Getting an MRI Head Scan*

Some day, you may need a magnetic resonance image (MRI) head scan to diagnose the cause of a common condition, such as hearing loss, headache, vision problems, seizures, tumors, or stroke. When you have an implanted electronic device, however, you have to be careful about MRI scans. The good news is that MRI head scans are possible with Medtronic spinal cord neurostimulation systems* with proper safeguards. In fact, only Medtronic offers neurostimulation systems that are FDA-approved for MRI head scans, under specific conditions of use.

* Under specific conditions of use. Excludes Itrel^® 3.

How Common Are MRI Head Scans?

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Of the 30 million MRI scans performed in the United States each year, 6.6 million - or 22% - are head scans

*IMV MRI Market Benchmark Report, 2010^®

The MRI Challenge

People with implanted electronic devices have to be careful about MRI scans for this reason: MRI machines produce electromagnetic fields that can interact with and negatively affect the implanted device. If an implanted neurostimulation system is not designed specifically to be compatible with MRIs, interactions can include:

Heat – the MRI can cause a neurostimulation lead to overheat, which can damage surrounding tissue or the battery connected to the lead
Magnetic pull – If an implanted device is made with significant magnetic materials, the materials can be attracted to the MRI’s magnetic field. This causes them to move, which may cause discomfort. The Medtronic neurostimulation system components are designed with minimal magnetic materials
Device malfunction – The MRI’s magnetic field may send voltage to the neurostimulation lead, triggering unintended stimulation or stopping of the stimulation
Unintended functionality – The MRI’s magnetic field may cause the neurostimulation system to turn off or on, or affect or disable other functions
Distorted MRI image – The neurostimulation system can interfere with the imaging, causing distortions or completely blocking the image

Overcoming the Challenge

As outlined in your Medtronic Pain Therapy User Manual, Medtronic designed its spinal cord neurostimulation system so the effect of an MRI head scan is minimal. When following specific guidelines from Medtronic, MRI technologists can safely perform an MRI head scan on people with an implanted Medtronic neurostimulation system. If you do require an MRI, work with your doctor.

Head Scans vs. Full-body Scans

While your Medtronic neurostimulation system is compatible with MRI head scans under specific conditions, it’s not safe for full-body MRI scans. That’s because full-body scans require much more electromagnetic energy, so there’s a much greater risk of your leads heating up and causing damage.

Before Your MRI

What to do when your doctor recommends an MRI head scan¹:

Tell the doctor (e.g. orthopedist, oncologist) who ordered your MRI that you have an implanted Medtronic neurostimulation system.
Contact your pain specialist to ask the following questions:
- Can my device safely undergo the MRI procedure ordered?
- What do I need to do to prepare my device for an MRI?
- Which MRI center(s) can perform my MRI?
Schedule your MRI appointment.
- Tell the MRI center what Medtronic neurostimulation device you have²
- Provide your pain specialist's contact information to the MRI center²
Bring your Medtronic identification card with you to the MRI appointment. This card will allow your doctors to identify your device and confirm MRI compatibility.
Have your device programmed:
- BEFORE your MRI procedure, contact your pain specialist to program your device in preparation for an MRI
- AFTER your MRI procedure, contact your pain specialist to have your device programmed back to pre-MRI settings

¹ Other MRI scans are not eligible.
² The information is located on your Medtronic ID card.

If you have questions after talking with your doctor, please contact Patient Services at (800) 510-6735.

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Safety Resources for Your Healthcare Team

MRI technologists should always follow the Medtronic safety manual titled “MRI Guidelines for Medtronic Neurostimulation Systems.” It tells them how to check and set your neurostimulation system prior to the MRI, and what type of MRI machine and settings they should use.

If you encounter a doctor or MRI technologist who seems unclear about MRI safety related to your Medtronic neurostimulation system, show him or her your Medtronic Patient ID Card. The front of your card lists the model number of your neurostimulation system. Your doctor can enter that model number on our MRI Safety website, listed on the back of your ID card. The website will provide FDA-approved information for safely conducting an MRI head scan with your Medtronic neurostimulation device.

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 26 Jan 2012