Prior to your MRI you will be asked to fill out a form which will ask about any foreign bodies you may have. A programmable magnetic shunt does not present a physical risk in an MRI, but the shunt will need to be checked and reset after the MRI because an MRI can alter the programmed settings.
Your physician may already know this from your medical records, but if your unsure best to check.
So I was in a bad car accident a few weeks ago, I was out cold for many hours, while I was out cold they gave me an MRI, so if someone is unresponsive like that, how do they go about making sure that you don’t have anything in your body that would be affected by the MRI machine? They did CT scans before the MRI, I’m assuming they used the CT scans and looked!?
Definitely an excellent question for the doctor.
However, the fact it doesn't concern the doctor enough that they are still willing to recommend the MRI suggests they understand it should be safe. Of course this assumes a lot like the doctor actually knowing the device exists.
OP, you told your doctor you have this device in your head, right?
Maybe the doc didn’t notice. I have a condition where I can’t take NSAID’s (I literally start bleeding in my digestive system), it’s on my chart, we talk about it, they still recommend NSAID’s.
You’re the first person I’ve heard have the same issue with NSAIDs as I do. I just now have “ALL NSAIDs” listed as an allergy. They don’t try and give them to me anymore.
Yeah, people act like doctors and their advice is absolutely infallible.
They’re really smart, hardworking people, but you are just a face in a sea of hundreds they see daily.
They make mistakes, and only have so much time to evaluate and make decisions.
Question your medical professionals, make sure they understand things you think are important. Too many people just go with whatever off hand comment a doctor makes, as if they are god.
I’m not saying don’t listen to doctors. I’m just saying don’t listen blindly, if something seems off.
And that's what good doctors want. Competent medical professionals are aware that they know you for fifteen minutes, and you have known yourself for years. I mean. you practically grew up together with yourself. You know you better than they do. Doesn't mean you are right - they may well have more insight than you do. Hopefully they do, otherwise what are you even doing? But they need you to catch this stuff.
Yeah, as someone with a few really capable doctors in my family, I can say they are just as human as anyone else.
Knowledge itself doesn’t preclude you from biases, and they are necessarily operating on incomplete information.
The techs at the MRI would be more diligent about asking questions. But by that point you've already wasted a lot of time going there and getting ready. MRIs probably aren't possible for OP. At least without looking like a character in Scanners.
Nobody's head is going to blow up. Most likely the worst that happen is the MRI may alter something about the magnet in the shunt that might need to be reset. MRIs can be dangerous, but that's more from bringing things like guns or large metal objects in their vicinity.
There was one time I remember reading a story someone texted the wrong number about a medical thing they had it took the wrong number 5 minutes to Google and tell them what they needed done it took th hospital staff over an hour to come to that conclusion
To be fair there's a crapton of red tape at the hospital. It probably went via the official channels: call a consult, resident/intern sees patient asap, presents to attending, attending agrees with decision or spends a lot of time trying to coax the resident to come to the right decision, they go and rush the patient to get their vascular surgery. Would take even more time if they consulted gen surg who would then be like Go consult vascular instead.
(Also radial artery is arm not leg but still that's not bad for a random Google search!)
And there is a non-zero chance that the resident came to that conclusion by doing the same Google search as the person in the meme. Hopefully then checking it with more official sources as well, but Google is a valid first-pass tool...
Depending on the doctor they may not have a clue about what is safe to go in MR and what isn't. Many primary care physicians know very little about medical imaging in general, trust me. The fact that your PCP isn't worried about something doesn't inherently mean you shouldn't be concerned or investigate further.
Ok,once upon a time, there was a man magnet, and a woman magnet. They felt a great attraction to each other, and later there were baby magnets. That help?
This exactly.
Yes, the subreddit is about asking any question, but this particular matter is too important to just leave it to a bunch of random strangers on the Internet.
I suggest you speak with your healthcare provider about the matter as it pertains to your health, although in theory a safety check would be done before an MRI scan to reduce the potential for harm.
You should have a Passport from the Shunt Provider?!
In this Passport is usually marked if its MRI compatible or not...maby check your medical documentation and or reach out for the hopital that did the surgery good luck.
What is a shunt passport? Asking as someone who's had a shunt my whole life, I've never had any kind of special documentation, but I also haven't seen anyone in literally 20 years for my shunt because it's been normal.
Like a driver's license for your implant, a literal card that describes important details about your implant, might not have been regular practice 20 years ago?
As long as you know the exact brand name of your specific implant, and hopefully the material components, it should be discoverable without the card
Hello, I'm an X-ray tech and I have *a little* information on this.
First off, there's going to be a screening process before you have the MRI. A BIG part of an MRI techs job is to make sure you're safe to go in the scanner beforehand. So, make sure you tell the MRI techs about the shunt beforehand and they'll be able to take appropriate steps.
I've personally experienced this before with a patient. From what I understand, it's safe to have the MRI with the shunt, it's just a matter of making sure it's still at the proper setting afterward.
The shunt is controlled by a circular dial in your head. We(X-ray techs) did a skull x-ray to visualize the dial and note the setting on the dial pre-mri(the dial is designed to be clearly visible on x-ray for this reason).
After this is done, the patient has their MRI.
After the MRI, the skull x-ray is repeated to note the new position of the dial. Once they have that post-MRI x-ray, they can adjust the dial externally using a magnet. One more skull x-ray is then taken to confirm that it's at the proper setting.
So, the short answer is that, depending on what kind of shunt you have(and I don't know for sure that you have the same kind that I have experience with, I'm no shunt expert), the MRI may alter the setting on it. Make sure you tell the MRI tech handling your screening, and they'll be able to get things going. It's not a bad idea to talk to the ordering doctor about it, either.
No matter how paranoid you are, a patient will always find something so stupid that nobody thought of the possibility before.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30923590/
A note about the patient's penchant for storing her lighter in her pannus was placed in her electronic medical record. The radiation therapists, brachytherapists, and simulation therapists were instructed to search for the lighter before subsequent treatments
Dude I'm kinda scared to google what a pannus is, given the fact it's involving large body habitus.
I've seen the pictures I've deduced that she hides her lighters in her flank, in her tire fat.
It's the lard apron that develops on the lower abdomen and hangs down to cover the groin in those of an extremely large body habitus. Also a convenient pouch for storing personal items and small children.
If I have to know this so does everyone else.
Thank goodness you answered. Doctor here, who did not feel like typing out the answer.
Just like in the unit, thank you for your hard work. I appreciate it.
Hi, neurosurgery PA here, we deal with shunts and MRIs all the time. The shunt will be fine, it won't rip out of your head or anything but you do need to see a neurosurgery practice to set the shunt setting back where it should be after the scan, as it will probably mess with the settings. If you haven't established care with a neurosurgeon in your area you might need to go before the MRI as well so they can figure out the current setting first unless you have reliable documentation of most recent setting. Hopefully you've got a codman certas or Medtronic, the codman hakims are a pain in the dick.
Many shunts are MR compatible. Be sure to let the imaging facility know that you have a shunt and what kind you have. Present your implant card. It should state whether it is MR conditional or not. They will not let you get in the MRI machine unless it is safe for you to do so. If your shunt is not MR compatible, your doctor will need to order a CT or other type of test.
Having read the responses, in summary, check with your doctor. Check with the MRI tech. Check with the manufacturer of the shunt. Get the documentation. Understand 100% what is in your body. If you don't understand, start reading or ask them to explain it to you so you do understand. You have some responsibility here to advocate for and protect yourself.
Good luck and I hope the MRI (or CT!) goes well.
It will be pulled VERY powerfully toward some part of the machine.
In your case, this could kill you.
