At Children’s Health℠, our specialized MRI facilities are designed specifically for children in order to get the highest quality images in the shortest amount of time. Our MRI scanners are certified by the American College of Radiology for image quality and our technologists are fully experienced in working with children of all ages with a wide range of conditions.
Overview
What is a pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
a pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is a machine with a circular tunnel in the middle used to take pictures. MRI uses radiofrequency to create specialized two- and three-dimensional images of your child’s body, without the use of radiation. MRI for children is versatile and especially useful to see tissues and organs anywhere in the body that otherwise may only be seen through surgery.
This includes:
Blood vessels
Bone marrow
Brain
Soft tissue, muscle, ligaments, tendons and cartilage
Spine
Benefits
What are the benefits of a pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
While MRI and X-ray are both imaging techniques, MRI can take more detailed 3-D images of organs, tissues and blood vessels without exposing your child to radiation.
What to Expect
What can I expect before a pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
Once you’ve arrived for your child’s appointment, a member of the radiology team will walk you back to our MRI preparation area. We will complete any pre-procedural assessment, screening forms, and your child will change into a hospital gown.
Some exams require contrast for the MRI pictures. This is administered orally or through intravenous therapy or an IV, depending on the type of study needed. If an IV is needed, we will do this prior to the start of the MRI scan.
If your child is nervous about his MRI, please let a team member know so we can utilize additional support from our child life specialist to promote a successful scan.
Our child life specialist can work with children of all ages and parents to additionally prepare them for their MRI, helping to alleviate any anxiety. They use age appropriate language and teaching tools such as dolls, photos, or mock MRI scanners with sound clips to help children understand what to expect.
When it’s time for your child’s scan, the MRI technologists will help position your child on the MRI table according to the type of scan required. While many children are positioned on their backs, some scans require children to lie on their stomachs or sides, head first or feet first. Our MRI technologists are experienced with pediatric patients of all ages and medical conditions and can provide ongoing support throughout the scan.
Sometimes, children require anesthesia during an MRI. If this is the case with your child, he or she will be cared for in our Radiology Anesthesia Unit by pediatric nurses and anesthesiologists before and after their imaging study. Following your child’s pre-procedural assessment by our team, they will be escorted to MRI and you will be asked to wait in the waiting room until the test is complete. The anesthesiologists are present throughout the procedure to continuously monitor your child and ensure their comfort.
How to Prepare
What are the prep instructions before a pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
Be honest and provide simple explanations about what to expect. Children need to know what they will see, feel, and hear during procedures.
See - When entering the MRI room, they will see a large machine with a tunnel in the middle. This is the camera. During the scan, they might be watching a movie.
Feel - MRI’s do not hurt. If the scan is ordered with contrast, they will need an IV before the scan starts.
Hear - The machine is noisy. They will hear various beeping and/or knocking sounds. They will be given headphones to hear the movie or music while also reducing the sounds of the machine.
Allow your child to ask questions about the upcoming experience.
If you do not know how to answer your child’s questions, it’s okay to say “I don’t know.”
Write down any questions you want to ask before the procedure or call the hospital to find out in advance.
Follow your child’s lead.
If they do not want to know about the procedure, do not force a discussion or overwhelm them with information.
Practice makes perfect! It’s very important for your child to remain still during the pictures.
Create a game encouraging your child to practice holding still. Set a timer for 2 minutes and gradually increase time up to 5-6 minutes. It can be challenging to hold still on the day of the appointment without any prior practice.
