Would an MRI Be Unsafe for Me?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) doesn't use X-rays, so there's no radiation exposure. Yet this test isn't safe for everyone.

There are a few reasons why you might need to avoid MRI and choose another test instead.

You Have Metal in Your Body

An MRI machine uses powerful magnets that can attract any metal in your body. If this happens, you could get hurt.

It can also damage equipment that’s implanted in your body -- a pacemaker or cochlear implant, for instance. Also, metal can reduce the quality of the MRI image.

Let your doctor know before the test if you have any of these:

• An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker
• An implanted drug infusion pump or an insulin pump
• Artificial joints, limbs, or heart valves
• Body piercings
• Cochlear implants (which help with hearing)
• Metal fragments, bullets, or shrapnel anywhere in your body
• Surgical clips, plates, pins, staples, wire mesh, or screws
• Tattoos (some inks contain metal)

You Have Kidney Problems

Some MRI scans use a contrast dye that contains the metal gadolinium. This dye helps your doctor see the MRI picture more clearly. Usually it's very safe. But if you have severe kidney disease, the dye can cause problems. In that case, you might not get that dye made with gadolinium.

Rarely, the dye can cause what’s called “nephrogenic systemic fibrosis” in people with kidney disease. This condition causes thickened and hardened tissue to form on the skin, joints, and organs.

You Recently Became Pregnant

Although MRI doesn't seem to harm a growing baby, it can raise the temperature inside your body. For this reason, you shouldn't have this test during your first trimester, when your baby's organs are developing.

You may need to wait to have an MRI until after your first 3 months of pregnancy or have a different test. Your doctor probably won't use contrast dye at all while you're pregnant.

If you have an MRI with contrast and are breastfeedingdiscuss with your doctor whether you need to stop breastfeeding. 

You're Allergic to the Contrast Dye

The contrast dye can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of a reaction include:

• Dizziness
• Hives
• Feeling sick in the stomach
• Rash
• Reddish (flushed) skin

A more serious reaction to the contrast is very rare, but it can cause symptoms such as these:

• Swelling of the lips and mouth
• Trouble breathing