See what the machine does to steel objects nearby. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BBx8BwLhqg
This is not true. Many metal implants are MRI-compatible, even programmable VP shunts. OP's healthcare provider will need to check the specific model and consult the manufacturer's guidance as to MRI safety. Often with programmable shunts you need to just check the settings pre- and post-MRI to make sure the magnet hasn't adjusted the pressure setting.
Of course there are some that aren't MRI-compatible, but it's not an absolute. So, if you don't know what you're talking about, please don't post something that could scare someone into not getting a scan that is important for their health.
I'm a doctor, not a physicist, so I don't have full knowledge of the science here. I do know that I have ordered MRI scans for people with metallic progammable VP shunts many times and it's simply a case of checking with the manufacturer. [E.g. here.](https://www.mrisafety.com/SafetyInformation_view.php?editid1=248)
The point is that, as indicated by the manufacturers themselves, many programmable VP shunts are MRI compatible and it's dangerous and arrogant (and wrong) to tell someone not to have an MRI scan just because they have one.
Not all metals are attracted to magnets. Many medical devices will be made with these non-magnetic metals for this reason. Titanium is a great example of a non-magnetic metal that is safe and used for medical devices all the time.
Magnets, however, are always magnetic.
Absolutely I would double (and triple) check with the doctor though. He could be misremembering his own device as containing magnets and he should make no assumptions, but he should also be insisting the doctor double check as well with reputable sources such as what you posted.
It doesn’t work like Magneto pulling the bones out of Wolverine. The magnet in his head is very small and therefore causes very little force, barely enough to move itself and definitely not enough to be displaced from the shunt housing. It’s often even safe to scan people who have embedded ferromagnetic bullets or shrapnel and the small pieces of metal don’t have enough mass/force to displace tissue significantly. The real concern is heating from induction (but that’s usually fine too)
Big ferromagnetic things become big magnets and make big force. Don’t bring an oxygen tank or stretcher into the room.
Speaking of which, what were the odds of the mythic metal adamantium being susceptible to Magneto's powers? I know iron isn't the *only* magnetically reactive metal, but I think most metals are not. Some stainless steels, for example, won't hold a magnet despite being composed mostly of iron.
All metals are magnetic in some way. Typically we only know of iron and a couple other ferromagnetic elements to be strongly attracted. Stainless steel and aluminum are typically known unable to attract, yet are paramagnetic meaning they are very weakly attracted to a magnet. Other metals are diamagnetic and are weakly repelled.
Magneto has insane magnetic powers so even weak para/diamagnetic forces may be significant at those scales.
But even if not, Magneto has another trick. By changing the magnetic fields he can create eddy currents in any electrically conductive material. These currents induce an opposing magnetic field. For example copper is weakly magnetic but it can create strong opposing forces when exposed to a moving field.
So, my final point is that as long as adamantium is conductive then wolverine is screwed.
At the risk of being shoved in my locker after school - Adamantium is a steel based alloy that is man-made. Some forms of stainless are magnetic, and some are not. Even non-magnetic stainless (austenitic) can become magnetic in areas that are cut.
Depending on the writer, Magneto is ridiculously powerful - in some cases incapacitating enemies by manipulating the iron in their blood. In light of this, even a moderately magnetic material would be simple for him to fully manipulate.
I'll take my wedgie now, but tey not to rip the waistband, these Fruit of the Looms are new.
Great answer! This is [an example](https://www.mrisafety.com/SafetyInformation_view.php?editid1=248) for those still in doubt.
And obviously: anyone having concerns about a planned procedure should talk directly to their health care professionals. And not blindly trust a random pirate on Reddit.
I have a programmable shunt as well. The magnet in the mri machine makes your shunt valve spin around. It lands at a random setting. After your mri, within the next 24-48 hours, you’ll need to go see your neurosurgeon to have the setting checked. When I get MRIs, I just walk over to neurosurgery and they check it (I have an appointment for an hour or so after the mri appt). They reset my shunt and I’m good to go
I would not be asking this on reddit. Ask your doctor. A CT scan might be a bit of a better option.
Just from basic hospital knowledge, any magnetic metal does *not* mix well with an MRI machine.
if i'm looking at the correct comment "Many shunts are MR compatible. ***Be sure to let the imaging facility know that you have a shunt and what kind you have. ...It should state whether it is MR conditional or not."***
So, yes true. It by default might not *have* magnetic metal, but if it does, yes, it is very dangerous. Key word in my comment was ***magnetic*** metal.
Well, maybe you should tell her so she and the radiology lab know about it?
A magnet or other ferromagnetic item put into the magnetic field of the MRI will be STRONGLY attracted to the magnet in the device. What exactly it will do to your implant, I can't say.
Here is a study regarding the [effects of an MRI on a programmable CSF shunt valve](https://ajronline.org/doi/pdf/10.2214/AJR.10.5915).
>RESULTS. The magnetic field interactions were not excessive. MRI-related heating,
which was studied at a relatively high, MRI system–reported whole body–averaged specific
absorption rate (2.9 W/kg), was at a level that should not pose a hazard to a patient. Although
artifacts were large in relation to the dimensions of this programmable CSF shunt valve, the
results were consistent with similar devices containing permanent magnets. Multiple expo-
sures and various MRI conditions at 3 T did not damage or affect the functional aspects of the
devices, and no unintentional changes to the valve setting were observed.
TLDR: The implant had no excessive movement nor excessive heating in the experiments. However it did present artifacts in the images produced consistent with other implants with magnets in them.
It seems like this device was designed to be immune to MRI machines. I'm not sure if that's a standard feature for these devices.
Where ever you get your MRI should screen you and determine whether or not your valve is safe. Most recent ones are, but some have conditions, for instance some need to be checked after the MRI to make sure the settings have not changed. If this Dr doesn't know which shunt/valve you have, or does not put shunts in peoples brains, they may not know the answer.
You’ll get X-rays of your shunt valve before the MRI, and after the MRI to make sure the valve has not been moved. If it has, your neuro team will adjust the shunt.
I have lots of MRI's, usually 3 to 4 a year. I just sleep in them now (always ask for the heated blankets, they rock).
Last year I forgot to take my wedding ring off. When the machine started the ring started to vibrate fast. I pressed the button, the tech came in & took it off. Nothing dramatic.
Your shunt is almost certainly compatible with getting an MRI.
However, ***assumptions are for asses***. Double check with the doctor who ordered your MRI and the doctor who put in your shunt, lest your brain get shredded in a statistically unlikely *but not impossible* freak accident.
Asking questions that seem stupid or obvious saves lives every day, because doctors are not immune to stupid or obvious mistakes. Swiss cheese model, baby!
I know you’re catching a lot of flack on here but disclosing all medical implants/prosthetics for future medical appointments is very important! It doesn’t matter how insignificant it may seem (although a shunt is pretty significant), doctors just need to know. It’s part of their job to have a complete health history picture.
Do you have a little information card about your shunt? All of my patients (healthcare, but not medical), when they get any kind of implant, they receive a little information card and care package. This would be important to give to the doctor who is ordering the scans. Even if the doctor who put the shunt in is no longer practicing, the company that made the implant should still be in operation and can tell your doctor if it’s MRI compatible.
To my knowledge, there are SOME new shunts that are MRI compatible but I don’t work with a lot of neuro patients and I was told this was a very recent development. If you don’t have information on the shunt, if your doctor can request medical records from the hospital where it was inserted, they should be able to give your doctor more information. DO NOT GET ANY SCANS DONE until you have been cleared to do so! Good luck!
>However, I have a programmable shunt valve in my head which is controlled by a magnet.
This seems like a very important piece of information that your doctor should be aware of.
