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Can an MRI cause Tinnitus
On 1-24-13 I had an MRI screening for pain and pressure on the left side of my face and head. My head was put in a cage (as I call it) and tilted back which that angle causes the pressure to increase. One tech said they only like to do 45 mins. at a time and what my Dr. requested was actually 2 45 min. sessions and then they rolled me in. No one ever spoke to me although I keep talking and trying to get a response. I left arm went to sleep and pain started to radiated in my left shoulder blade and finally to the left side of my chest. I continued to ask for assistance but reply. Since this was not my first MRI I knew to stay as still as possible and was taking breathes between the noise but breathing was getting harder and harder. I shook my legs several times with no response and knew I needed to get out because of the pain on my body's left side. Then I suddenly could not breathe at all and experienced my first panic attack. I kicked my legs violently and FINALLY someone came and took me out, there was no panic button or I would have pressed it a long time ago. Two different people now since it had been an hour and 15 minutes since I went in. I was shaking, sweating and felt very flushed. One tech actually asked if I could finish the last 15 minutes!! Then she said she would have been finished but I kept moving!! UNBELIEVABLE! I told her my ears were ringing terribly and she said that would go away...well...it's over 2 years now and they ring so loud yet that I'm unable to drown out the noise. I now suffer from panic attacks and the ringing actually brings on attacks because the ringing is something I can't get away from which causes me to feel trapped...a vicious circle! I did file a complaint and was told the hospital would look into getting a panic button and the two-way speaker wasn't working that day. This is a very large hospital and you'd think that one of the 4 techs would have the common sense to realize me flailing my legs was a sign there was trouble OR the fact I did not respond, if they even tried to talk with me, during the testing that they should check on me! I now take medication that somewhat controls the panic attacks but there is nothing for the ringing. Since I had very good hearing before I was in the MRI coming out and now having this problem is just devastating. My whole life has changed and I do not enjoy the days I live anymore. I was very active with friends and horses but that has diminished greatly because of the panic attacks and ringing ears because I don't feel like I fit in anymore since my personality has changed, I really feel lonely at times.
Unfortunately I've been unable to find an attorney to represent me because our state has a recovery cap that is pretty low so not profitable for litigation. Also, it is nearly impossible to prove mental damage and I really can't prove I didn't have ear ringing before the MRI. I do have a Dr. that backs me all the way and feels the hospital was completely negligent which makes me feel better to have that support but unfortunately doesn't change the outcome of my experience.
I know this was Long but thought I needed to explain all that happened to get a clear understanding of the situation and what I experienced. I got all the "technical" jive about how and MRI cannot cause tinnitus but all I know is that I DIDN'T have ear ringing BEFORE I went in the MRI and DID when I came out! Of course no one wants to challenge this but I've found hundreds of people who've had this happen but I guess the victims mean nothing.
This is my story and I would appreciate all your feedback. Thank You for Reading.
Unfortunately I've been unable to find an attorney to represent me because our state has a recovery cap that is pretty low so not profitable for litigation. Also, it is nearly impossible to prove mental damage and I really can't prove I didn't have ear ringing before the MRI. I do have a Dr. that backs me all the way and feels the hospital was completely negligent which makes me feel better to have that support but unfortunately doesn't change the outcome of my experience.
I know this was Long but thought I needed to explain all that happened to get a clear understanding of the situation and what I experienced. I got all the "technical" jive about how and MRI cannot cause tinnitus but all I know is that I DIDN'T have ear ringing BEFORE I went in the MRI and DID when I came out! Of course no one wants to challenge this but I've found hundreds of people who've had this happen but I guess the victims mean nothing.
This is my story and I would appreciate all your feedback. Thank You for Reading.
