some devices may be safe for an MRI, but others can be dangerous. 6. Don’t touch the side walls: Coming in contact with the inside of the MRI tube can lead to burns. |
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
http://www.bewareofplastics.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Excellent article. I am experiencing some of these issues as well..
https://maps.google.fi/url?sa=t&url=https://affordableranking.com
http://www.sofora.ru/cgi-bin/clickcount.pl?G=ocrvcenter.com
http://planbentertainment.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Howdy! I just wish to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you've got here on this post. I will be returning to your site for more soon.
http://12ztax.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://sitebox.mailus.ru/requestform.php?success=1&referrer=https://ocrvcenter.com
http://www.gmina.fairplay.pl/?&cookie=1&url=https://affordableranking.com
https://eridan.websrvcs.com/System/Login.asp?id=48747&Referer=https://affordableranking.com
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people for this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
http://asianladyboyvideos.com/cgi-bin/site/out.cgi?s=70&l=textmain¶m=&u=https://ocrvcenter.com
Very good post. I certainly love this site. Continue the good work!
http://lawfordgroup.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Many thanks, However I am having issues with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody having similar RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
http://tuckerfarms.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
http://mgsa.mb.ca/al.php?e=la17viagaArVr3DntVWwhUeBcmwxjbL2IHR6UPClb2FU3D&link=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
american online pharmacy http://xlnpharmacy.com/ pharmacy order online
This blog was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me. Appreciate it!
http://travelonebd.com/sitetr/index.php?url=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
buy brand cialis http://rcialisgl.com/ cialis generic
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don't seem to get nearly anything done.
http://k2gpgc.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I was able to find good advice from your content.
http://fanlibber.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to revisit once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
https://deevy.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am having problems with your RSS. I don’t understand why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody else having the same RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
https://www.romanresorts.eu/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this topic here on your blog.
https://bio-pack.ru/bitrix/redirect.php?goto=https://affordableranking.com
I absolutely love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you make this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own blog and would like to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Many thanks!
https://www.fleetwoodhome.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
top rated canadian pharmacies online online pharmacy europe mail order pharmacy
Good blog you have here.. It’s hard to find good quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
https://sqqm.com/tt.asp?url=https://affordableranking.com
http://thecouponspot.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
priligy tablets for sale priligy generic
I needed to thank you for this good read!! I definitely loved every bit of it. I've got you saved as a favorite to look at new things you post…
https://tchawillson.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://deserthillsproperties.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.wagyukobebeef.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
chloroquine natural sources https://chloroquineorigin.com/ what is in chloroquine
https://www.dax-tourisme.com/?id=6&url=https://www.affordableranking.com
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It's the little changes that produce the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
http://brookfieldhousing.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me lunch because I found it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this topic here on your site.
https://dentigrator.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
This is the perfect webpage for everyone who would like to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for many years. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!
http://www.hostetter.biz/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Everything is very open with a precise description of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your site is useful. Thank you for sharing!
http://www.worldpassport.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I like it when people come together and share thoughts. Great website, stick with it!
https://allgaygals.com/cgi-bin/atc/out.cgi?id=36&l=tpom&u=https://affordableranking.com
I was very happy to discover this web site. I want to to thank you for your time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new stuff in your blog.
http://imanagedllc.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://footandanklesouth.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Great post. I am experiencing some of these issues as well..
http://www.t.celeb-for-free.com/st/st.php?id=21893&url=https://affordableranking.com
http://caromont1.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://intelepro.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Everyone loves it when people get together and share ideas. Great website, continue the good work!
http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/ashop/affiliate.php?id=294&redirect=https://ocrvcenter.com
https://perfectlychilledhotels.com/redirect/?site=Splendia+-+Our+hotel+reservation+partner&url=https://ocrvcenter.com
http://aqua-logic.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
That is a good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
https://www.londonplay.org.uk/newsletters/click/68/394/101174?url=https://ocrvcenter.com
http://4corporategolf.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
https://chatsworth-international.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It's always useful to read articles from other authors and practice a little something from other web sites.
http://8wu.chicagonewconstruction.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.iran-emrooz.net/index.php?URL=http://affordableranking.com
I really love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you make this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own personal website and want to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Thanks!
https://theflyingnun.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this topic here on your web page.
http://www.r.emeraldexpoinfo.com/s.ashx?ms=EXI2:125462_115115&e=krubin72340aol.com&eId=440186886&c=h&url=http://www.affordableranking.com