On a possible mechanism for peripheral nerve stimulation during magnetic resonance imaging scans.
When patients undergo a magnetic resonance imaging scan, they are subject to both strong static and temporal magnetic fields. The temporal fields are designed to vary at each point in the region being imaged. This is achieved by the use of gradient coils. However, when the gradient coils are switched very rapidly, the strongly time-varying magnetic fields produced can be responsible for stimulating nerves in the peripheral regions of the body. This paper gives a somewhat novel explanation for this phenomenon. The physical mechanism suggested is supported by an illustrative theoretical calculation.
School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
L K
LK
Forbes
S
S
Crozier
D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008280:Magnetics / Q000009:adverse effects; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*; D012449:Safety