Can I Get an MRI with a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Being able to get an MRI is important for any pain management treatment plan. If you haven’t had an MRI before, you may need one at some point if you have a condition or injury that causes pain.

They’re insightful tools used to help your physician diagnose your injury or pain condition and monitor how well you’re doing with a treatment.

That’s why people considering a spinal cord stimulator to manage their pain often have questions about MRI safety and if they can still get an MRI.

 

When evaluating your spinal cord stimulator options, it’s important to choose a spinal cord stimulator that you can get an MRI with.

In this article, we’ll provide information about spinal cord stimulators and MRI compatibility.

Nevro HFX™ Spinal Cord Stimulator MRI Safety & Guidelines

If you are an HFX patient, you can find the guidelines and MRI safety information here.

Can I have an MRI scan with a spinal cord stimulator? 

The short answer is yes, it’s possible but- it depends on which spinal cord stimulator device you choose. Some spinal cord stimulators are safe for an MRI, but others aren’t.

So, which spinal cord stimulators are safe for an MRI?

Advanced spinal cord stimulators like, Nevro HFX, are designed so you can safely have a full-body MRI scan^* allowing you to receive the care you need.

The chart below** can help you identify which rechargeable spinal cord stimulators are approved for full-body MRIs:

 

What about other imaging tools like CT scans and ultrasounds?

Again, it depends on the spinal cord stimulator device you choose. The good news is – HFX spinal cord stimulation is designed so you can also safely have a CT scan and ultrasound*.

Before getting any sort of scan or imaging, it’s important to always consult with the provider who is familiar with your specific situation and device.

What is the process to get an MRI when you have a spinal cord stimulator?

Many MRI centers can do scans on people with spinal cord stimulators, much like people with pacemakers. If you need an MRI, there’s a simple process in place to make sure you receive the care you need:

Before making your MRI appointment:

• Tell the doctor who requested your MRI scan that you have a spinal cord stimulator
• Review the MRI guidelines with the doctor who implanted your spinal cord stimulator
• HFX has a dedicated care team that will help you find a center that is compatible with spinal cord stimulators

When making your MRI appointment:

You’ll need to provide a few pieces of information to the MRI facility team when you make your appointment:

• The type of device you have: a spinal cord stimulator
• A detailed description of your spinal cord stimulator (your doctor and HFX care team will provide what details you’ll need to share)
• The contact information of the doctor who implanted your stimulator

Then at your appointment, you’ll bring your Patient ID Card, remote control, and a copy of the MRI Guidelines to share with the MRI facility team.

How does spinal cord stimulation work?

See how spinal cord stimulation relieves chronic pain:

Learn more about what to expect with HFX.

How do I make sure I get a spinal cord stimulator that is safe for an MRI?

If you’re thinking about using a spinal cord stimulator to manage your chronic pain, ask your pain management provider for a spinal cord stimulator that you can get an MRI with like Nevro HFX.

If you don’t have a pain management provider, the first step is to take a short assessment today. At the end, you can request a call from an HFX Coach who will answer any questions you have and help you find an HFX-trained doctor in your area.

Summary

• It’s important to choose a spinal cord stimulator that you can get an MRI with like HFX
• HFX spinal cord stimulation is approved for full-body MRI scans*, CT scans, and ultrasounds, allowing you to receive the care you need

 

Footnotes

*Within conditional parameters. Refer to Senza MRI Guidelines for detailed information on MRI safety and conditions.

**MRI data accurate as of 2021. Check with the manufacturer for the most recent updates.

Sources

1. Spectra WaveWriter Information for Prescribers Manual. Document 91171759-02.
2. Proclaim Implantable Pulse Generator Clinician’s Manual. 2019-09.
3. Medtronic Neuromodulation Clinician Programmer App – Intellis Neurostimulation Systems A710.
4. Vanta SCS Brochure for Healthcare Professionals – Rev. 0119.