Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Head

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Head

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Being pregnant. An MRI test is not usually done during pregnancy even though the strong magnetic field is not known to be harmful.
• Having medical devices with metal. The MRI magnet may cause these devices to not work right or to have problems during an MRI scan. This test may not be done if you have:
  • An intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
  • Metal parts or clips in the head or eye.
  • A pacemaker.
  • An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
  • Certain types of artificial limbs.
  • A medication infusion pump in place.
• You cannot lie still during the test.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 19, 2007
Medical Review:	Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
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