title: Pilot study investigating the effect of the static magnetic field from a 9.4-T MRI on the vestibular system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To objectively evaluate workers' sensory symptoms and vestibular function after exposure to a strong, new generation 9.4-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six MRI employees underwent standardized electronystagmographic evaluation, postural testing, and caloric function at baseline evaluation, 30 minutes postexposure to 9.4 T static field and at a 3-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants noted sensory symptoms after exposure. No overall deterioration in vestibular function was noted following 30-minute exposure or at a 3-month follow-up. A higher occurrence of tonic vestibular asymmetry, hyperreactive caloric responses, and spontaneous nystagmus was noted compared with that of the normal population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Workers exposed to the new, stronger MRIs experience sensory symptoms but it is unclear as yet whether long-term vestibular damage occurs. The higher rates of vestibular changes noted could argue for improved worker surveillance and exposure control.
authors.affiliation: Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Occupational Medicine Residency Training Program, University of Illinois, Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, USA. mitapatel77@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Mita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Williamsom
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dorevitch
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buchanan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests