Question
Are there any concerns regarding a cochlear implant patient that needs an MRI of the knee due to a sport injury?
Answer
A MRI scanner utilizes a powerful magnetic field to image parts of the body. Regardless of what part of the body is being viewed (e.g. the knee), the whole body is exposed to the magnetic fields generated by the MRI scanner when a patient is in the imaging room. The magnetic properties of an MRI machine can potentially cause harm to a cochlear implant device and the user.
Newer cochlear implant devices have become available in recent years which allow removal of the magnet prior to an MRI. This requires a procedure with a small incision to remove the magnet from the subcutaneous portion of the implant resting behind the ear before MRI completion; a similar procedure is performed to replace the magnet to allow resumption of implant use after MRI. Magnet removal makes it safe for an implant recipient to have an MRI up to 1.5 Tesla in strength (a measure of magnetic field). Although some studies have suggested it may be safe for cochlear implant patients to undergo MRI with fixed (non-removable) magnets, especially in weaker strength MRI scanners (e.g. 0.2 Tesla), this has not been accepted for general use in the United States. A cochlear implant recipient should always consult with their implant surgeon before any imaging is performed, regardless of the imaging technique.
Lance E. Jackson, MD is an Otologist/Neurotologist and president of the Ear Institute of Texas in San Antonio, TX. Refer to his web site www.earsoftexas.com for a list of publications.
Lance E. Jackson, MD
Related Courses
1https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/implementation-cochlear-implants-enhanced-candidacy-37377Implementation of Cochlear Implants: Enhanced Candidacy Criteria and Technology AdvancesThe participant in this course will understand the extended candidacy criteria with cochlear implantation and expectations. The course will cover implanting under age one, hybrid hearing with cochlear implantation, CI under local anesthesia, single-sided deafness, cochlear implantation, and auditory brainstem implantation.auditory, textual, visual
The participant in this course will understand the extended candidacy criteria with cochlear implantation and expectations. The course will cover implanting under age one, hybrid hearing with cochlear implantation, CI under local anesthesia, single-sided deafness, cochlear implantation, and auditory brainstem implantation.
2https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/audiology-treatment-introduction-to-thieme-32010Current Topics in Audiology Treatment, in Partnership with Thieme PublishersThis course will review current topics in audiology treatment that are detailed in the upcoming book by Thieme publishers. Editor Dr. Jason Galster will provide a tour of content focused on the treatment of hearing loss through amplification, implantable solutions, and a variety of additional techniques.auditory, textual, visual
This course will review current topics in audiology treatment that are detailed in the upcoming book by Thieme publishers. Editor Dr. Jason Galster will provide a tour of content focused on the treatment of hearing loss through amplification, implantable solutions, and a variety of additional techniques.
3https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/hearing-loss-in-ccmv-38714Hearing Loss in cCMV, in partnership with Midwestern University and Phoenix Children's HospitalHearing loss in cCMV has unique features, presentation, and long-term outcomes. This presentation highlights these unique features, and outlines the current evidence that guides identification and treatment of patients with this condition.auditory, textual, visual
Hearing loss in cCMV has unique features, presentation, and long-term outcomes. This presentation highlights these unique features, and outlines the current evidence that guides identification and treatment of patients with this condition.
4https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/20q-auditory-biotechnologies-3871720Q: Auditory Biotechnologies - Finding Their Way to the ClinicThis article details the latest developments in the field of auditory biotechnologies that aim to medically treat hearing loss using a series of different approaches. The biotechnologies described in this interview include both restorative and protective treatments, and some of the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these treatments are described along with the most likely patient populations for early clinical trials. Finally, the current state of offerings for auditory biotechnologies is also reviewed, and readers are pointed to appropriate information to connect their patients to upcoming clinical trials.textual, visual
'engaged personal thoughts about potential options of regenerative therapies versus cochlear implant as I age and same thought for my clients too'Read Reviews
This article details the latest developments in the field of auditory biotechnologies that aim to medically treat hearing loss using a series of different approaches. The biotechnologies described in this interview include both restorative and protective treatments, and some of the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these treatments are described along with the most likely patient populations for early clinical trials. Finally, the current state of offerings for auditory biotechnologies is also reviewed, and readers are pointed to appropriate information to connect their patients to upcoming clinical trials.
5https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/neurocognitive-brain-changes-in-hearing-38208Neurocognitive Brain Changes in Hearing Loss, in partnership with American Auditory SocietyThe course will present the latest findings on neurocognitive changes in hearing loss and effects of intervention with amplification and cochlear implantation.auditory, textual, visual
The course will present the latest findings on neurocognitive changes in hearing loss and effects of intervention with amplification and cochlear implantation.
