The internet recently rediscovered a shocking story involving a young woman’s painful experience during an MRI scan. The incident, initially reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2023, highlights the critical importance of disclosing all foreign objects before undergoing medical imaging procedures.
The FDA report details the experience of a 22-year-old woman who underwent an MRI scan without informing medical personnel that she had a butt plug inserted. As the technician moved the table after the scan, the woman screamed in pain, complaining of nausea and feeling faint. An ambulance transported her to a hospital, but her condition afterward remains unknown despite attempts by medical staff to follow up.
The FDA report states:
Patient was screened for [an] mri and did not disclose that she had a “butt plug” inserted. She went in for the mri and when the mri was over and the tech was pulling the table out the patient started to scream. The patient stated that she felt nauseous, was in pain, and felt like she was going to pass out. An ambulance was called for this patient and she was sent to the hospital. The patient was checked out by the radiologist at the site before transport to ensure the patient was doing okay. The patient has not returned any of our calls yet to try and follow up to see how she is doing.
It’s crucial to remember that the powerful magnet within an MRI machine is always active. Patients are consistently advised to remove any metallic objects to prevent potential harm. Ignoring these warnings can have serious consequences, as evidenced by past incidents involving metallic objects brought into MRI rooms.
Following the initial FDA report, an unverified account circulated online, suggesting the butt plug contained a hidden metal core despite being labeled as 100% silicone. This version claims the woman suffered severe injuries and intended to sue the manufacturer. This narrative, reportedly originating from a lawyer named Chris Goodnow, remains unsubstantiated. While a lawyer with that name exists, no independent confirmation links him to this case.
Regardless of the unconfirmed details, the FDA report confirms a real patient experienced a painful incident. After her hospital admission, her condition remains undisclosed as she hasn’t responded to follow-up attempts.
This incident underscores the importance of adhering to pre-MRI safety guidelines. Open communication with medical professionals about any foreign objects, regardless of material composition, is paramount to ensuring patient safety and preventing potential harm during MRI procedures. Hopefully, the woman’s experience serves as a reminder of these vital precautions.