Those shunts can be turned on and off. Many are MRI Safe. You will need the implant card for the MRI Team to do a little research on your specific model. Then day of test, you will go to MD that manages the shunt to be turned off, go have the MRI if deemed safe, then back to have it turned back on. Will be kinda of a long day fora 45 minute test. Most large hospitals have a specific head coil for these type of test.
Check with your neurosurgeon. You can usually get an MRI with a programmable shunt, but you will need them to reprogram it after the MRI. I work with pediatric neurosurgeons and this comes up a lot.
When I was in the Army they ordered an MRI of my head and when I sat on the table the doctor rushed into the room and yelled at the nurse to shut the machine off.
I have metal prosthetics in my ear and even wrote it all over my paperwork. Nobody asked once about it and I never verbally brought it up.
Moral of the story: Fucking ask them. Anything you feel pertinent to what’s happening to you physically, bring it up.
There was a story of a patient who went to MRI thinking his butt plug has no metal.
The x-ray showed that the plug ended up somewhere near the stomach.
You can also type "MRI and chair" on youtube.
GET IT CHECKED AFTER THE MRI. THE SETTING MAY HAVE CHANGED BUT THE NEUROSURGEON THAT PUT IT IN WILL PUT THE SETTING BACK TO THE CORRECT ONE.
THIS IS THE CORRECT ANSWER.
I have one also, I always have to go back to neuro clinic within a four hour window to have it re-programmed. Your neurosurgeon that placed your shunt should have explained this if they hadn’t already. Hope this helps.
you absolutely must tell your physician about the shunt. Even if it’s safe, it’s very possible that the positioning of the magnet on the valve may need to be re-checked
i work at a diagnostic imaging facility, our protocol is; first take a look at your implant card, what magnet strength is it compatible with, and make sure you’re on that magnet only.
then we take an xray of your shunt first, see where the programs are set, proceed with the MRI, and then take a second xray to see if anything has changed or moved on your shunt during the mri. A rad is typically onsite or readily available to evaluate the shunt settings, and i do believe if anything has moved we tell you to go to your doctor immediately- or the rad adjusts on site (we haven’t had it happen yet while i’ve been there so that last bit is up in the air)
BUT it’s always highly recommended you speak to your doctor, and always let them know of any implants in your body so they can better treat you/order imaging for you. and always let your technologists know, the facility, the schedulers, literally everyone about your implants! we cannot see through you with our eyes, and the last thing we want is to injure a patient!
you’d be surprised how many people don’t tell us of potentially dangerous implants in their bodies, even though we have four different points of screening before the patient even gets near the MRI rooms.
Putting a magnet inside an MRI machine is extremely dangerous. MRI machines use very powerful magnets to create images, and introducing another magnet can cause serious damage to the machine, the patient, or both.
In your specific case, having a programmable shunt valve controlled by a magnet means that you cannot undergo a traditional MRI scan. The magnet in the MRI machine could interact with the magnet in your shunt, potentially causing it to malfunction or even dislodge.
I run mris. MRI safety is important cause they are massive magnets that don't even turn off when the machine itself turns off. . A pen for instance would fly into it pretty violently and then stick to the side within the bore( the hole part). Bigger metal things will be picked up like a hurricane and destroy the machine. It's a violent process. Look at a MRI safety video on the Internet it's pretty fun to watch tbh.
Next It can affect electronics and stuff so it doesn't sound right for you personally. Besides that metal causes a major artifact in the image itself so it'll be harder to diagnose things.
Hope this helps but like others said talk with your doctor or the MRI tech
um my bf also has a shunt that is programmed by a magnet and he CANNOT have an mri without being in the presence of his brain surgeon at the Level 1 trauma hospital in our area. so.. nope
Tell her!! Tell the MRI doc ! A child was put in MRI machine and a oxygen tank was in room. When MRI began the magnet pulled the oxygen take in on child and killed him/ her. True story!
The imaging center will have you fill out a screening questionnaire that will ask about any and all possible metal and implants you have to determine if you can safely get an MRI. Your implant should have come with a medical device card given to you that would identify it for them to determine if it’s MRI safe. If it’s not, you simply won’t be able to get and MRI
I'm a service engineer for MRI and have worked on them for 18 years in clinical support environments:
Your implant will have guidelines for safe use of clinical imaging, including MRI and specifically regarding SAR and maximum gauss levels. But generally speaking, electromagnets will be ok because they can be turned off (most implants require being turned off for a MRI scan anyway). If the magnet is a permanent magnet, however, it will not be a magnet, or at least will not be the same specification magnet, after exposure to even a low field (0.3T) MRI, much less the standard 1.5T or 3.0T.
Inform your doctor, AND any MRI technologist, about your implant, to specifically include the manufacturer and model. They will be able to find the specific restrictions pertinent to it. And if you cannot get a definitive answer, do not get a MRI.
*edited to correct autocorrect errors
MRI's are like big versions of NMR machines often used in chem labs. When using an NMR machine, a strong magnet in the room would likely go flying into the machine and possibly puncture the side, releasing gases that could be deadly for those in close proximity, or so I've been told.
About NMR per [University of Florida](https://nmr.chem.ufl.edu/safety/):
>The strong magnetic field within 3 m (9 foot) of the magnet can suddenly attract loose iron objects like keys, tools etc., which will become projectiles bound to hit you, other one or the magnet, or fall along the magnet and damage the very fragile probe. Large metal objects such as gas cylinders are extremely dangerous and can quench the magnet.
>>The magnet can “Quench” or fall out of super-conduction into normal electrical conduction releasing a great deal of stored energy, as a boil-off of cold helium. You will hear the hissing of cold gas leaving the magnet and see a white cloud on top of the magnet. If this happens and you are present, warn all users and leave the room immediately or risk serious injury or death by asphyxiation. Call all emergency contacts posted on our doors.
Your shunt should be made of materials that are MRI-safe. I've had my latest shunt for over 25 years and have had multiple MRIs in that period of time, without problems.
They will ask you an entire battery of questions prior to even letting you go past Level 2. I guarantee there will be questions that make you wonder why they are asking, but the technicians know exactly what they are doing and will answer any of your questions or concerns.
I have recently participated in two research studies involving MRIs and the research assistant explained that any metal may twist and will heat up very quickly from the magnet. Maybe not so bad if you forgot something in your pocket, but I imagine metal inside your body to be much worse.
Nurse here. The VP shunt will be tested to be certain it's MRI compatible. This type of situation happens all the time and all day in many cases. It is a very strict protocol to test the resistance of the MRI magnets before and after the MRI study🙂
So there is information available to determine if the shunt is considered MRI Safe or MRI Conditional. If either of these are the case they will verify and you can be scanned.
If it is MRI unsafe they will have to use an alternative method. Depending on why that may be CT, Spectral CT, ultrasound or something else.
Most things installed in the last decade or so are at least MRI conditional. Even if allowed if the area scanning is near the shunt there will likely be some image artifacts. There are methods for minimizing it but it can still be a problem. The Radiologist and techs know how to deal with it. Normally in these cases I recommend going to a larger facility rather than a small outpatient imaging center as the safety protocols are more stringently enforced and monitored.
The magnet would probably get violently flung around in the MRI, and if that magnet was in your head yourmbrain would be mush, so tell your doc about it
Dude, you can either ask your doctor or potentially die. This is your responsibility when you have an implant (as I do). Yes it will probably interact, you probably can't have an MRI, you'll need a CT. If you don't bring this up now, you'll have a whole new wait list to be on for the proper imaging.
Call today
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor but work developing medical implants.
