Never Do These Things During an MRI Scan: They’ve Claimed Lives Before

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When most people think about getting an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, they’re concerned about the noise and confined space.

What’s rarely at the top of mind, however, are the very real dangers associated with the powerful magnets inside these machines—especially if proper safety precautions aren’t followed.

Tragic Accidents Involving MRI

In one alarming case from Wisconsin, a 57-year-old woman suffered a painful injury during an MRI when the gun she had concealed discharged due to the machine’s intense magnetic pull.

This wasn’t an isolated incident; a similar tragedy occurred earlier in 2023 in Brazil, where a lawyer lost his life after his gun accidentally fired while he was in the scanner.

In 2018, an Indian man was killed when he carried an oxygen tank into an MRI room, where a staff forgot to turn the machine off. The magnetic force ripped the tank from his grasp, and it ruptured, causing his death.

A similar accident occurred in 2021 in South Korea when a patient was killed after an oxygen cylinder was pulled into the MRI machine, crushing his skull. In 2001 in New York, a 6-year-old boy undergoing an MRI was also killed when a metal oxygen tank flew towards the machine and crushed his skull.

These incidents highlight the sheer strength and potential risks of MRI machines, but they also underscore an important fact: MRI scans are generally safe when safety guidelines are strictly followed. So, what exactly makes MRIs both so powerful and so safe?

How MRI Technology Works

MRI technology has a fascinating history, dating back to early research in the 1930s. Today, around 95 million MRI scans are conducted each year worldwide, providing doctors with high-resolution images of tissues without exposing patients to harmful ionizing radiation, like that used in X-rays or CT scans.

The technology operates by creating an extraordinarily strong magnetic field—up to 30,000 times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field. This magnetic force temporarily alters the behavior of protons, tiny particles found in the atoms of the body. These protons shift from their normal state, and as they relax back to their original positions, the MRI machine’s sensors capture this energy release.

This allows scientists and doctors to differentiate between various tissue types, helping to detect abnormalities such as tumors, injuries, or other diseases.

The Hidden Dangers of MRI Machines

Despite the life-saving images MRIs can provide, the strength of the magnets involved means they can interact with any metallic object, creating potentially dangerous situations. As demonstrated by the firearm incidents, metal objects in or around the machine can become deadly projectiles when pulled by the magnetic force.

While strict guidelines are in place to ensure patient safety, the risks are still very real if they’re not carefully followed. Patients are typically asked to complete detailed questionnaires about any metal in their bodies or on their person before an MRI scan.

This includes common medical devices like pacemakers or metal implants, which can pose a risk. Modern pacemakers, fortunately, are often MRI-compatible, but older models or metallic implants can still be dangerous if exposed to the magnetic field.

Even objects as small as metal fragments lodged in the body can pose serious threats. For example, manual laborers and military veterans are at risk if tiny shards of metal, often unknowingly embedded in their eyes from tasks like drilling or hammering, become dislodged or rotate during an MRI scan. This can lead to painful injuries or even blindness.

Safety First: What You Need to Know Before an MRI

For most patients, an MRI scan is a routine and entirely safe procedure. But it’s essential to follow all safety protocols to ensure the magnets don’t pose a threat. When your healthcare provider asks about metal objects or medical history, it’s crucial to be completely honest—even if something seems trivial. A small oversight could lead to significant risks.

In summary, while MRI machines are incredibly powerful and potentially hazardous if misused, they’re also one of the safest and most effective diagnostic tools available today. With proper precautions, the risks can be minimized, and the benefits fully realized, helping millions of people receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatments each year.

So, next time you’re scheduled for an MRI, rest assured that you’re in safe hands—just be sure to leave any metal objects at the door.