Aim:

The aim of this study was assess the postural stability of patients exposed to strong magnetic fields during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quantitatively with biodex stability system (BSS).

Materials and Methods:

Patients included in the study were selected among the patients who applied to the radiology clinic for brain MRI. Patients with any orthopedic, neurological, visual, auditory and systemic diseases that may cause postural stability disorder were excluded from the study. Postural stability was evaluated by BSS, which can be used for both static and dynamic evaluation and also provides quantitative measurement. Evaluation was performed before and immediately after MRI. Mediodateral, anteroposterior, general stability indices and fall risk index values were measured with BSS. It was evaluated whether there was a statistically significant difference between the values obtained before and after MRI.

Results:

Forty patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 18 were male and 22 were female. The mean age was 41.3 ± 17.3 years. When postural stability measurement values were compared before and after MRI, a significant increase was found in mediolateral stability and fall risk index values (p = 0,03, p = 0,01, respectively). There was no significant difference between general stability and anteroposterior stability index values (p> 0.05).

Conclusion:

Mediolateral stability and fall risk index parameters increase in quantitative evaluation of postural stability in patients exposed to high magnetic field by cranial MRI. We think it is helpful to warn especially high-risk patients that postural stability may deteriorate after cranial MRI.

Keywords: Biodex stability system, magnetic resonance imaging, postural stability