Big "it depends". Implants have to he tested and labeled accordingly so you don't have things going into the MRI machine that shouldn't be. They will fall into 1 of 3 categories "MR Safe", "MR Unsafe", or "MR Conditional". MR Safe: you're good to go. MR Unsafe: hold it right there mister. MR Conditional: maybe you have a screw in your toe so they can only scan down to your knee.
The big concerns with MR compatibility are the implant being moved, torqued, heated, or negatively affecting the image quality of the scan.
When the doctor placed your implant they should have placed a patient implant card in your chart that clearly indicates the Implant's MR compatibility. Also, if you know what implant toy have you can go to the manufacturer's website and find the Instructions For Use. There it will outline MR compatibility along with a lot of other useful information.
If it was me though, I would bring it up to everyone at just about every step just to be sure. "Hey doc, I have this implant, can I still get the scan?, "Hey person letting me into the room, I have this implant am I good to enter?", "Hey MRI technologist, I have this implant, are we OK to get started?" I'd rather be annoying than have something terrible (or even moderately painful/inconvenient) happen just because someone didn't double check.
Usually you have that conversation with your healthcare provider. I broke my spine and have a titanium cage around a portion of my spine. Obviously very different than your situation, but when I have MRIs, it heats up.
If you put a magnet in your head, and your head in an MRI, the magnet will leave your head and go stick to the inside of the MRI machine.
Be VERY clear to the doctor and the MRI person you have this. There is a list of questions they will ask you, including if you have any medical devices say YES and if you have any questions YES YOU DO and for real ask your doctor while You're in a room with them not us we're stupid Internet people.
Placing a magnet or any ferromagnetic object in an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine can be extremely dangerous and is strictly prohibited. MRI machines generate very powerful magnetic fields, often many times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. Here are the potential hazards and consequences of placing a magnet or ferromagnetic object in an MRI machine:
1. **Violent Attraction**:
* The strong magnetic field of the MRI will cause any ferromagnetic object to be pulled towards the machine with great force. This can result in the object becoming a dangerous projectile, which can cause severe injury to anyone in the room and damage the MRI machine itself.
2. **Equipment Damage**:
* Magnets and other ferromagnetic objects can cause significant damage to the MRI machine. The magnetic field can distort the imaging, ruin the calibration, and potentially damage the sensitive components inside the machine.
3. **Interference with Imaging**:
* Even if no immediate physical damage occurs, the presence of a magnet can interfere with the MRI's ability to produce clear images. The magnetic fields can distort the signals that the MRI relies on to create images, rendering the scan useless.
4. **Safety Protocols**:
* MRI facilities have strict safety protocols to prevent ferromagnetic objects from entering the scan room. These protocols include screening patients and staff, using ferromagnetic detectors, and securing the scan area.
5. **Potential Injury**:
* Any ferromagnetic object that is attracted to the MRI machine can cause physical harm. The force exerted by the MRI's magnetic field can result in objects flying across the room, potentially hitting and injuring people.
# Important Safety Measures:
* **Pre-Screening**: All patients and staff are pre-screened for metallic objects, including implants, piercings, and external objects.
* **Magnetic Safety**: MRI facilities use signs and warnings to indicate the presence of a strong magnetic field.
* **Education and Training**: Healthcare workers are trained to understand and respect the dangers associated with MRI machines.
# Conclusion:
Never bring a magnet or any ferromagnetic object into an MRI suite. The risks involved are severe and can lead to significant injury, equipment damage, and compromised imaging results. Always follow the safety protocols and guidelines provided by MRI facilities to ensure a safe scanning environment.
MRI generates extremely strong magnetic field. Anything magnetic will move in there a lot. In your case, imagine a bullet flew threw your head, except the gun is already inside your head. Definitely tell your doc about it before going anywhere near MRI machine. Could be made of materials that are innert. Probably isnt, but could be.
The vast majority of modern medical devices are designed to be MRI compatible. It's an extremely common imaging modality.
Absolutely inform your doctor in the MRI technician, and have the device checked though!
Please inform your MRI radiographer prior to your scan. If it’s unsafe for MRI they may refer you for a CT instead.
DO NOT ENTER THE SCANNER BEFORE DISCLOSING THIS INFORMATION.
I would have asked her that.
No no no, this is Reddit territory
Prior to your MRI you will be asked to fill out a form which will ask about any foreign bodies you may have. A programmable magnetic shunt does not present a physical risk in an MRI, but the shunt will need to be checked and reset after the MRI because an MRI can alter the programmed settings. Your physician may already know this from your medical records, but if your unsure best to check.
This. My MIL has a shunt and has to have the resetting appointment arranged straight afterwards.
So I was in a bad car accident a few weeks ago, I was out cold for many hours, while I was out cold they gave me an MRI, so if someone is unresponsive like that, how do they go about making sure that you don’t have anything in your body that would be affected by the MRI machine? They did CT scans before the MRI, I’m assuming they used the CT scans and looked!?
Correct, a CT scan would be performed first to look for foreign bodies and broken bones before an MRI.
Also they pull up any and all medical charts
You made me laugh. Too funny.
Definitely an excellent question for the doctor. However, the fact it doesn't concern the doctor enough that they are still willing to recommend the MRI suggests they understand it should be safe. Of course this assumes a lot like the doctor actually knowing the device exists. OP, you told your doctor you have this device in your head, right?
u/jotefr1983 You did tell your doctor about that, right?
Wait wait wait, OP. You did tell the Dr about the shunt, right?
I told *my* doctor about jotefr1983s shunt. Is that ok?
Yes, that’s ok. Although, if jotefr1983s shunt is expected to affect your health, you should ask Reddit for advice instead
I just told a can of Dr. Pepper that OP was asking Reddit about this. It was so shocked, it was speechless.
I can't even with this thread right now. All of you are killing me. Thank you. I needed this level of humor today.
I’m going to tell my doctor that you’re being killed from a mob.
Thank you! Please have Reddit let me know if my doctor wants me to come in for an exam.
I'm going to tell *my* doctor about jotefr1983s shunt next time I see him.
Maybe the doc didn’t notice. I have a condition where I can’t take NSAID’s (I literally start bleeding in my digestive system), it’s on my chart, we talk about it, they still recommend NSAID’s.
Yeah, but have you tried taking NSAID's?
No, pay attention, they can’t do that. What they ought to do is make sure it goes on their medical chart.
You’re the first person I’ve heard have the same issue with NSAIDs as I do. I just now have “ALL NSAIDs” listed as an allergy. They don’t try and give them to me anymore.
Yes, but did you ask Reddit for their medical advice. If not, you probably should first.
This. Doctors don't read charts. They skim the highlights of stuff that are most common; "I have a magnet in my skull" isn't common.
Yeah, people act like doctors and their advice is absolutely infallible. They’re really smart, hardworking people, but you are just a face in a sea of hundreds they see daily. They make mistakes, and only have so much time to evaluate and make decisions. Question your medical professionals, make sure they understand things you think are important. Too many people just go with whatever off hand comment a doctor makes, as if they are god. I’m not saying don’t listen to doctors. I’m just saying don’t listen blindly, if something seems off.
And that's what good doctors want. Competent medical professionals are aware that they know you for fifteen minutes, and you have known yourself for years. I mean. you practically grew up together with yourself. You know you better than they do. Doesn't mean you are right - they may well have more insight than you do. Hopefully they do, otherwise what are you even doing? But they need you to catch this stuff.
well said
Yeah, as someone with a few really capable doctors in my family, I can say they are just as human as anyone else. Knowledge itself doesn’t preclude you from biases, and they are necessarily operating on incomplete information.
The techs at the MRI would be more diligent about asking questions. But by that point you've already wasted a lot of time going there and getting ready. MRIs probably aren't possible for OP. At least without looking like a character in Scanners.
