I want to clarify that prior to my most recent visit, I've never had a problem at this location…read more The problem I experienced could actually occur at any MRI facility.
First, the positives: The MRI and other imaging locations can provide scans in a more timely manner, than if you were to go to the main hospital. Calling the offices directly (Chelsea and Waltham, or NWH), rather than going through the main radiology scheduling line, can often yield better results. You can get the numbers by calling main operator at MGH, & asking for the numbers to Chelsea or Waltham MRI
The staff have been pleasant & easy to work with. The lockers are small (don't bring large coats or bags.) The changing rms are easily accessible, restrooms are clean and spacious. I've never experienced a long wait, but waiting rm is large and comfortable. Most of the time they can elevate your head a little upon request, which makes some more comfortable.
This most recent visit, tech explained I'd be scanned in the new 3.0 Tesla machine. He told me image quality was superior, and l the machines were a bit more spacious. He told me I might feel a little dizzy upon exiting, because of the higher magnetic fields, but that it was normal. He also said it might be a little more noisy, and gave me ear plugs.
The exam took a very long time, in part, because I moved due to discomfort, and because someone messed up re. the contrast dye, so they had to straighten that out while I waited. This was an hour of hell that I'll never repeat! While I appreciated having the tech warn me about the dizziness, that was far from the only concern. Yes, the machines offer a (only slightly) more spacious feel to them - but it's far from an open MRI - it's not worth it! It's EXTREMELY noisy. This is not a good thing for anyone who is even mildly anxious, because it's very difficult to focus away from it, and was dizzying in itself.
One thing I wasnt told was how hot you feel while in the machine. I finally pushed the buzzer & asked if it was normal - I felt as if I was being burned. I was sweating & felt overcome by it. He then told me that it was normal, because the cells were all "excited" in my body, due to the higher mag frequency. I continued to try to endure it, although I noticed certain areas including my legs seemed to be much more hot than other areas.
Yes, there is dizziness when exiting. Considering they have to roll you out while injecting the contrast - which causes dizziness, then roll you back in for another set of pictures after - lying flat and not moving is very uncomfortable. Between the heat and feeling so "woozy", I was also feeling nauseated. My face was scarlet, and the areas of skin where I'd felt most warm indeed had been burned. I felt very unsteady for the next several hours, was unable to safely drive, and continued to feel nauseaous. I also had a bad headache.
I later researched my reaction by googling: "Tesla 3.0"+"burn" or using "Tesla 3.0"+"dizzy" or "effects" as the second term, and found a lot of disturbing information. There has been many reports of similar symptoms, sometimes leading to patients getting burned or having severe episodes of dizziness, hearing problems or headaches, sometimes lasting for a couple of days after. Even worse, I found that there has not been sufficient safety testing done to determine if implants and other devices/conditions, presumed safe for the original 1.5 MRI exposure, have not been proven safe in the new 3.0 machines. Some of them were urging for the testing to be completed prior to patient exposure.
I don't understand why this didn't happen, but I will certainly never be subjecting myself to this again. If you need to have an MRI, When making appt, always ask if they have the new 3.0 Tesla machines, and ask if you can request the older 1.5 instead. Double check this during your appt, before they put you into the machine. The pictures generated from the 1.5 are excellent, so there should be no need for these uncomfortable, potentially dangerous machines to be used. If you've had a negative experience involving the new machines, call the MA Bureau of Healthcare Safety at (617) 753-8000. Every report received will help!
Update following MGH response: My only complaints concerning MGHC specifically is that it was not disclosed to me that some implants, devices and med conditions deemed safe for the 1.5 havent been proven safe in the 3.0 machines. I also wasnt told before entering that I had a choice, and that the risks of the machine could incl persistent dizziness (not just upon coming out), nausea, headache, and heating could result in burns. This info is out there, and needs to be disclosed before patients go in. I'd advise that you do so in a signed consent form, to help reduce your facility from liability, if you choose to use these machines. I did speak to my dr, and he knew nothing about the new scanners and their effects. I will be following up. Thanks.