MRI Injuries
Magnetic resonance imaging, a very useful and precise form of x-ray known also known as an MRI, is by far one of the safest medical procedures one can receive. However, it is only harmless if nothing goes wrong during the procedure. When errors are made, patients run the risk of suffering very serious and traumatic injuries that, many times, are fatal.
How MRI’s Work
In order to understand how and why MRI injuries are so damaging, you first need to know how these procedures work. The MRI machine is a form of imaging technology that uses a very strong electromagnetic field to take pictures of the body’s interior. Doctors are able to take very accurate photos of bones, organs, and tissues with the MRI machine. They can also detect abnormal growths, such as malignant tumors.
In general, since no invasive techniques are used to image the body part under examination, MRI’s are considered to be extremely safe procedures. However, since such a strong magnetic field is activated, it is very important for the room to be devoid of metal objects and for the patient to warn the doctor of any metal in his or her body.
The Dangers of Flying Objects
In 2001, a six-year old boy was struck in the head by an oxygen canister and died while he was undergoing an MRI. The fact that the container was present in the room was a violation of MRI safety policy, and it is errors such as these that turn typically safe x-ray procedures into extremely risky processes. Other accidents – a police officer’s gun being pulled from his hand and discharged, a woman’s hairpin flying up her nose and becoming lodged there, heart pacemakers being ripped from their positions – though rare, have all occurred.
Because of these hazards, it is extremely important for MRI technicians to ensure that the patient has no metal in or on his or her body and that the room is empty of dangerous, unsecured metal items. Failure to do so could cost lives.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been injured by an MRI, then you may have the right to claim compensation for your unnecessary suffering. Contact a Washington medical malpractice lawyer of Fuller & Fuller at 800-570-4878 to get the legal services and advice you need.