MRI With a Sacral Nerve Stimulator: Arrange the Device Check

If you have a permanent sacral nerve stimulator for bladder symptoms and an MRI is proposed, tell the imaging service about the implant before the appointment. Ask it to coordinate the device check with your implant team before confirming the scan arrangements.

Collect the details the teams need

Guy’s and St Thomas’ advises patients with an implanted stimulator to carry their patient identification card. Its information says newer devices can permit MRI under particular conditions, which the team should explain.²

• Find your implant card and any device information the implant service gave you.
• Ask the imaging service how it wants to receive those details.
• If the card is missing or unclear, contact the implant team for help identifying your device.
• Keep the implant service’s contact details with the MRI appointment letter.

Tell the imaging team before scan day

The NHS³ MRI safety questionnaire asks about previous surgery and metal parts in the body, including implanted devices. The hospital provides instructions for the particular scan.³

• Explain that you have a sacral nerve stimulator when arranging the appointment.
• Tell the service if you are unsure of the device details or have had further surgery involving it.
• Ask whether the imaging and implant teams have the information they need.
• Request confirmation of the next step if the safety assessment is still being arranged.

You could say: “Please confirm what you need from my implant team before deciding whether and how this scan can go ahead.”

Confirm who handles any device requirements

• Ask the teams to explain the conditions that apply to your own device and proposed scan.
• Confirm who will give you any device instructions and when.
• Ask who handles any required checks before and after the appointment.
• Have unclear instructions explained directly; do not copy another person’s settings or preparation.

Do not change the device yourself based on this checklist. Get any directions from the professionals assessing your implant and scan together. Ask them to resolve conflicting paperwork before the appointment.

Include comfort and follow-up questions

The NHS³ advises discussing MRI anxiety or claustrophobia with the hospital beforehand. You can also ask whether someone may accompany you for support.³

Tell the team what help you want discussed. Confirm who will explain the scan report and how the referring clinician will connect it with the reason for the investigation. Keep the safety arrangements and result-contact details together.

Laugh, Sneeze, Jump includes an appointment prep sheet. Use it to collect your device-check questions and the arrangements the teams confirm. Explore the bladder and pelvic-floor playbook.