Can I Get an MRI with a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

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

MRI scans are insightful tools to help your pain management 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 compatibility and if they can still get an MRI scan.

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

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

For HFX Therapy Patients: MRI Safety & Guideline Resources

If you are an HFX therapy patient, you can find your MRI guidelines and MRI safety information here. Also, you can find your MRI checklist here.

If you have questions about MRI compatibility, please contact your Nevro Care Team for support.

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 you choose. Some spinal cord stimulators are safe for an MRI scan, but others aren’t.

Which spinal cord stimulators are safe for an MRI scan?

Advanced spinal cord stimulators like 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 MRI scans.**

 

What about other imaging tools like CT scans and ultrasounds?

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

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

What is the process to get an MRI scan 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 scan, there’s a simple process in place to make sure you receive the care you need:

When your doctor requests an MRI scan:

• Tell your physician who requested the MRI scan that you have an implanted spinal cord stimulator device.
• Find your patient ID card. If lost, please call your Nevro Care Team to request a replacement.

Before your appointment, your Nevro Care Team will confirm you can safely have the MRI scan ordered and help you prepare your device for an MRI scan.

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:

• You have a Nevro HFX spinal cord stimulator
• If you have any other medical device implants
• A detailed description of your device including the product number, leads, and other implant components (this information is found on your patient ID card)
• The contact information of the physician who implanted your device

At your appointment, you’ll bring your patient ID card, remote control or HFX App, and a copy of the Nevro HFX MRI Guidelines to share with the MRI facility team.

How does spinal cord stimulation work?

See how spinal cord stimulation relieves chronic pain:

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

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

If you don’t have a pain management physician, 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 doctor in your area.

Summary

• It’s important to choose a spinal cord stimulator that you can get an MRI scan with like HFX.
• HFX 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 Nevro HFX MRI Guidelines for detailed information on MRI safety and conditions.

**MRI data accurate as of 2021. Check with http://www.nevro.com/manualsthe 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.