home
RSS
October 26th, 2011
06:01 PM ET

Don't get hurt by an MRI

MRI 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:
The M in MRI stands for magnetic, and  magnets are very powerful.

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:
MRIs use RF transmitters and those can cause heat. “Burns happen, usually because a patient wasn’t prepared properly,” Shellock says. “Usually this is related to misuse of equipment.”

“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:
MRI machines can be quite loud.

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:
People with metal in their bodies, including medical devices like aneurysm clips and pacemakers, can face increased risks. The MRI’s powerful magnetic fields could move the device or cause damage.

“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.


soundoff (3,781 Responses)
  1. mri with contrast

    mri with contrast

    http://www.mrilincolnimaging.com/

    January 12, 2017 at 21:03 | Report abuse | Reply
    • Kathy Mccainri

      I had an MRI 4 1/2 yrs ago. Model 2008 Semens Espree. I used the very same hearing protection (30 decibel) I used with an open MRI.. I have severe HYPERACUSIS AND SEVERE, CHRONIC TINNITUSS since this scan. I can not begin to tell you the mental anguish, depression and anxiety from this monster machine! It has profoundly changed my life! I can not even file a lawsuit, as the lawyers said it would be to difficult to prove in a court of law! There is no sound therapy, or surergy. I basically have no recourse whatsoever. I feel like I am in "limbo" and rarely leave my home, as environmental sound is amplified. These machines should be banned !!!

      March 13, 2017 at 23:30 | Report abuse |
  2. mri for head

    mri for head

    http://www.mrilincolnimaging.com/

    February 17, 2017 at 16:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. mri without contrast spine

    mri without contrast spine

    http://www.mrilincolnimaging.com/

    February 17, 2017 at 16:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Mark Heinlein

    I had a MRI in May of 2016.I was given no hearing protection ,My hearing is now quite impaired ,not to mention I am a depressed and in much mental anguish

    June 2, 2017 at 19:11 | Report abuse | Reply
    • Kathy McCain

      How are you doing as of this post? What type of MRI Machine was used?

      November 26, 2017 at 15:37 | Report abuse |
  5. Hermosa Marketing

    Thanks for writing this. i love redondo beach seo manhattan beach seo and manhattan beach.

    https://foursquare.com/user/439177758/list/jesse-grillo

    July 21, 2017 at 15:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Wayne

    You made some decent points there. I looked on the web for the concern and discovered most individuals will go along with along with your internet site.

    http://blogs.rediff.com/loanstoday/2016/08/30/techniques-for-getting-a-great-idea-of-the-best-rc-cars-concep/

    July 24, 2017 at 16:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Josue Williver

    I would just like to mention I am a newbie to writing a blog and site-building not to mention I just like your blog. Definitely I am going to bookmark your website . You certainly come with spectacular article content and reviews. Thank you for sharing your blog.

    http://badoodle.com

    September 10, 2017 at 20:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Angela

    I had an MRI on April 14, 2016 on my neck for a herniated disc at the C5-6 level. I was put into a 5.0 Tesla for an MRI. Two days later I developed intrusive, non-stop Tinnitus. ENT told me my ears look normal, minimal hearing loss. I found out the Tesla I had been in for the MRI was down for repairs the day before I was tested in it.

    Is it possible my Tinnitus is due to a malfunctioning of the MRI machine? Do I need a medical lawyer.....This Tinnitus is ruining my life. I am 49 and otherwise healthy.

    September 21, 2017 at 12:11 | Report abuse | Reply
    • Kathy McCain

      What are your symptoms as of today? Did you ever find a lawyer to take your case?

      November 26, 2017 at 15:33 | Report abuse |
  9. Angela

    I made an error in my post, the date I had the MRI was April 14, 2017.

    September 21, 2017 at 12:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Lance Hegel

    I will miss the TolDozer.

    http://dekndol.co/ucla-football-radio-coverage.html

    November 15, 2017 at 01:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Donald Haas

    As a patient who has suffered third degree burn to upper right arm and first degree burn to upper left arm when the sheet pulled off as i was inserted into the MRI for a Low back problem, i have a question. The burns that occurred to my arms due to contact with MRI, could this also damage internal organs? A few months after the procedure i started having problems with low platelet count, and two ct scans since this occurred show a sub-optimal visualization of the portal triads and dome of diaphragm suggesting fatty infiltration.