This past February 2018 an MRI was administered to me to have a closer look at my lower back. Within 10 to 15 minutes after the completion of the MRI, I experienced continuous high pitched ringing in my ears which continues to this day ( now October). It hasn’t subsided. It hasn’t ceased at any time. I had no hearing problems until the administration of the MRI. I have seen two ENTs who have tried they’re best in my opinion and my second continues to do so. I have been making notes in case that day comes (I hope quickly) to find a resolution hopefully medically. If a lawsuit is necessary to protect others in addition to every friend or person I meet and relate the experience to , that would at least be some consequence of this continuous inability to enjoy any moment of no noise in the house or ability to concentrate. My best of good wishes and blessings to you.
2 Comments
Maybe someone can find a lawyer to represent ALL of us?! I'd sure be in for that! It may not help with the tinnitus but would bring awareness to the severity an MRI can inflict and they'd have to admit what they all seem to hide from people!! I think for those who have sensitive hearing it may be a huge issue!
Wow, I also got T the next morning after a catscan. I always suspected the dye. I knew it, I jyst knew it was due ro that blasted thing. I never ever had issues with my ears until right after the catscan. Now I won't take mammograms or any kind of xray using either dye or radiation. My ears have been ringing for well over 3 yrs now. Some days are horrid, but praise Jesus it doesnt stay real loud..mostly lie a 6 out if 10..but sometimes it will be like a 9..those days have me crying and praying.. I'm angry that this has happened..but am glad to know that I'm not the only one. Hate you all have it but knowing I'm not crazy helps..I do notice stress makes worse..certain foods as well..cheese fir example..anyone else notice a change if T after certain foods??
Hi, I know exactly what your going through, I was given 2 MRI's back to back in Oct 2016, and on the 2nd one I walked out of the office with a new ringing me -lol! I have to make jokes because there are days I pray for death. I've found something that help and am will to try anything- home remedies, sound therapy you name it. Just like you on the Xanax for panic attacks especially at night, melatonin does help as well. Lawyers keep telling me to act, but won't take on the case,- I have one lawyer that says if we could find a doctor who will connect the MRI as a possible cause - will take on the challenge of representing me. Wondering if you would be so kind as to providing the doctor's name that connected your MRI to the Tinnitus? I'm sure that we could help each other in this daily battle and hope you receive this message in better mental heath~ Regards Rfont
1 Comments
Sorry I am so late in a reply but everything from here went in to Trash and I just came back to the sight. I have found some blogs where people absolutely blame the MRI for their tinnitus...same as me...went in with No ringing and came out With Ringing. My Doctor was willing to testify for free that I had never mentioned ear ringing and it's no where in my charts..AND...that I had never suffered from panic attacks! BUT, I could not find an attorney anywhere to represent me against a hospital so I got Screwed!! I have seen a therapist for the panic and with shear determination was able to overcome about 90% of any issues. There are the times that something will hit me before I know it but very seldom. I only took Xanax if I knew I'd be unable to more or in a very small enclosure and only took 1 all of 2018! My issue with panic are not claustrophobic but more of being in a situation I can't get away from. Weird things I've discovered like those plastic wrist bands...wow! The 1st one I couldn't slide off really sent me into panic so if I can slide it off I'm fine. I was in a HUGE HUGE cave and was fine until the lady shut the door and I couldn't get out fast enough! One day we were in a car wash with our Suburban and I was fine until the flappers went down over the back windows and I was ready to jump out with the sprayers going! My husband talked me out of it. Those are some of the isolated incidents but most were minor which caused sweating, holding my breath and fleeing. I was just not going to let this take over my life and that's how I've overcome most of the panic. The tinnitus will always be an issue, fans and TV help me sleep. My husband has had tinnitus many years from Vietnam but since I had such good hearing the change that happened in 90 minutes was devastating. And, my Dr. has gone out of private practice so can't help in that area at all. I do hope you receive this even at this late date and let me know how you are doing.
I'm feeling panicky just reading your horrible experience.
My experience of MRI's is not good either. I felt stuck and panicked in the first one so didn't get an image done of my lower spine. I already suffered from tinnitus, but I cannot remember if I got any ear protection to wear. I had to attend an open sided scanner in the end. I remember having a cage over my belly, to take an image of the lower back. I was completely in the machine, but it did have open sides, but I cannot remember if they gave me any ear protection in that one either. I do remember it was extremely noisy and I could barely hear myself think. I remember panicking even with the open sided scanner and my session was nowhere near as long as the one you had.
