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MRI poses no known risk to most patients, if appropriate safety guidelines are followed. However, for some patients, MRI might be inadvisable. You should tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you or you believe they may apply:
Brain aneurysm clips
Cardiac pacemaker
Cardiac defibrillator
Cardiac valve
Possible pregnancy
Nursing mother
Implanted medication pumps
Implanted nerve stimulating devices
Cochlear implants
Metallic implant in your ear
Metal in your eye
Shrapnel or bullet wounds
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Any other surgically implanted or metallic object in your body
For the safety of staff and patients, the MRI environment needs to remain free of metal objects. Here are some examples of what must be removed before entering the scan room:
All jewelry (including watches)
Eyeglasses
Removable metallic dental work
Hairclips and hairpins
Hearing aids
Keys
Coins
Wallets and credit cards
Prosthetic joints and surgical clips outside the head are MR safe.
Will it hurt?
No. MRI imaging is not painful. However, for some, lying still can be slightly uncomfortable; minimizing movement is necessary to obtain the best possible pictures. As in photography, a shifting subject will result in a picture that is blurry.
Filling Out Your Public Safety Questionnaire
An MRI examination involves the use of a very strong magnet. For your safety, we request that you complete our safety checklist before beginning your exam. Several versions are provided below to allow you to complete it before arriving at the medical center.