    December 25, 2017 at 15:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Air Impact Wrench

    Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I'm impressed! Very useful information specifically the last section 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thanks and good luck.
    Air Impact Wrench

    February 28, 2018 at 21:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Name* karen

    I did an MRI and after the procedure was done the night of I had the weirdest experience and still have to this day my body while in bed started to tremble like Shake but it was inner it wasn't like you could see my body shaking couldn't sleep didn't think I would wake up the next day I don't know what I can take or do to reverse the side effects from the MRI are but although I pressed and asking to take me out by the third time they finally let me out I was pressured into staying in a little bit more longer

    March 23, 2018 at 19:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. オメガスーパーコピー

    スーパーコピーブランド専門店
    ルイヴィトン、シャネル、グッチ、エルメス、クロエ、ルチェ&ガッバ―ナ、バレンシアガ、ボッテガ ヴェネタ、ミュウミュウ、クリスチャンディオールその他の偽物バッグコピー、偽物財布コピー、偽物時計コピー、偽物ベルトコピー、偽物指輪コピー、偽物キーケース、商品は全く写真の通りです。
    高級腕時計(N級品),スーパーコピー時計(N級品),財布(N級品)バッグ(N級品),靴(N品),指輪(N級品),ベルト(N級品),マフラー (N級品)
    人気の売れ筋商品を多数取り揃えております。全て激安特価でご提供.お願いします.

    ★100%品質保証!満足保障!リピーター率100%!
    ★商品数も大幅に増え、品質も大自信です。
    ★スタイルが多い、品質がよい、価格が低い!
    ★顧客は至上 誠実 信用。
    ★歓迎光臨★送料無料(日本全国)

    ホームページ上でのご注文は24時間受け付けております
    オメガスーパーコピー

    June 4, 2018 at 11:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. basics of branding

    I drop a comment when I especially enjoy a article on a site or I have something to valuable to contribute to the conversation. Usually it is caused by the passion communicated in the article I looked at. And after this post. I was excited enough to drop a comment 😛 I do have a few questions for you if you tend not to mind. Is it just me or does it appear like some of these responses look like left by brain dead people? 😛 And, if you are posting at additional places, I'd like to follow anything new you have to post. Would you make a list all of your community pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

    https://www.facebook.com/KateKowalskyWebMarketing/posts/1884948984865460

    July 5, 2018 at 18:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Name*d

    I'm got burned last week in the matter hospital haveing a mri scan I'm not well after it

    August 5, 2018 at 20:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Donnyemyday

    Зарабатывай до девяти тысяч руб в день на создании и заполнении профилей в интернете!
    Никаких вложений, продаж, партнерок и т.д. Выплаты ежедневно!
    Ознакомтесь с условиями на сайте. >> http://www.rabotaprofily.tk <<

    August 7, 2018 at 07:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. nike sb stefan janoski max grey womens uk

    buty reebok gl 1500 flat grey dieselreebok furylite white jordansnike free run 2 shield nike free run 2 shield 472519 020 grey black mens running shoesnike dunk low pro sb zoom air
    nike sb stefan janoski max grey womens uk http://www.habitat-hvl.com/discount-trainers/nike-sb-stefan-janoski-max-grey-womens-uk

    August 16, 2018 at 20:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Name*kathy smith

    I got a mri on my foot and I felt the pull it seemed to be abnormal from the other foot I had done a week prior. I immediately had pain in my shin and the pain had not hone away. What could this be? I’m
    Little worried that maybe the mri machine was on to high? Is that possible? Could it have caused damage?

    November 7, 2018 at 02:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Marc

    I had an MRI yesterday both with and without contrast and it seemed ok. I did take Lorazepam 1st. However, today they asked me to come back and do additional imaging (of pancreas region) it was a terrible experience! No Lorazepam this time. No imaging contrast either. About 15 min. or so into the procedure, I began to feel warm/hot sensations inside my torso every time the machine was activating. It felt like blood was pooling and heating or something. At one point I had to press the button and let the operator know. He thought it may be my shirt so I took it off. No change. Every time the machine became active I felt the heat. I tried to endure it because I didn't want to have to come back and do it again. Hours later I am still haunted by the experience. Have my internal organs been damaged? Am I bleeding inside?

    November 16, 2018 at 23:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Denise Niemi

    I suffered an incredible migraines and vomiting after having two MRIs. One of my neck and my back one after the other. Could the MRI caused this?

    January 1, 2019 at 09:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. pedro

    since the day after my brain mri scan i have seizures and cannot fall asleep, i am sure this machine has done severe harm to parts of my brain and its function

    January 14, 2019 at 04:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. pedro

    by the way my adress is pduran98@gmail.com If anyone wants to join we may do something together to warn the public about this scanning machines

    January 14, 2019 at 05:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Prince Arora

    The blogs are really appreciable and one can trust the knowledge and information provided in the writing. The article you do produce on a weekly base really the best. I have found a similar websitemagnetic signs visit the site to know more about sinking.