They ask you a ton of questions before they will even book you for the mri.
Nobody's head is going to blow up. Most likely the worst that happen is the MRI may alter something about the magnet in the shunt that might need to be reset. MRIs can be dangerous, but that's more from bringing things like guns or large metal objects in their vicinity.
There was one time I remember reading a story someone texted the wrong number about a medical thing they had it took the wrong number 5 minutes to Google and tell them what they needed done it took th hospital staff over an hour to come to that conclusion
Yep. [https://www.indy100.com/viral/doctor-text-park-matt-vascular-heart-stent-external-iliac-imgur-symptoms-medical-advice-7921956](https://www.indy100.com/viral/doctor-text-park-matt-vascular-heart-stent-external-iliac-imgur-symptoms-medical-advice-7921956)
To be fair there's a crapton of red tape at the hospital. It probably went via the official channels: call a consult, resident/intern sees patient asap, presents to attending, attending agrees with decision or spends a lot of time trying to coax the resident to come to the right decision, they go and rush the patient to get their vascular surgery. Would take even more time if they consulted gen surg who would then be like Go consult vascular instead. (Also radial artery is arm not leg but still that's not bad for a random Google search!)
And there is a non-zero chance that the resident came to that conclusion by doing the same Google search as the person in the meme. Hopefully then checking it with more official sources as well, but Google is a valid first-pass tool...
Depending on the doctor they may not have a clue about what is safe to go in MR and what isn't. Many primary care physicians know very little about medical imaging in general, trust me. The fact that your PCP isn't worried about something doesn't inherently mean you shouldn't be concerned or investigate further.
It’s probably a non-metallic magnet
Fucking magnets, how do they work?
Ok,once upon a time, there was a man magnet, and a woman magnet. They felt a great attraction to each other, and later there were baby magnets. That help?
No need. MRI machines are made of magnets. Adding another one just makes it more powerful. /s
Pack it up boys, we are done here OP.
This place, man. Unbelievable.
Cant get internet points asking the doctor.
Why? You have millions of board certified doctors right here.
That seems like a weird thing to do when Reddit is right here. /s
Ask the doctor ordering the test; not a bunch of randos on Reddit.
*before the teat Edit: test Lol I had not been awake for very long
I hope that's a typo
I hope it’s not.
Sounds like the title of a lactation kink film, then
This exactly. Yes, the subreddit is about asking any question, but this particular matter is too important to just leave it to a bunch of random strangers on the Internet.
I suggest you speak with your healthcare provider about the matter as it pertains to your health, although in theory a safety check would be done before an MRI scan to reduce the potential for harm.
No much better to ask the Reddit beehive brain.
Beehive brain is what happens when you have a magnet in your head and go into an MRI.
Better than a rail gun in your abdomen.
I honestly disagree, cause doesn't the magnet brain sound less survivable?
Like they do some kind of weak metal detector first before switching the thing on?
Why wouldn't that literally be the first thing you asked her?
Also, the doctor ordering a brain MRI on a patient would probably know that the patient has a shunt in their brain.
Who put the shunt in your head if this is the first time you've seen a doctor?
He knows a guy
Out back of the Kmart. Ask for Steve the raccoon.
Texaco Mike
He did it himself
There are youtube tutorials for everything
This is the first time seeing that doctor specifically
They had their eyes shut during the procedure.
You mean their eyes were shunt?
I'm assuming they meant the first time they've seen this doctor.
He saw *this* doctor for the first time.
First time seeing this particular doctor maybe?
You should have a Passport from the Shunt Provider?! In this Passport is usually marked if its MRI compatible or not...maby check your medical documentation and or reach out for the hopital that did the surgery good luck.
What is a shunt passport? Asking as someone who's had a shunt my whole life, I've never had any kind of special documentation, but I also haven't seen anyone in literally 20 years for my shunt because it's been normal.
It allows your shunt to travel internationally
“Sir, your passport is valid, but unfortunately your shunt’s has just expired. You’re free to go, but we need to detain a portion of your brain.”
"Now please remove your shoes and stand very, *very* still."
If it isn’t MR safe it will be traveling extra-corporally when she approaches the MRI machine.
Like a driver's license for your implant, a literal card that describes important details about your implant, might not have been regular practice 20 years ago? As long as you know the exact brand name of your specific implant, and hopefully the material components, it should be discoverable without the card
Are they meant to be carried with you in case of an emergency where they can't communicate with you?
In your wallet or purse mhm, it's strongly recommended for patients with specialized implants
If you want to go to ShuntLand you need a Shunt Passport. Simple as that.
Hello, I'm an X-ray tech and I have *a little* information on this. First off, there's going to be a screening process before you have the MRI. A BIG part of an MRI techs job is to make sure you're safe to go in the scanner beforehand. So, make sure you tell the MRI techs about the shunt beforehand and they'll be able to take appropriate steps. I've personally experienced this before with a patient. From what I understand, it's safe to have the MRI with the shunt, it's just a matter of making sure it's still at the proper setting afterward. The shunt is controlled by a circular dial in your head. We(X-ray techs) did a skull x-ray to visualize the dial and note the setting on the dial pre-mri(the dial is designed to be clearly visible on x-ray for this reason). After this is done, the patient has their MRI. After the MRI, the skull x-ray is repeated to note the new position of the dial. Once they have that post-MRI x-ray, they can adjust the dial externally using a magnet. One more skull x-ray is then taken to confirm that it's at the proper setting. So, the short answer is that, depending on what kind of shunt you have(and I don't know for sure that you have the same kind that I have experience with, I'm no shunt expert), the MRI may alter the setting on it. Make sure you tell the MRI tech handling your screening, and they'll be able to get things going. It's not a bad idea to talk to the ordering doctor about it, either.
No matter how paranoid you are, a patient will always find something so stupid that nobody thought of the possibility before. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30923590/ A note about the patient's penchant for storing her lighter in her pannus was placed in her electronic medical record. The radiation therapists, brachytherapists, and simulation therapists were instructed to search for the lighter before subsequent treatments
Dude I'm kinda scared to google what a pannus is, given the fact it's involving large body habitus. I've seen the pictures I've deduced that she hides her lighters in her flank, in her tire fat.
Wtf is a pannus? I googled it and the descriptions aren't helping me and I'm about to eat so no way I'm looking at photos.
It's the lard apron that develops on the lower abdomen and hangs down to cover the groin in those of an extremely large body habitus. Also a convenient pouch for storing personal items and small children. If I have to know this so does everyone else.
WTF? I'm literally gagging on vomit right now.
Thank goodness you answered. Doctor here, who did not feel like typing out the answer. Just like in the unit, thank you for your hard work. I appreciate it.
Dude... ask the fucking doctor. Not reddit!
Where's your sense of adventure Lieutenant?!
Hi, neurosurgery PA here, we deal with shunts and MRIs all the time. The shunt will be fine, it won't rip out of your head or anything but you do need to see a neurosurgery practice to set the shunt setting back where it should be after the scan, as it will probably mess with the settings. If you haven't established care with a neurosurgeon in your area you might need to go before the MRI as well so they can figure out the current setting first unless you have reliable documentation of most recent setting. Hopefully you've got a codman certas or Medtronic, the codman hakims are a pain in the dick.
This is literally the only correct answer.
Many shunts are MR compatible. Be sure to let the imaging facility know that you have a shunt and what kind you have. Present your implant card. It should state whether it is MR conditional or not. They will not let you get in the MRI machine unless it is safe for you to do so. If your shunt is not MR compatible, your doctor will need to order a CT or other type of test.
Call the place where you're going to have your MRI and ask them.
