Risk analysis of magnet dislocation in patients with a cochlea implant after MRI examination

Introduction:

The procedure of a magnetic resonance imaging in patients that received a hearing aid with a cochlea implant are reserved to special indications. In workaday life a constellation like this is nothing unusual. Therefore we are often faced with problems according to the cochlea implant after a MRI-examination that sometimes can only be improved by a surgical intervention even if a special compression bandage was applied before the MRI-examination.

Methods:

By means of questionnaire we evaluated disorders and impairments of patients with a cochlea implant after MRI-examinations. We recorded whether a compression bandage was applied and what kind MRI-examination was exercised, too.

Results:

Altogether 20 patients wearing a cochlear implant (total number 110) underwent a MRI examination. Thirteen patients complained about magnet dislocation, tinnitus, pain or dizziness although a compression bandage was applied. In two cases the MRI examination needed to be interrupted.

Conclusions:

Our retrospective analysis shows that MRI-examinations that are applied to patients with a cochlea implant can lead to a lot of complications especially pain, paraesthesia and dislocation of the magnet. Therefore an extensive advice before the examination and tight indications should be considered.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)