Cochlear implants and MRI safety

  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used to photograph structures in the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio waves (radiofrequency energy) to produce images.  If the patient has Implants that contain metal or magnets, the implant can move or twist in the patient's body, causing discomfort, pain or injury. You need to be aware of this risk and make sure that healthcare providers and MRI technicians are aware of your implant so that while performing an MRI scan, they take proper precautions. Also, radio waves from an MRI scanner can cause the implant to heat up. This is why it is important to ensure that the cochlear implant is MRI compatible first.  Patient's Cochlear Implant Card: After a cochlear implant is surgically placed, the patient or caregiver will receive an implant card as in the following example of a hypothetical MRI condition. This card contains important information about implant and MRI safety. Each type of cochl