Can you have an mri with a bullet stuck in your body?

Answer 1

This is controversial as bullets can deflect and move in conventional 1.5T scanners. Research the various literature yourself at the NLM pubmed site (Google it). There are reports of bullets migrating within the spinal canal, and reports of no adverse sequela to the patient with bullets in their canals undergoing mri with complete paralysis. Bullets near vessels are dangerous, as fragments can theoretically cause vascular injury (bleed!). In general, most radiologists favor not putting patients at risk when bullets are near the spinal cord or major blood vessels. There are always exceptional cases, dealt with on a case-by-case basis. This is controversial as bullets can deflect and move in conventional 1.5T scanners. Research the various literature yourself at the NLM pubmed site (google it). There are reports of bullets migrating within the spinal canal, and reports of no adverse sequela to the patient with bullets in their canals undergoing mri with complete paralysis. Bullets near vessels are dangerous, as fragments can theoretically cause vascular injury (bleed!). In general, most radiologists favor not putting patients at risk when bullets are near the spinal cord or major blood vessels. There are always exceptional cases, dealt with on a case-by-case basis.