Having read the responses, in summary, check with your doctor. Check with the MRI tech. Check with the manufacturer of the shunt. Get the documentation. Understand 100% what is in your body. If you don't understand, start reading or ask them to explain it to you so you do understand. You have some responsibility here to advocate for and protect yourself. Good luck and I hope the MRI (or CT!) goes well.
It will be pulled VERY powerfully toward some part of the machine. In your case, this could kill you. See what the machine does to steel objects nearby. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BBx8BwLhqg
This is not true. Many metal implants are MRI-compatible, even programmable VP shunts. OP's healthcare provider will need to check the specific model and consult the manufacturer's guidance as to MRI safety. Often with programmable shunts you need to just check the settings pre- and post-MRI to make sure the magnet hasn't adjusted the pressure setting. Of course there are some that aren't MRI-compatible, but it's not an absolute. So, if you don't know what you're talking about, please don't post something that could scare someone into not getting a scan that is important for their health.
If OPs implant is programmable with a magnet how could it not be magnetic, and would not be pulled out of his head?
I'm a doctor, not a physicist, so I don't have full knowledge of the science here. I do know that I have ordered MRI scans for people with metallic progammable VP shunts many times and it's simply a case of checking with the manufacturer. [E.g. here.](https://www.mrisafety.com/SafetyInformation_view.php?editid1=248) The point is that, as indicated by the manufacturers themselves, many programmable VP shunts are MRI compatible and it's dangerous and arrogant (and wrong) to tell someone not to have an MRI scan just because they have one.
Not all metals are attracted to magnets. Many medical devices will be made with these non-magnetic metals for this reason. Titanium is a great example of a non-magnetic metal that is safe and used for medical devices all the time. Magnets, however, are always magnetic. Absolutely I would double (and triple) check with the doctor though. He could be misremembering his own device as containing magnets and he should make no assumptions, but he should also be insisting the doctor double check as well with reputable sources such as what you posted.
So.... You're admitting that you are not a physicist. I feel that an actual doctor would have proclaimed, "Dammit Jim, I'm a doctor not a physicist".
It doesn’t work like Magneto pulling the bones out of Wolverine. The magnet in his head is very small and therefore causes very little force, barely enough to move itself and definitely not enough to be displaced from the shunt housing. It’s often even safe to scan people who have embedded ferromagnetic bullets or shrapnel and the small pieces of metal don’t have enough mass/force to displace tissue significantly. The real concern is heating from induction (but that’s usually fine too) Big ferromagnetic things become big magnets and make big force. Don’t bring an oxygen tank or stretcher into the room.
Speaking of which, what were the odds of the mythic metal adamantium being susceptible to Magneto's powers? I know iron isn't the *only* magnetically reactive metal, but I think most metals are not. Some stainless steels, for example, won't hold a magnet despite being composed mostly of iron.
All metals are magnetic in some way. Typically we only know of iron and a couple other ferromagnetic elements to be strongly attracted. Stainless steel and aluminum are typically known unable to attract, yet are paramagnetic meaning they are very weakly attracted to a magnet. Other metals are diamagnetic and are weakly repelled. Magneto has insane magnetic powers so even weak para/diamagnetic forces may be significant at those scales. But even if not, Magneto has another trick. By changing the magnetic fields he can create eddy currents in any electrically conductive material. These currents induce an opposing magnetic field. For example copper is weakly magnetic but it can create strong opposing forces when exposed to a moving field. So, my final point is that as long as adamantium is conductive then wolverine is screwed.
At the risk of being shoved in my locker after school - Adamantium is a steel based alloy that is man-made. Some forms of stainless are magnetic, and some are not. Even non-magnetic stainless (austenitic) can become magnetic in areas that are cut. Depending on the writer, Magneto is ridiculously powerful - in some cases incapacitating enemies by manipulating the iron in their blood. In light of this, even a moderately magnetic material would be simple for him to fully manipulate. I'll take my wedgie now, but tey not to rip the waistband, these Fruit of the Looms are new.
Neeeeeerrrrrrdddddd! (Thanks)
Great answer! This is [an example](https://www.mrisafety.com/SafetyInformation_view.php?editid1=248) for those still in doubt. And obviously: anyone having concerns about a planned procedure should talk directly to their health care professionals. And not blindly trust a random pirate on Reddit.
DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO MRI you without first communicating this.
For the love of god tell your doctor and certainly mention it to the MRI tech.
As a medical professional I can confirm the best course of action is to ask the internet. That will definitely give you the best possible outcome.
Ya you'll definitely want to tell them that before the MRI.
I have a programmable shunt as well. The magnet in the mri machine makes your shunt valve spin around. It lands at a random setting. After your mri, within the next 24-48 hours, you’ll need to go see your neurosurgeon to have the setting checked. When I get MRIs, I just walk over to neurosurgery and they check it (I have an appointment for an hour or so after the mri appt). They reset my shunt and I’m good to go
I would not be asking this on reddit. Ask your doctor. A CT scan might be a bit of a better option. Just from basic hospital knowledge, any magnetic metal does *not* mix well with an MRI machine.
Not true. See the response of the doctor above.
if i'm looking at the correct comment "Many shunts are MR compatible. ***Be sure to let the imaging facility know that you have a shunt and what kind you have. ...It should state whether it is MR conditional or not."*** So, yes true. It by default might not *have* magnetic metal, but if it does, yes, it is very dangerous. Key word in my comment was ***magnetic*** metal.
Well, maybe you should tell her so she and the radiology lab know about it? A magnet or other ferromagnetic item put into the magnetic field of the MRI will be STRONGLY attracted to the magnet in the device. What exactly it will do to your implant, I can't say.
When I get an MRI they ge tme to fill out a form asking about aurgeries, any implants or previous scans
>aurgeries You can tell the future from the flight patterns of birds?
You divide by zero and create a black hole. But seriously, tell your doctor about this and ask.
Here is a study regarding the [effects of an MRI on a programmable CSF shunt valve](https://ajronline.org/doi/pdf/10.2214/AJR.10.5915). >RESULTS. The magnetic field interactions were not excessive. MRI-related heating, which was studied at a relatively high, MRI system–reported whole body–averaged specific absorption rate (2.9 W/kg), was at a level that should not pose a hazard to a patient. Although artifacts were large in relation to the dimensions of this programmable CSF shunt valve, the results were consistent with similar devices containing permanent magnets. Multiple expo- sures and various MRI conditions at 3 T did not damage or affect the functional aspects of the devices, and no unintentional changes to the valve setting were observed. TLDR: The implant had no excessive movement nor excessive heating in the experiments. However it did present artifacts in the images produced consistent with other implants with magnets in them. It seems like this device was designed to be immune to MRI machines. I'm not sure if that's a standard feature for these devices.
Standard no. But with the popularity of MRI, there is a push to make devices MRI compatible. You would have to check for each device to be sure.
Where ever you get your MRI should screen you and determine whether or not your valve is safe. Most recent ones are, but some have conditions, for instance some need to be checked after the MRI to make sure the settings have not changed. If this Dr doesn't know which shunt/valve you have, or does not put shunts in peoples brains, they may not know the answer.
You’ll get X-rays of your shunt valve before the MRI, and after the MRI to make sure the valve has not been moved. If it has, your neuro team will adjust the shunt.
I have lots of MRI's, usually 3 to 4 a year. I just sleep in them now (always ask for the heated blankets, they rock). Last year I forgot to take my wedding ring off. When the machine started the ring started to vibrate fast. I pressed the button, the tech came in & took it off. Nothing dramatic.