I have every sympathy for you and I agree that the hospital was negligent. I agree that it is very difficult to prove the tinnitus case, but would have thought that your medical records would show that you did not suffer with that before the scan. In my view your hearing could have been damaged due to the high decibel level. And it would be useful to find out the level of decibels that the machine produces and find out at what level of decibels and the exposure time that the hearing is damaged. It is well known and well documented that long term exposure to high decibel levels can damage hearing. If you have not been referred to the ear specialist, then this may be something to consider.
I am not sure which authority is responsible and can help you with regard to information on noise levels.
I suffer from tinnitus and have done so for many years, but I have learned to live with it. Occasionally I experience very intense high pitched sounds, but they don't last that long. Many years ago, when I saw the ENT specialist I was told that there are what are called "white noise" gadgets. This can mask the uncomfortable nose levels that you are experiencing, so it is worth getting a referral to the Ear specialist and find out what is available these days.
Although the level of decibels may have caused damage to your ears, what also concerns me is with your neck being extended back so much. If you already had any cervical degeneration, any manipulation of the neck could have triggered some kind of nerve impingement. It may be worth getting your neck checked for any degeneration or misalignment.
Tinnitus is one of those conditions that it is not known what causes it.
In any event, I too feel that the hospital was negligent in allowing you to be placed in a machine without an alarm mechanism that was not working as well as not giving you any ear protection when placed in the machine for such a long time.
The problem with suing anyone, always has a risk of you losing the case even when there is lots of evidence available - sometimes it is down to what judge you get on the day too. When this happens you could end up with having to pay the other party's legal fees. It may be worth speaking with a lawyer who specialises in hearing loss due to negligence (like work related hearing loss due to not being provided with the appropriate protection and training in the work place).
There is the option of suing privately, in a Small Claim County Court, but there is a monetary limit restriction when taking cases to the Small Claims Court and also as you represented yourself, the stress and anxiety as well as preparing your case can be extremely overwhelming.
You may already be aware that there is also a time scale to claim for damages against negligence. In the UK it is 3 years, it may be different where you live.
For your anxiety and panic attacks, it may be worth asking the doctor to refer you for counselling, relaxation classes, breathing exercises or other learning strategies to help you to learn how to manage your panic attacks.
Breathing deeply and slowly through the nose, holding for a few seconds and then breathing out through the mouth is one way to help reduce a panic attack.
The type of counselling that helps people with flashbacks may be helpful for you.
My experience of MRI's is not good either. I felt stuck and panicked in the first one so didn't get an image done of my lower spine. I already suffered from tinnitus, but I cannot remember if I got any ear protection to wear. I had to attend an open sided scanner in the end. I remember having a cage over my belly, to take an image of the lower back. I was completely in the machine, but it did have open sides, but I cannot remember if they gave me any ear protection in that one either. I do remember it was extremely noisy and I could barely hear myself think. I remember panicking even with the open sided scanner and my session was nowhere near as long as the one you had.
I have every sympathy for you and I agree that the hospital was negligent. I agree that it is very difficult to prove the tinnitus case, but would have thought that your medical records would show that you did not suffer with that before the scan. In my view your hearing could have been damaged due to the high decibel level. And it would be useful to find out the level of decibels that the machine produces and find out at what level of decibels and the exposure time that the hearing is damaged. It is well known and well documented that long term exposure to high decibel levels can damage hearing. If you have not been referred to the ear specialist, then this may be something to consider.
I am not sure which authority is responsible and can help you with regard to information on noise levels.
I suffer from tinnitus and have done so for many years, but I have learned to live with it. Occasionally I experience very intense high pitched sounds, but they don't last that long. Many years ago, when I saw the ENT specialist I was told that there are what are called "white noise" gadgets. This can mask the uncomfortable nose levels that you are experiencing, so it is worth getting a referral to the Ear specialist and find out what is available these days.
