Safety of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Deep Brain Stimulation

A substantial number of patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants are expected to require a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after their surgery; however, DBS devices complicate the nature of scans and often prohibit MRI from being performed at many centers. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of i) the risks of performing MRI in patients with DBS, and ii) the technology and policy-driven solutions that may translate to expanded clinical and research MRI use. Device overheating as a result of radiofrequency exposure remains the primary concern when MRI is performed on current DBS devices. Even though no adverse events have been reported in the literature for over a decade, adequate safety testing in phantoms or humans, and designing computational models to simulate heating are still relevant and essential. Developments in tools such as graphic simulations will greatly contribute to the teaching of MRI safety and the implementation of novel MR safety processes may safely expand indications for MRI amongst patients with DBS.