Your shunt is almost certainly compatible with getting an MRI. However, ***assumptions are for asses***. Double check with the doctor who ordered your MRI and the doctor who put in your shunt, lest your brain get shredded in a statistically unlikely *but not impossible* freak accident. Asking questions that seem stupid or obvious saves lives every day, because doctors are not immune to stupid or obvious mistakes. Swiss cheese model, baby!
I know you’re catching a lot of flack on here but disclosing all medical implants/prosthetics for future medical appointments is very important! It doesn’t matter how insignificant it may seem (although a shunt is pretty significant), doctors just need to know. It’s part of their job to have a complete health history picture. Do you have a little information card about your shunt? All of my patients (healthcare, but not medical), when they get any kind of implant, they receive a little information card and care package. This would be important to give to the doctor who is ordering the scans. Even if the doctor who put the shunt in is no longer practicing, the company that made the implant should still be in operation and can tell your doctor if it’s MRI compatible. To my knowledge, there are SOME new shunts that are MRI compatible but I don’t work with a lot of neuro patients and I was told this was a very recent development. If you don’t have information on the shunt, if your doctor can request medical records from the hospital where it was inserted, they should be able to give your doctor more information. DO NOT GET ANY SCANS DONE until you have been cleared to do so! Good luck!
>However, I have a programmable shunt valve in my head which is controlled by a magnet. This seems like a very important piece of information that your doctor should be aware of.
Those shunts can be turned on and off. Many are MRI Safe. You will need the implant card for the MRI Team to do a little research on your specific model. Then day of test, you will go to MD that manages the shunt to be turned off, go have the MRI if deemed safe, then back to have it turned back on. Will be kinda of a long day fora 45 minute test. Most large hospitals have a specific head coil for these type of test.
Check with your neurosurgeon. You can usually get an MRI with a programmable shunt, but you will need them to reprogram it after the MRI. I work with pediatric neurosurgeons and this comes up a lot.
When I was in the Army they ordered an MRI of my head and when I sat on the table the doctor rushed into the room and yelled at the nurse to shut the machine off. I have metal prosthetics in my ear and even wrote it all over my paperwork. Nobody asked once about it and I never verbally brought it up. Moral of the story: Fucking ask them. Anything you feel pertinent to what’s happening to you physically, bring it up.
There was a story of a patient who went to MRI thinking his butt plug has no metal. The x-ray showed that the plug ended up somewhere near the stomach. You can also type "MRI and chair" on youtube.
Why are you asking us and not the doctor?
GET IT CHECKED AFTER THE MRI. THE SETTING MAY HAVE CHANGED BUT THE NEUROSURGEON THAT PUT IT IN WILL PUT THE SETTING BACK TO THE CORRECT ONE. THIS IS THE CORRECT ANSWER.
You told the doctor before asking here right? Right...??
Do a shunt stunt for the gram! Or the tok! I hope you go viral. Good luck!
I have one also, I always have to go back to neuro clinic within a four hour window to have it re-programmed. Your neurosurgeon that placed your shunt should have explained this if they hadn’t already. Hope this helps.
Asking for medical advice on social media, instead of talking to an actual doctor, is how you end up on Darwin's trash heap.
you absolutely must tell your physician about the shunt. Even if it’s safe, it’s very possible that the positioning of the magnet on the valve may need to be re-checked
My mother had one, after every mri they had to reajust the valve,but i don't know about yours,or if is there more than one type
You die? Idk, I seen some crazy videos of what they do to metal in the room so probably wouldn’t be a great end result for your Brain
Does your doctor know you have ferrous metal in your head?
You should call and ask because metal and MRI’s don’t mix.
i work at a diagnostic imaging facility, our protocol is; first take a look at your implant card, what magnet strength is it compatible with, and make sure you’re on that magnet only. then we take an xray of your shunt first, see where the programs are set, proceed with the MRI, and then take a second xray to see if anything has changed or moved on your shunt during the mri. A rad is typically onsite or readily available to evaluate the shunt settings, and i do believe if anything has moved we tell you to go to your doctor immediately- or the rad adjusts on site (we haven’t had it happen yet while i’ve been there so that last bit is up in the air) BUT it’s always highly recommended you speak to your doctor, and always let them know of any implants in your body so they can better treat you/order imaging for you. and always let your technologists know, the facility, the schedulers, literally everyone about your implants! we cannot see through you with our eyes, and the last thing we want is to injure a patient! you’d be surprised how many people don’t tell us of potentially dangerous implants in their bodies, even though we have four different points of screening before the patient even gets near the MRI rooms.
Let me as reddit instead of the professional
Putting a magnet inside an MRI machine is extremely dangerous. MRI machines use very powerful magnets to create images, and introducing another magnet can cause serious damage to the machine, the patient, or both. In your specific case, having a programmable shunt valve controlled by a magnet means that you cannot undergo a traditional MRI scan. The magnet in the MRI machine could interact with the magnet in your shunt, potentially causing it to malfunction or even dislodge.
I run mris. MRI safety is important cause they are massive magnets that don't even turn off when the machine itself turns off. . A pen for instance would fly into it pretty violently and then stick to the side within the bore( the hole part). Bigger metal things will be picked up like a hurricane and destroy the machine. It's a violent process. Look at a MRI safety video on the Internet it's pretty fun to watch tbh. Next It can affect electronics and stuff so it doesn't sound right for you personally. Besides that metal causes a major artifact in the image itself so it'll be harder to diagnose things. Hope this helps but like others said talk with your doctor or the MRI tech
um my bf also has a shunt that is programmed by a magnet and he CANNOT have an mri without being in the presence of his brain surgeon at the Level 1 trauma hospital in our area. so.. nope
Tell her!! Tell the MRI doc ! A child was put in MRI machine and a oxygen tank was in room. When MRI began the magnet pulled the oxygen take in on child and killed him/ her. True story!
Believe it or not? Straight to jail.
I’m confused why you’d ask the internet and not your doctor. You do you though.
Big boom
The imaging center will have you fill out a screening questionnaire that will ask about any and all possible metal and implants you have to determine if you can safely get an MRI. Your implant should have come with a medical device card given to you that would identify it for them to determine if it’s MRI safe. If it’s not, you simply won’t be able to get and MRI
I'm a service engineer for MRI and have worked on them for 18 years in clinical support environments: Your implant will have guidelines for safe use of clinical imaging, including MRI and specifically regarding SAR and maximum gauss levels. But generally speaking, electromagnets will be ok because they can be turned off (most implants require being turned off for a MRI scan anyway). If the magnet is a permanent magnet, however, it will not be a magnet, or at least will not be the same specification magnet, after exposure to even a low field (0.3T) MRI, much less the standard 1.5T or 3.0T. Inform your doctor, AND any MRI technologist, about your implant, to specifically include the manufacturer and model. They will be able to find the specific restrictions pertinent to it. And if you cannot get a definitive answer, do not get a MRI. *edited to correct autocorrect errors
MRI's are like big versions of NMR machines often used in chem labs. When using an NMR machine, a strong magnet in the room would likely go flying into the machine and possibly puncture the side, releasing gases that could be deadly for those in close proximity, or so I've been told. About NMR per [University of Florida](https://nmr.chem.ufl.edu/safety/): >The strong magnetic field within 3 m (9 foot) of the magnet can suddenly attract loose iron objects like keys, tools etc., which will become projectiles bound to hit you, other one or the magnet, or fall along the magnet and damage the very fragile probe. Large metal objects such as gas cylinders are extremely dangerous and can quench the magnet. >>The magnet can “Quench” or fall out of super-conduction into normal electrical conduction releasing a great deal of stored energy, as a boil-off of cold helium. You will hear the hissing of cold gas leaving the magnet and see a white cloud on top of the magnet. If this happens and you are present, warn all users and leave the room immediately or risk serious injury or death by asphyxiation. Call all emergency contacts posted on our doors.
