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allicanbe · Oct 11, 2009, 06:24 AM

I have a .22 cal bullet in my head and from what I was told, I can't have a MRI. Or can I?

The lower part of my back and beneath my right shoulder blade gives me so much pain and discomfort that its causing me problems even in my daily routines. I have been to a few referred doctors but they all tell me that they can't really help because without an MRI there isn't any possible way of knowing how or what kind of a problem it is. So all I end up with are CAT scans. Which doesn't show anything so that leaves me back at my original problem.

I have heard of people with bullets or bullet fragments in them and they've had MRI's. Can this be done? I was shot in October 1996 and just curious if there are some sort of new way I can have it done?

Thanks

gambleongambler · Oct 11, 2009, 06:33 AM

No, you cannot have an MRI. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The magnetic pulls from an MRI machine are very strong, therefore it would pull the bullet out of your body and damage the machine.

Fr_Chuck · Oct 11, 2009, 03:42 PM

And why was the bullet never removed

LearningAsIGo · Oct 15, 2009, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by gambleongambler

No, you cannot have an MRI. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The magnetic pulls from an MRI machine are very strong, therefore it would pull the bullet out of your body and damage the machine.

True

To add, even though it may not pull the bullet out of your skull, it would move the bullet, which could do further damage to your brain, nervous system, etc.

The magnet cannot be shut off, so technically, you wouldn't be permitted to get near the machine, let alone have the exam. IF someone has had an MRI with a bullet, it would probably be due to two main factors:
1. Location of the bullet/metal fragments
2. Severity of injury. As in, is the risk worth the reward?

Saskcree · Oct 17, 2009, 10:58 PM

A 22.cal bullet is made of lead, or a copper clad lead filler, neither of which is a ferrous metal. MRI centers can't take the chance that you're wrong about the kind of metal you're carrying around in you so it's an automatic no-go. Most shot from a shotgun shell is steel, and shrapnel is generally steel. IF You're CERTAIN it's non-ferrous, ask for an MRI in the region you need information on and don't mention the bullet. Lie? Yes, if you're certain. No harm and you get the information you need...

J_9 · Oct 18, 2009, 03:52 AM

Originally Posted by Saskcree

Lie? Yes, if you're certain. No harm and you get the information you need...

Lie? To the tune of up to half a million dollars to replace a MRI machine? I don't think so. No harm? Yeah, right... to the pocket books of the patients who help buy the new machine if the OP lied.

MRI equipment varies in cost, depending on the strength of the scanner. Scanners with more strength produce more detailed images; therefore, these scanners cost more. MRI machines can range in cost between $1 and $3 million. Construction of MRI suites can easily add another $500,000 to the total cost. An extremity MRI machine alone costs $300,000 or more, and can only be used to scan hands, feet and knees. Purchasing a used-extremity MRI scanner can cost as much as $150,000.