Neurobehavioral effects among subjects exposed to high static and gradient magnetic fields from a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system: a case-crossover pilot study
article
The interactive use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques is increasing in operating theaters. A study was performed on 17 male company volunteers to assess the neurobehavioral effects of exposure to magnetic fields from a 1.5 Tesla MRI system. The subjects' neurobehavioral performances on a neurobehavioral test battery were compared in four 1-hr sessions with and without exposure to magnetic fields, and with and without additional movements. Adverse effects were found for hand coordination (-4%, P < 0.05; Pursuit Aiming II) and near visual contrast sensitivity (-16% and -15%, P < 0.10; Vistech 6000™). The results from the remaining tests were inconclusive due to a strong learning effect. No additional effect from gradient fields was detected. The results indicate that working near a 1.5 Tesla MRI system may lead to neurobehavioral effects. Further research is recommended, especially in members of operating teams using interactive MRI systems.
Topics
Food and Chemical Risk AnalysisMagnetic fieldsMRINeurobehavioral effectsOccupational exposureCognitionContrast sensitivityHuman experimentMotor coordinationNeurologic examinationNuclear magnetic resonance imagingOccupational safetyPilot studyCentral Nervous SystemCross-Over StudiesMotor SkillsNeuropsychological TestsOperating Rooms
TNO Identifier
237313
ISSN
07403194
Source
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 50(4), pp. 670-674.
Collation
5 p.
Pages
670-674
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