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What is an MRI scan?
MRI stands for ‘magnetic resonance imaging’. This is a type of scan that uses a magnetic field to take detailed pictures of the inside of your child’s body. It does not use X-rays.
Why does my child need an MRI scan?
The doctor treating your child will give you the reason for the scan, as the reasons it is needed are different for each child. Generally, the scan is done to help your doctor make a diagnosis for your child’s symptoms. Your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form to show that you agree for your child to have the scan. You are able to ask your doctor any questions you may have.
How do I know when the scan will be?
The MRI department will send you an appointment letter through the post. If this is at an inconvenient time, then please phone the MRI department to rearrange.
With the appointment letter you will also receive an ‘MRI safety checklist’ that you need to fill in and return to the MRI department.
Why does it have to be done under general anaesthetic?
Having an MRI scan involves lying very still on a table that moves in and out through a hollow tube. It is also quite noisy. This may feel quite daunting for some children. It is important that your child lies absolutely still for the scan. Any movement during the scan makes the pictures blurred, and makes them difficult to interpret. Due to their age, or a medical condition, some children may find it difficult to lie still, so having a general anaesthetic is the best option in order to get the best quality pictures.
What are the risks of having the scan done?
There are no known risks that are associated with having an MRI scan. However, because
the scan involves magnetic fields, it is not suitable for people with certain metallic implants,
e.g., aneurysm clips or pacemakers. This is why it is essential that you fill in the ‘MRI safety
questionnaire’ prior to your scan. It is safe for your child to have an MRI if he/she has a fixed dental brace. You can discuss any concerns you may have with the MRI department.
There are some risks associated with having an anaesthetic. These include ‘aspiration’ (where the contents of the stomach go into the lungs) – this risk is minimised by your child having an empty stomach. There is also a very small risk of an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic drugs used. If someone in your family has had a reaction to anaesthetic drugs in the past then please discuss this with the Anaesthetist on the day of the scan.
Please note that the scan could get cancelled if the Consultant Anaesthetist feels that your child is not well enough to have the anaesthetic.
What should I do if I have a query about my child’s appointment?
If you have any queries about your scan or wish to alter the appointment, please contact the radiology department on 03006147052 between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
What happens on the day of the scan?
Your child will need to have an empty stomach for the scan, and the instructions for this will
be sent out with your appointment letter. Details of where to attend on the day of the scan
will be in your appointment letter. The Anaesthetist will come and see your child prior to the
scan.
When it is time for your child’s scan, they will be taken to the scan room by a member of the nursing staff. Your child will then go into the anaesthetic room and will have a mask through which they will breathe an anaesthetic gas to put them to sleep; or sometimes a small cannula will be inserted and anaesthetic given through the cannula. You can stay with your child until they are asleep.
A small cannula (if not done before) will be placed into their hand after they are asleep. This is done in case your child needs any fluids or medicines during the anaesthetic.
Your child will lie on the bed for the scan. Depending on the part of their body being scanned, they may need to have a coil over part of their body or wear a head coil (this will not touch their head). When your child is in the correct position, the radiographer will move the bed inside the scanner and then go into the control room.
During the scan your child may need some ‘contrast’ injected into their cannula. Contrast can help areas of concern on the scan be visualised more clearly. Very occasionally children can have a serious allergic reaction to the contrast, but the doctors looking after your child are trained in how to spot this and can treat it immediately.
When the scan has finished, the radiographer will move the bed out of the scanner. Your child will be moved into the recovery area to wake up from the general anaesthetic. You will then be called so you can be with your child as he/she wakes up. Your child will then be brought back to the assessment unit. Once he/she is awake enough, has had something to eat and drink, and been to the toilet, your child will be discharged. This is normally early afternoon.
When will I get the results of the scan?
You will not get the results of the scan on the same day. The doctor who has requested for your child to have a scan will give you the results next time you are seen in out patients, or will have made alternative arrangements with you.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Paediatrics service.
About this information
Service:
Paediatrics
Reference:
P/045
Approval date:
12 July 2024
Review date:
1 March 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.