Can I be a subject for MRI?

MRI Compatibility

Please read the qualifications below to determine whether you and/or your child are MRI compatible. If your child is nervous about participating, please note that MGH has a mock scanner that can be used to acclimate him or her to the scanning environment prior to the actual scan. Children who complete the MR scan will receive a picture of their brain to take home.

Subjects: The researcher in charge of the project you are participating in MUST KNOW if you have / had / are any of the following:

• History of head trauma
• Surgical aneurysm clips
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Prosthetic heart valve
• Neurostimulator
• Implanted pumps
• Previous Surgery
• Metal rods, plates, or screws
• Cochlear implants
• Meniere's Disease
• Hearing aid
• Dentures
• Injury to the eyes (involving metal)
• Pregnant
• Breast feeding
• IUD
• Tattoos
• Claustrophobia
• Physical discomfort (body size, back or neck pain, etc.)
• Movement disorders (i.e., ticks, restless legs, etc., that may cause movement artifact)
• Vision / Hearing problems
• Problems using response devices

Parents: Due to safety concerns involved with entering the scanning environment, please note that you MUST INFORM the researcher in charge of the project if you have / had / are:

• Surgical aneurysm clips
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Prosthetic heart valve
• Neurostimulator
• Implanted pumps
• Cochlear implants
• Metal rods, plates, or screws
• Metal fragments
• Previous Surgery
• IUD
• Hearing aid
• Dentures
• Injury to the eyes (involving metal)
• Pregnant

On the day of your scan

***Once you've decided that you qualify and have scheduled a scan date and time, you will want to read the following information that will help you prepare for the day of your scan.***

Please arrive on time as the group using the scanner after us is counting on us to finish on time. Be sure to have something to eat and use the restroom before your scan. You will not be able to do either once the scan has begun. You should relax in the scanner, but you must remain as still as possible. Please review the list below to ensure that you have removed all metal before entering the scanning environment. For additional information on how to prepare for your or your child's MRI scan at the Martinos Center, please click here.

Things Not to Bring or Wear in the Scanner:

• ANYTHING in your pockets
• Metal jewelry (face and body piercing items should be removed if possible)
• Watches
• Hair holders
• Eye glasses
• Metal on clothing (i.e. metal buttons, snaps or trimming, underwire bras, belt buckles)
• Eye shadow (many contain metallic specks that can heat up)
• Colored contact lenses (bring a case to store contacts in during scanning)