Can anyone have an MRI scan?

The following items are important in helping us determine whether you qualify for an MRI scan. We will talk with you in detail about whether:
• You are pregnant
• You've ever had surgery
• You have any implants, especially in your eye, ear, brain or heart
• You have cardiac valve replacements or a pacemaker, bone or joint replacements or aneurysm clips.
These conditions may not exclude you from having an MRI exam, but they'll be important determining factors.

For example, patients with a cardiac pacemaker or certain brain aneurysm clips cannot safely have an MRI exam. Also, in some cases, infants, small children, claustrophobic patients and/or those with severe pain or physical limitations may not be able to lie still for an MRI exam without sedation
.