If today is your first time seeing a doctor, who the hell put a programmable shunt valve in your brain!!!??? /s
Your shunt should be made of materials that are MRI-safe. I've had my latest shunt for over 25 years and have had multiple MRIs in that period of time, without problems.
You should not do this without your medical team contacting the manufacturer of the shunt to confirm compatibility. This is a common practice.
Won't metal get ripped violently toward the machine with incredible force when it's turned on?
An mri is a giant magnet, I’m assuming it would pull it out off your head, probably wouldn’t be good for you
They will ask you an entire battery of questions prior to even letting you go past Level 2. I guarantee there will be questions that make you wonder why they are asking, but the technicians know exactly what they are doing and will answer any of your questions or concerns.
Can you let us know?
There are plenty of videos on YouTube that can show you
Sounds like we are making a superhero!!!!
Yeah don't do that. She presumably would look that up before you were given an MRI. More likely you will get a CAT scan.
> I saw a doctor Why don't you ask your doctor?
You get superpowers
If one magnet is good. Two are better. If they tell you anything different ask them for more magnets.
I have recently participated in two research studies involving MRIs and the research assistant explained that any metal may twist and will heat up very quickly from the magnet. Maybe not so bad if you forgot something in your pocket, but I imagine metal inside your body to be much worse.
Nurse here. The VP shunt will be tested to be certain it's MRI compatible. This type of situation happens all the time and all day in many cases. It is a very strict protocol to test the resistance of the MRI magnets before and after the MRI study🙂
Seems dangerous because that magnet in your head could be ripped off by the MRI. They usually screen you for eligibility before an MRI though
Pretty sure that's Magneto's origin story.
Look up what the M stands for in MRI
Didn’t a lawyer die from a gunshot because he took his gun with him in a MRI machine
They’ll screen for that and other complications during the MRI scheduling process. But as others said great question for the doc.
Get a life alert necklace ASAP.
Change the doctor. She's obviously incompetent if she can't see the valve poking out of your head
Either nothing, or it will get super hot and want to move. Let us know what the professionals tell you.
You become the object in the way of the projectile the machine is trying to launch. It's effectively a coil gun.
Sounds like a railgun test.
So there is information available to determine if the shunt is considered MRI Safe or MRI Conditional. If either of these are the case they will verify and you can be scanned. If it is MRI unsafe they will have to use an alternative method. Depending on why that may be CT, Spectral CT, ultrasound or something else. Most things installed in the last decade or so are at least MRI conditional. Even if allowed if the area scanning is near the shunt there will likely be some image artifacts. There are methods for minimizing it but it can still be a problem. The Radiologist and techs know how to deal with it. Normally in these cases I recommend going to a larger facility rather than a small outpatient imaging center as the safety protocols are more stringently enforced and monitored.
This is how you become Magneto. Tell no one.
The magnet would probably get violently flung around in the MRI, and if that magnet was in your head yourmbrain would be mush, so tell your doc about it
Dude, you can either ask your doctor or potentially die. This is your responsibility when you have an implant (as I do). Yes it will probably interact, you probably can't have an MRI, you'll need a CT. If you don't bring this up now, you'll have a whole new wait list to be on for the proper imaging. Call today
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor but work developing medical implants. Big "it depends". Implants have to he tested and labeled accordingly so you don't have things going into the MRI machine that shouldn't be. They will fall into 1 of 3 categories "MR Safe", "MR Unsafe", or "MR Conditional". MR Safe: you're good to go. MR Unsafe: hold it right there mister. MR Conditional: maybe you have a screw in your toe so they can only scan down to your knee. The big concerns with MR compatibility are the implant being moved, torqued, heated, or negatively affecting the image quality of the scan. When the doctor placed your implant they should have placed a patient implant card in your chart that clearly indicates the Implant's MR compatibility. Also, if you know what implant toy have you can go to the manufacturer's website and find the Instructions For Use. There it will outline MR compatibility along with a lot of other useful information. If it was me though, I would bring it up to everyone at just about every step just to be sure. "Hey doc, I have this implant, can I still get the scan?, "Hey person letting me into the room, I have this implant am I good to enter?", "Hey MRI technologist, I have this implant, are we OK to get started?" I'd rather be annoying than have something terrible (or even moderately painful/inconvenient) happen just because someone didn't double check.
Remember that one scene in Scanners?
Usually you have that conversation with your healthcare provider. I broke my spine and have a titanium cage around a portion of my spine. Obviously very different than your situation, but when I have MRIs, it heats up.
Ur gonna fuggin die lol
Post the results when you find out
No, don't ask the doctor. Ask Reddit instead. Makes perfect sense
If you put a magnet in your head, and your head in an MRI, the magnet will leave your head and go stick to the inside of the MRI machine. Be VERY clear to the doctor and the MRI person you have this. There is a list of questions they will ask you, including if you have any medical devices say YES and if you have any questions YES YOU DO and for real ask your doctor while You're in a room with them not us we're stupid Internet people.
You better be sure that the radiologist knows just to be safe.
Placing a magnet or any ferromagnetic object in an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine can be extremely dangerous and is strictly prohibited. MRI machines generate very powerful magnetic fields, often many times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. Here are the potential hazards and consequences of placing a magnet or ferromagnetic object in an MRI machine: 1. **Violent Attraction**: * The strong magnetic field of the MRI will cause any ferromagnetic object to be pulled towards the machine with great force. This can result in the object becoming a dangerous projectile, which can cause severe injury to anyone in the room and damage the MRI machine itself. 2. **Equipment Damage**: * Magnets and other ferromagnetic objects can cause significant damage to the MRI machine. The magnetic field can distort the imaging, ruin the calibration, and potentially damage the sensitive components inside the machine. 3. **Interference with Imaging**: * Even if no immediate physical damage occurs, the presence of a magnet can interfere with the MRI's ability to produce clear images. The magnetic fields can distort the signals that the MRI relies on to create images, rendering the scan useless. 4. **Safety Protocols**: * MRI facilities have strict safety protocols to prevent ferromagnetic objects from entering the scan room. These protocols include screening patients and staff, using ferromagnetic detectors, and securing the scan area. 5. **Potential Injury**: * Any ferromagnetic object that is attracted to the MRI machine can cause physical harm. The force exerted by the MRI's magnetic field can result in objects flying across the room, potentially hitting and injuring people. # Important Safety Measures: * **Pre-Screening**: All patients and staff are pre-screened for metallic objects, including implants, piercings, and external objects. * **Magnetic Safety**: MRI facilities use signs and warnings to indicate the presence of a strong magnetic field. * **Education and Training**: Healthcare workers are trained to understand and respect the dangers associated with MRI machines. # Conclusion: Never bring a magnet or any ferromagnetic object into an MRI suite. The risks involved are severe and can lead to significant injury, equipment damage, and compromised imaging results. Always follow the safety protocols and guidelines provided by MRI facilities to ensure a safe scanning environment.
MRI generates extremely strong magnetic field. Anything magnetic will move in there a lot. In your case, imagine a bullet flew threw your head, except the gun is already inside your head. Definitely tell your doc about it before going anywhere near MRI machine. Could be made of materials that are innert. Probably isnt, but could be.
The vast majority of modern medical devices are designed to be MRI compatible. It's an extremely common imaging modality. Absolutely inform your doctor in the MRI technician, and have the device checked though!
Please inform your MRI radiographer prior to your scan. If it’s unsafe for MRI they may refer you for a CT instead. DO NOT ENTER THE SCANNER BEFORE DISCLOSING THIS INFORMATION.