MUSC’s First Upright MRI Is Changing Lives, Thanks to One Patient’s Vision
A new, specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine at the Medical University of South Carolina Health West Ashley Medical Pavillion is bringing the technology to patients who need it. And it’s thanks to a patient who needed it.
Sydney Severance was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which affects the connective tissues in the joints. She became ill in March 2020, suffering from debilitating pain. Sunil Patel, M.D., chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at MUSC, suspected that Severance had EDS, but needed an upright MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Instead of lying prone, patients can be scanned in a standing position with an upright MRI, providing a better look at spinal instabilities and other conditions that may not be seen if the patient is lying down. However, with no such machines in Charleston, Severance had to travel out of state for the procedure. In January 2021, Severance took it upon herself to make sure no other MUSC patient would have to make the journey.
“I knew there had to be a better way for others to get the confirmation and reassurance that they needed,” Severance said. “I’m so thankful for the support of my family, friends and others who made this possible.” Even though she was just 17, she launched Operation Upright, which set out to raise $1.2 million to fund the purchase of the machine. She reached her goal in April 2023; combined with additional funding from MUSC Health, the facility was able to buy the $2.5 million MRI system and the renovations required to house it. Now the patients who need it can stand tall as their doctors provide the best possible care.