Do you know about MRI Scans?
In this “Do you Know about…” series of posts, we will explore what you can – and cannot – do if you have a Cochlear Implant. The answer is that you can do pretty much everything but sometimes a few precautions are required. Knowledge is power.
Are you nervous about having an MRI scan? Do you know why precautions need to be taken? Here are some things you might like to know.
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body without using radiation.
Precautions need to be taken because the magnet in the MRI machine is very powerful and Cochlear Implant users have a magnet embedded in their heads. Different precautions are needed depending on the type of magnet and the age of the implant. These precautions will be needed if ANY PART OF THE BODY is being scanned.
The external processor and any external equipment will need to be removed before entering the MRI room and in some cases this is enough. For other implants medical staff will wrap a bandage around the head and over the implanted magnet. In some rare cases the magnet will need to removed surgically before an MRI can be done.
YOU MUST CONTACT YOUR IMPLANT CENTRE TO CHECK
WHICH PRECAUTIONS ARE NEEDED FOR YOUR IMPLANT.
For more information, click on the link to the BCIG MRI Safety page below: