Acute vertigo in an anesthesia provider during exposure to a 3T MRI scanner

Abstract

Andrew Gorlin,1 Joseph M Hoxworth,2 William Pavlicek,2 Christopher A Thunberg,1 David Seamans1 1Department of Anesthesiology, 2Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA Abstract: Vertigo induced by exposure to the magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner is a well-known phenomenon within the radiology community but is not widely appreciated by other clinical specialists. Here, we describe a case of an anesthetist experiencing acute vertigo while providing sedation to a patient undergoing a 3 Tesla MRI scan. After discussing previous reports, and the evidence surrounding MRI-induced vertigo, we review potential etiologies that include the effects of both static and time-varying magnetic fields on the vestibular apparatus. We conclude our review by discussing the occupational standards that exist for MRI exposure and methods to minimize the risks of MRI-induced vertigo for clinicians working in the MRI environment. Keywords: occupational medicine, MRI worker safety, vestibular dysfunction, magnetic field, 3T MRI scanner