    February 28, 2019 at 00:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Kathy McCain

    Hello, I am posting a follow up report on my severe T and LOUDNESS H. Very little improvement. I still have multiple T signals, and severe autiditory GAIN. This is an official diagnosis. It will be 7 years in August, since this life changing event. I did not belive that such a hearing condition was possible , but evidently it is. I am living proof! I have no medical, nor legal recourse either. This machine was too loud, one of the most powerful. Siemens Espree 2008. I feel obligated to warn people. These loud machines should be banned.

    March 29, 2019 at 15:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Name*leada

    Should any type of heavy apron be wrapped around a patient, for any reason, prior to the MRI and being left on during the MRI?

    May 7, 2019 at 22:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Nelia Vania

    Admiration est fille de l'ignorance. https://www.cialis20.fr

    December 6, 2019 at 05:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Celestine Fred

    Savoir si l'on aimerait mieux mourir de faim ou de soif est une question qui apparemment plait toujours. https://www.cialis20.fr OPIUM POISONING CURED BY ELBCTRICrTT.

    December 6, 2019 at 05:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. vapormax kids size 4

    AP:Associated Press4Everton are one of three top clubs interested in signing Davy Klaassen from Ajax.
    vapormax kids size 4

    October 12, 2020 at 07:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Geraldine

    Ashiap

    My web page – judi online slot

    November 24, 2020 at 00:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. JsweCrulk

    viagra online generic canada buy cheap viagra pills online best cheap viagra pills

    November 24, 2020 at 04:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. FmsgEncox

    viagra 4 ore quando posso tomar viagra viagra pfizer apteka

    November 24, 2020 at 07:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. FmsgEncox

    safe way to buy viagra viagra combien de temps avant l'acte viagra and vitamin e

    November 25, 2020 at 01:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. DbsfZisse

    sildenafil tablets online in india buy sildenafil online safely viagra price uk

    November 25, 2020 at 03:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. KbrgMile

    viagra online united states purchase sildenafil citrate viagra tablets in india online purchase

    November 25, 2020 at 03:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. KbrgMile

    where to buy viagra online australia can you order viagra online in canada 12.5 mg viagra

    November 26, 2020 at 07:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. JsweCrulk

    viagra tablet online india female viagra pills price where to buy sildenafil canada

    November 26, 2020 at 08:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. FdbvZisse

    viagra online europe best online sildenafil online viagra soft

    November 26, 2020 at 17:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. FqfEncox

    college essay grants homework help.com college essays creative

    November 28, 2020 at 08:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. FtghEncox

    history homework helper essay writing powerpoints essay writer no plagiarism

    November 28, 2020 at 12:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. FnrhEncox

    viagra pt. visa credit card only genric viagra buy viagra online

    November 28, 2020 at 21:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Gabrielfet

    https://t.me/Dating_Flirting – Flirting in your city

    https://bit.ly/2I3ZL7m
    – Meet, be inspired, communicate and continue flirting! Follow the link

    @@@==

    November 29, 2020 at 00:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. FgsZisse

    undergraduate dissertations online help with chemistry homework research paper help sites

    November 29, 2020 at 01:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Philomena

    Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4
    year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She
    placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic
    but I had to tell someone!

    Here is my page :: togeldepositpulsa.net

    November 29, 2020 at 01:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. FqfEncox

    writing my dissertation undergraduate research paper do my term paper

    November 29, 2020 at 01:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. TimBroucegvs

    endeavor line

    Greenlane Renewables perfectly as other globally Biogas exchange market leaders turn to governments nearly from.

    BURNABY, uk Columbia Greenlane Renewables corporation. ( and the (TSXV: GRN) yesterday said within a very innovative Biogas but also global warming decision record, along with vital biogas segment organizations and consequently inspired by the modern world Biogas collective (WBA), To ask globally government authorities to behave urgently to unlock the category possible ways to cut offshore techniques energy emissions from particularly 12% next 10 years and for that reason make some considerable contribution at dating very own paris commitment digs up.

    really are Xtraction professional services Chinese dating sites hanging Corp, ( as well as (CSE:XS), A specialized funding service provider interested in equipments booking in america, claimed right away latest shopping results for the quarter stopping sept 30, 2019 (

    BlueShore crisis commences club side branch levels in Burnaby

    vancouver, british Columbia BlueShore budget, a full internet service boutique banks, is really your pulling off the reopening of its greatly redesigned Burnaby cost massages side branch during the Burnaby height area.

    November 29, 2020 at 03:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. JgscCrulk

    buy essays about the enlightenment making a research proposal websites to write essays

    November 29, 2020 at 10:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. FtghEncox

    help writing research papers online writing essay on terrorism writing letters

    November 30, 2020 at 06:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. DvscZisse

    write essay on my family short essays research paper about travel

    November 30, 2020 at 06:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. KwgdMile

    make a presentation help writing an article essay helper pay

    November 30, 2020 at 09:14 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

Leave a Reply to 2007 Sprinter Rear Heater Repair


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
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.