Neurostimulation (Neuromodulation) Systems: General Information

The incidence of patients receiving implanted neurostimulation systems for treatment of neurological disorders and other conditions is increasing. Because of the inherent design and intended function of neurostimulation systems, the electromagnetic fields used for MR procedures may produce a variety of problems with these devices. For example, altered function of a neurostimulation system that results from exposure to the electromagnetic fields of an MR system may cause discomfort, pain, or injury to the patient.

MRI-related heating has been reported to cause the greatest concern for many different devices used for neurostimulation. Importantly, the exact criteria for the particular neurostimulation system with regard to the implantable pulse generator (PG), leads, electrodes, and operational aspects of the device and the MR system conditions must be defined by comprehensive testing and carefully followed to ensure patient safety.

Please refer to the Safety Information section of www.MRIsafety.com for the type of neurostimulation system (also called, "neuromodulation system") that may be present in the patient referred for an MRI examination for specific guidelines.

[MRI healthcare professionals are advised to contact the respective manufacturer in order to obtain the latest safety information to ensure patient safety relative to the use of an MRI procedure.]

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