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The Dangers of Neurostimulators and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of serious neurological injuries resulting from patients with implanted neurological stimulators undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  The injuries suffered in the reported incidents included coma and other permanent neurological impairments.  Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates, P.A. represents patients like these who have been injured by implanted neurological stimulators and other defective medical devices. 
 
What are Neurostimulator Implants?
Neurological stimulator implants are used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease, in cases of intractable chronic pain, as well as for other chronic neurological disorders.  The implanted electrodes of these devices often run deep into the brain.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows doctors to examine brain function by applying quick bursts of magnetic energy which temporarily polarize the oxygen in the brain's blood allowing blood flow to be visually monitored.  However, this quick magnetic burst can prove harmful to patients with any type of metal in their brain or skull, including residual shrapnel, metal plates, or the metal leads of neurological stimulators. 

FDA Public Health Notification: Neurostimulators and MRI
On May 10, 2005, in response to several reports of serious injuries from medical facilities around the country, the FDA issued a Public Health Notification reminding all medical personnel of the importance of properly screening patients for implanted neurological stimulators before administering an MRI. 

The FDA recommends the following safeguards to all medical personnel involved in the referral of patients for MRIs or involved in the administering of MRIs:

  • All patients should be carefully screened for any implanted devices prior to performing an MRI procedure, even if the implanted device has been turned off.
  • Question patients about previously implanted devices that have been removed. Leads, or portions of leads, often remain in the body after pulse generators are removed, and these may act as an antenna and become heated.
  • If the patient does have an implanted neurological stimulator, consult with the referring physician to discuss other imaging options. For some implanted neurological stimulators, certain MRI procedures cannot be performed.
  • If an MRI procedure is to be performed on a patient with an implanted neurological stimulator, be sure to review the labeling for the specific model that is implanted in the patient, with particular attention to warnings and precautions. The radiologist may need to consult with the implanting or monitoring physician for this information.
  • Note and follow any instructions exactly for MRI imaging that may be in the labeling for the implant, including information on types and/or strengths of MRI equipment that may have been tested for interaction with the particular implanted device. The radiologist may need to consult with the device implant manufacturer for this information.

Neurostimulator Injury: Lawyers with Experience You Can Trust

Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates is a nationally recognized law firm with experience and a record of success, including several verdicts and settlements in excess of $1,000,000. Senior partner Fred Pritzker has 29 years of experience. He has been named a Top 100 Super Lawyer, and has recently been selected by other lawyers to be included in the 2005-2006 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Learn more about personal injury lawyer Fred Pritzer.

If you have been injured due to an implanted neurostimulator, you may contact us for a free consultation. We are a national law firm with offices centrally located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Contact us toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, email info@pritzkerlaw.com, or fill in our online consultation form.


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