Common Symptoms
Some of the symptoms experienced fall outside normal descriptive terms for medical symptoms making it hard for patients to communicate to their doctors just what they are experiencing.
In rough order of frequency as reported in our Survey of the Chronic Effects of Retained Gadolinium from Contrast MRIs:
- •Pain – aching; burning, tingling, and/or prickling pain (paresthesia); deep bone pain. Typically in extremities or joints, and sometimes in the location where the MRI occurred, like the head.
- •Dermal changes – like tight skin, lesions, hyperpigmentation. Most often in extremities.
- •Muscle issues – twitching – small, local, rapid contractions and weakness
- •Ocular problems – worsening vision, dry eyes, bloodshot eyes
- •Cognitive symptoms
- •Ear, nose and throat – tinnitus, swallowing, and voice problems
- •Low body temperature
- •Hair loss
- •Itchy skin
- •Balance problems
- •Swelling of extremities (edema)
Special Note: There is one symptom experienced by many that transcends several of the symptoms listed above. It is a sense of an electrified, vibrating, twitching feeling typically just under the skin that is sometimes localized and at other times a more overall feeling. Sometimes it feels like something is crawling around under the skin. This is a particularly alarming feeling when first experienced as it is unlike anything that the person has ever experienced and it is very difficult to explain to doctors.
Symptoms by Body System
Symptoms reported within the first 3 months after last MRI with GBCA (WITH Group - 185 patients with confirmed gadolinium retention)
Nervous System
Skeletal System
Integumentary System (Skin)
Endocrine System
Cardiovascular & Circulatory System
Digestive System
Respiratory System
Urinary System
Symptoms of Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD) Explained
Do you know the symptoms of Gadolinium Deposition Disease after an MRI with gadolinium contrast? In this informative video series, we dive deep into how to identify this condition related to magnetic resonance imaging. Our radiology expert, Dr. Richard Semelka, explains the warning signs you should look out for and the steps you can take if you suspect you may be affected. Understanding the effects of gadolinium deposition is crucial for your health post-MRI. Watch now to learn more about this important topic and stay informed about your radiology procedures. Don't miss out on this essential knowledge!
Key Symptoms Discussed in This Video
Dr. Semelka covers the following key symptoms of Gadolinium Deposition Disease:
- •Burning skin pain
- •Bone pain (stabbing rib pain)
- •Brain fog
- •Pins and needle sensation in fingers and feet
- •Twitching/contraction of muscles
- •Ringing in ear (tinnitus)
- •Vision problems
- •Cardiac arrhythmias
- •GI symptoms
Sources and Review
Author: Gadolinium.org Editorial Team (Patient-Led Education)
Last reviewed: February 21, 2026
Medical review context: Reviewed against published patient-survey findings and physician-linked educational sources on this page.
This page is for education only and is not a diagnosis or treatment plan.