UH Professor Warns of Nerve Risks in MRI Scans

Implanted electrodes could trigger unintended nerve stimulation during MRI, study finds.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:26am

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A University of Houston engineering professor is warning that implanted cuff electrodes, widely used in therapy for epilepsy, depression and inflammatory disorders, could trigger unintended nerve stimulation for patients undergoing an MRI scan. The study, led by Ji Chen, used computer simulations to examine how MRI fields interact with the cuff electrodes, finding that the presence of the cuff electrode significantly reduces the activation threshold for triggering a nerve response under gradient field exposure, while RF-induced heating further decreases the threshold for stimulations with short pulse durations.

Why it matters

This study raises important safety concerns about the use of MRI scans on patients with implanted nerve stimulation devices, suggesting that current MRI safety guidelines may not fully account for these types of implants. The findings could lead to the development of new guidelines and design considerations to mitigate the risks for patients with implanted cuff electrodes.

The details

The implanted electrodes, which stimulate the vagus nerve, are metallic and positioned near the nerve bundle, so their presence in an MRI environment raises concerns about nerve stimulation due to fast-switching gradient coils and radio frequency coil-induced heating near nerve fibers. The study found that the presence of the cuff electrode significantly reduces the activation threshold, or minimum electrical level needed to trigger a nerve response, under gradient field exposure, while RF-induced heating further decreases the threshold for stimulations with short pulse durations.

  • The study was led by Ji Chen, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Houston.
  • Chen reported his findings in the journal Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

The players

Ji Chen

A professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Houston who led the study examining the risks of implanted cuff electrodes during MRI scans.

University of Houston

The university where Ji Chen is a professor and where the study was conducted.

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What they’re saying

“We found that patients with implantable devices may experience unintended nerve stimulation during MRI, which could cause discomfort or pain. This suggests that current MRI safety guidelines may not fully account for implanted nerve cuffs, and that more refined guidelines and careful safety considerations are needed.”

— Ji Chen, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Magnetic Resonance in Medicine)

What’s next

Chen's team is developing methods and new designs to mitigate these risks in future cuff electrodes.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of carefully considering the safety implications of MRI scans for patients with implanted medical devices, such as nerve stimulation electrodes. The findings could lead to updated guidelines and design changes to improve patient safety during MRI procedures.