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This information is designed to provide you with helpful educational information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. No representation is made that the information provided is current, complete, or accurate. Medtronic does not assume any responsibility for persons relying on the information provided. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.
This information is designed to provide you with helpful educational information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. No representation is made that the information provided is current, complete, or accurate. Medtronic does not assume any responsibility for persons relying on the information provided. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.
Eligible patients with an implanted Medtronic Activa™ PC or Activa SC Model 37603 neurostimulator may have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan anywhere on the body under certain conditions.†
Eligible patients with a Medtronic Activa SC Model 37602 may have an MRI head scan under certain conditions.†
An MRI is a diagnostic imaging tool that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the organs and tissues inside the body. According to the American College of Radiology, MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool for stroke, dementia, movement disorders, cancer, seizures, joint and muscle pain, and cardiac issues.
The technology of some Medtronic DBS systems is designed to protect patients and the device during an MRI. We know it's important that patients have access to MRI. That's why we performed rigorous testing:
Medtronic DBS systems are MR conditional which means they are suitable for MRI scan only under certain conditions.
Some Medtronic DBS devices may remain on, when programmed to certain conditions, while an MRI is being conducted. Take comfort in knowing that the device can remain on (if programmed to the right settings) to control the symptoms.
You must inform the doctor who manages your Medtronic DBS Therapy that an MRI examination has been prescribed for you. The doctor will also discuss eligibility and the potential benefits and risks of an MRI.
Depending on what kind of Medtronic DBS system components that you have implanted, you may be eligible for one of the following types of MRI scans:
Before your MRI appointment always read the MRI examinations section of your patient manual.
Healthcare professionals should always obtain the latest MRI Guidelines for Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Systems.
The implanted DBS system (therapy) may need to be turned off before the MRI scan or reprogrammed to allow the system to safely remain on during your MRI scan. This will depend on the neurostimulator model implanted in the body, the therapy settings of the neurostimulator, and the type of MRI scan eligible.
The doctor who manages the DBS Therapy will decide whether the system should be on or off during the MRI scan. If the doctor says it should be turned off or the settings should be changed before receiving an MRI scan, refer to the patient programmer manual for instructions.
After the MRI scan and outside of the MRI scanner (magnet) room, the therapy can be turned back on using the patient programmer, or the doctor who manages the DBS can do it.
†DBS is MR conditional. If the conditions are not met, the MRI could cause tissue heating especially at the implanted lead(s) in the brain which may result in permanent injury or death.