Although the level of decibels may have caused damage to your ears, what also concerns me is with your neck being extended back so much. If you already had any cervical degeneration, any manipulation of the neck could have triggered some kind of nerve impingement. It may be worth getting your neck checked for any degeneration or misalignment.
Tinnitus is one of those conditions that it is not known what causes it.
In any event, I too feel that the hospital was negligent in allowing you to be placed in a machine without an alarm mechanism that was not working as well as not giving you any ear protection when placed in the machine for such a long time.
The problem with suing anyone, always has a risk of you losing the case even when there is lots of evidence available - sometimes it is down to what judge you get on the day too. When this happens you could end up with having to pay the other party's legal fees. It may be worth speaking with a lawyer who specialises in hearing loss due to negligence (like work related hearing loss due to not being provided with the appropriate protection and training in the work place).
There is the option of suing privately, in a Small Claim County Court, but there is a monetary limit restriction when taking cases to the Small Claims Court and also as you represented yourself, the stress and anxiety as well as preparing your case can be extremely overwhelming.
You may already be aware that there is also a time scale to claim for damages against negligence. In the UK it is 3 years, it may be different where you live.
For your anxiety and panic attacks, it may be worth asking the doctor to refer you for counselling, relaxation classes, breathing exercises or other learning strategies to help you to learn how to manage your panic attacks.
Breathing deeply and slowly through the nose, holding for a few seconds and then breathing out through the mouth is one way to help reduce a panic attack.
The type of counselling that helps people with flashbacks may be helpful for you.
You have my apologies if I insinuated you have psychiatric issues. You undoubtedly have a genuine disability. The question is whether or not a jury would believe that and whether or not there is in fact a connection.
What is your degree in? To even insinuate someone has a mental disorder because they suffer from tinnitus caused by an MRI is dangerous and shows your lack of education. I hope you caretaking is limited to plants.
You are misinformed and clearly lacking education on MRI's. I had a 3Tesla MRI with no hearing protection. This caused hearing loss, hyperacussis and tinnitus. I am in litigation.
Caregiver 222? Caregiver of what?
Caregiver 222? Caregiver of what?
1 Comments
Can you please provide a lawyer? They all tell me to act quickly, but are not willing to take on the challenge.
Whoa! In my opinion you have absolutely no case whatsoever. It is making a mountain out of a molehill. I cannot see any connection whatsoever between the tinnitus and the MRI. My two cents is whatever psychiatric issue you may be having have absolutely nothing to do with the MRI. I doubt you would find any physician in the United States who "would back you all the way" in a tort action.
In the future ask for a 3T MRI. The time to produce a better image is half to one third the time required for a 1 or 1 1/2 T MRI.
Close your eyes before enbtering the tube and don't open them until the MRI is finished.
In the future ask for a 3T MRI. The time to produce a better image is half to one third the time required for a 1 or 1 1/2 T MRI.
Close your eyes before enbtering the tube and don't open them until the MRI is finished.
2 Comments
you have no clue as to what your talking about, it's your subjective opinion, but there are forums dedicated to people getting Tinnitus after receiving an MRI - Just be grateful your not one of them. In the near future I would not be surprised if a class action lawsuit ensues...
Where ever you came up with Psychiatric Issue is a complete Insult! I had perfect hearing with NO ringing what so ever BEFORE I entered the MRI!! I was in 90 Minutes and the limit is supposed to be 45!! Along with the panic because I couldn't breathe my ears were ringing really loud! Since I'd never had that before it was extremely noticeable! 4 yrs. later and my ears still ring loudly and I have to turn the volume up on everything, ask "what" and can't understand low voices! I had NONE of this the second BEFORE the MRI but the second I came out!! If you think that is a molehill then I hope YOU suffer the same ordeal and we'll see how Minor it is to YOU!! Closing my eyes before entering the MRI is really stupid...I am not claustrophobic! Caregiver is definitely NOT the right name for you.
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