 |
|
|
|
|
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.
 |
|
|
|
http://safeports.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestlocalnearme.com
pharmacy on line offshore pharmacy no prescription online pharmacy tech schools
Hi there! This post could not be written much better! Looking through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!
https://sc.devb.gov.hk/TuniS/reviewnearme.com/
http://www.edistomarinaassociation.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bulknearme.com/
legit canadian pharmacies online top 10 pharmacies in india uk online pharmacy international delivery
http://local.waaytv.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestshopnearme.com/
http://insidehk.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=wholesalenearme.com
http://weareminorities.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=reviewnearme.com
http://joshwise.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=nearmyspot.com
http://pichak.net/verification/index.php?n=39&url=http://hootnholler.net/
I really like reading through an article that can make men and women think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!
http://collegebond.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestshopnearme.com/
I could not refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!
http://e-learningsystem.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=wholesalenearme.com
black cialis buy cialis cheap fast delivery best ed cialis pills
https://www.ctgoodjobs.hk/english/count/count_job_detail.asp?ctno=3125150010046&to=https://masternearme.com/
Iím impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog thatís both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy I found this during my hunt for something regarding this.
http://www.reedukacja.pl/Redirect.aspx?url=https://reviewnearme.com
http://www.cheapfridgefreezers.co.uk/go.php?url=https://masternearme.com
Good information. Lucky me I ran across your website by chance (stumbleupon). I've saved it for later!
http://mudflapgirl.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.bjsnearme.com
http://blendedicecoffee.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestlocalnearme.com
http://tfctpa.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=reviewnearme.com
http://instrideauto.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.hootnholler.net/
http://college-parents.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.bjsnearme.com
http://www.eformulas.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.bestservicenearme.com
This is the right site for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need toÖHaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Excellent stuff, just excellent!
http://e-learningsystem.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.reviewnearme.com
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you need to publish more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but typically folks don't discuss such subjects. To the next! Cheers!!
http://vegasgemstones.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.wholesalenearme.com
http://premierboutique.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestlocalnearme.com
This blog was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me. Thanks!
http://etracker.com/lnkcnt.php?et=qPKGYV&url=bonus-books.com/
http://neurostar.com/en/redirect.php?url=http://wholesalenearme.com/
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
http://directory.broomfieldenterprise.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=nearmyspot.com/
what does cialis cost hims cialis what cialis do
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I donít know why I can't join it. Is there anybody having similar RSS issues? Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
http://www.siam-daynight.com/forum/go.php?http://masternearme.com/
Iím impressed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog thatís both equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that too few folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy I came across this during my hunt for something regarding this.
https://www.apemockups.com/downloads/two-sketchbook-mockups/?did=1846&xurl=http3A2F2Fbestlocalnearme.com
An interesting discussion is worth comment. There's no doubt that that you should publish more about this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people don't talk about such issues. To the next! All the best!!
http://localbusiness.the-dispatch.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.nearmyspot.com
http://lpacks.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=masternearme.com
I blog often and I truly appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your Feed too.
http://digitalbluelines.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bonus-books.com
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through problems with your RSS. I donít know the reason why I can't subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
http://csslptraining.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestservicenearme.com
https://ztjysp99.com/link.php?url=https://bestshopnearme.com
http://internetcafeciler.net/redirect-to/?redirect=http3A2F2Fbestlocalnearme.com
Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this page.
https://www.drsgate.com/company/gateway/index3.php?c=c00000&url=http://www.reviewnearme.com/
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It's always useful to read articles from other authors and use a little something from their sites.
http://oceans6.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestshopnearme.com
Hello there, There's no doubt that your web site may be having browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it's got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent website!
http://030702.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.masternearme.com/
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you, However I am going through issues with your RSS. I donít know the reason why I can't join it. Is there anybody else having the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
http://devbusinc.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.bonus-books.com
http://www.canvasdemos.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.bestshopnearme.com/
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest websites on the net. I am going to highly recommend this web site!
https://torakichi.halhal.net/r/rl_out.cgi?id=ptspts&url=https://masternearme.com
https://mycivil.ir/go/index.php?url=https://bestservicenearme.com/
http://www.flexiblesearch.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=nearmyspot.com
I could not refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!
http://fantasticfifty.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.quotenearme.com
https://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&url=https://www.bjsnearme.com&cc=sg
Good info. Lucky me I found your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
http://www.biyougeka.esthetic-esthe.com/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=848&url=https://wholesalenearme.com
Excellent post. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..
https://www.qingms.com/link.php?url=https://nearmyspot.com
Very good write-up. I definitely appreciate this site. Thanks!
http://www.houstonexpo.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestshopnearme.com