Magnetic resonance imaging

Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Tysabri, natalizumab, Date of authorisation: 27/06/2006, Revision: 42, Status: Authorised

• She had attended the hospital for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan and had entered the machine with a concealed firearm.
• This isn’t the first time in 2023 that a firearm injury has been sustained in an MRI scanner.
• In February a lawyer in Brazil died after the gun tucked in his waistband discharged into his abdomen.
• MRI has a long history, in one form or another, dating back to the 1930s.

Strong magnets

• One of the biggest risks with MRI comes from the incredibly strong magnets that are used because they are not selective in the objects they act on.
• Also, newer models tend not to contain ferrous metals – that is, metals that can be attracted by magnets because they contain iron.
• Similarly, a child suffered bowel perforation during an MRI after ingesting 11 small spherical magnets.

Outside the machine can be dangerous too

• In 2018, an Indian man was killed when an oxygen cylinder he was carrying was pulled into the MRI machine, causing it to rupture and kill him.
• Similarly, in 2021, a South Korean man died when an oxygen cylinder in the MRI room crushed his skull after the magnet pulled it into the machine he was being scanned in.

Benefits far outweigh the risks

Despite the above stories, MRI is a revolutionary diagnostic machine that has benefits that far outweigh the risks. Further modifications of MRI, such as fMRI (functional MRI), let doctors and researchers look at brain activity and observe how diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, are progressing. They are also helping researchers discover new drugs and study anatomy – including during sex and orgasm.
These revolutionary machines are extremely useful and are entirely safe when used correctly. So next time you have an MRI scan, when clinical staff ask what seems like innocent and straightforward questions, answer honestly. And tell them about anything you think may be relevant, no matter how trivial, just to be on the safe side.
Adam Taylor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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• That is why the Government of Canada is investing over $200 billion over 10 years, which includes $25 billion for tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories, to support the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians plan.
• This agreement is an important step in our collaboration with Alberta to take measurable actions to transform our health care system.
• The funding will help improve access to primary care and create better mental health services in Alberta.
• "Mental health is health, and through this agreement, we will be working with Alberta to integrate mental health and substance use care as a full and equal part of our universal health care system.