It's been 21 years since my 3 brain aneurysms-and 2 years ago when I needed a MRI was told that I could never have it done because I had clips. I was never told this by my brain surgeon. The only thing I was told is that I should no go on a airplane.
We should be given ALL precautions after an aneurysm surgery and not left in the Dark. It was my family physician that referred me to have a MRI done for a ankle and knee sprain!!
Yes you can. My son has had one since his. He has 9 titanium clips in his head. It is a certain kind, cannot remember if its with contrast or without contrast that you can have. Hope this helps. Jeff Moore
Hi Pat, I guess it all depends on the type of clips you have and if they are from 21 years ago I guess that is a strong possibility. I know I have 2 clips and I have no issues and am permitted to have MRI's and CTA's and do so annually. I also am permitted to fly with no concerns and even fly as far away as Asia (23 hour flight). Carol
Hi Carol,
Yes It must depend on the type of clips we have-My only issue is that Why my brain surgeon didn't inform me of it after my surgery..Here it is 21 years later and I am still wondering what would have happened if I was to need an emergency MRI during that time without knowing the facts..
I feel now the Main thing we All must know is to ASK allot of Questions to get answers from our doctors because some of them don't volunteer things We Must know before being released from the hospital.
I also have a shunt, that I know nothing about. All I do know is that I have lived a normal life, with no head problems, not so much as a headache since 1995 and I thank my Good surgeon for that.
Pat S.
Pat and all...it is also time to begin asking the docs about the gadolinium contrast materials...
07/27/15 the FDA took on "review" of the gadolinium status...
So that is another question to be asking your docs...IF they will be using gadolinium...
There are a number of other sites...on gadolinium...Recently (02/21/16) I found online)
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003791,htm ...
Under RISKS...it says "most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe...allergic reactions to the substance rarely occur. However, gadolinium can be harmful to patients w/kidney problems who require dialysis. If you have kidney problems, tell your provider before the test. "
Unless in the past 4 days...the above site has no comment on the FDA review...so there is likely/presumably more things to ask your doctors...
There were 'class-actions' on gadolinium apx 2007-2009 ...a/w/a as questions back to 2005...
There is probably MRI history on the initial types of metals and, the apx years of the changes...
However, most MD-Rads and neuro-docs are likely knowledgeable of those changes...
General media coverage has limited available data...like the FDA review beginning...and, this type of stuff takes more and more online research for any of us to get started..
So hope you will share back w/what you learn here on-site..
I have had another MRI since my clipped brain aneurysm...no problems at all. I showed the MRI administrator my paperwork I carry about my clip. I have flown on a plane so many times since my clip. The only problem I have with my clip is when I strain in any way. It's like a bowling ball is rolling around in my head. Very painful.
Hey Pat,
I too have a shunt, in fact, I have 2. One non functioning, one functioning. The initial shunt ( now the 'non functioning') was entirely plastic and therefore magnetic waves had no effect. But when this shunt fractured and was replaced, the new device has a magnetic valve and now I have been told " No more MRI's". Due to all the surgeries I have had, I also have plates and screws holding my skull together, but the radiologist has informed me that these plates/screws are OK with MRI's and that it's the valve that is the problem in my case.
Merl
I have titanium clips in my head as well. My neuro surgeon wrote me a 'note' so I could present to drs when I needed to have my follow-up MRIs (I had my aneurysm out of state 15 years ago). I had a great neurosurgeon who knew I would need his endorsement before having the MRIs. I am able to fly. In fact my dr said I could fly home after 1 month from the surgery.