MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)

What is magnetic resonance imaging?

MRI is now available at Children's Outpatient Center at Westchester.

MRI is an imaging technology that uses a large magnet, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce two- or three-dimensional images of the body. The MRI Department at Children's Memorial is specially designed, equipped, and staffed by registered technologists to obtain high quality MRI examinations of pediatric patients of any size, age, and medical condition, including tiny newborns, small infants, toddlers, young children and maturing adolescents.

We offer fetal MRI as well. Learn more here.

MRI is used to visualize normal and abnormal tissue in a wide range of anatomic structures, including the brain, spine, abdomen, pelvis and extremities. The technology can also be used to look at vessels within the body. MRI exams can take about 45 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the test being performed.

If your child is under 7 years old, they might have to be sedated for the duration of the MRI procedure. You can find out how to prepare your child for the sedation procedure here.

Your child needs to remain very still during the exam. Because of the size of the equipment and length of the exams, even the most cooperative kids may have difficulty holding still. Therefore, your child may be given a small dose of short-acting sedation. The medication is mild enough that your child can be easily aroused. Most children under the age of 7 years will need to be sedated to complete the exam. If your child requires sedation, our medical imaging nurse will contact you ahead of time by phone with instructions. Find more information about sedation here.

Some children require general anesthesia because of certain medical conditions. General anesthesia is provided to your child by our pediatric anesthesiologists. The suites are designed to accomodate the anesthesia equipment within the magnetic resonance environment.

Before the MRI

Call 773.880.4277 to schedule an MRI.

Important: Please inform your physician if your child has a pacemaker, implant rods or aneurysm clips. Please fill out this MR form prior to your appointment, and bring it with you to your visit.

Before coming to the hospital prepare your child by reading this explanation and explain to your child what will happen during the test.

Infants

Although you cannot explain the test to your baby, you can help him/her feel more secure during the test if you:

  • Bring a special blanket, toy, and/or pacifier.
  • Comfort him with your presence and voice.
  • Bring along a bottle of juice or formula to feed him/her after the exam, depending on the type of exam being performed.

Toddlers and preschool-age children

Young children can become anxious about having a test done, so the best time to talk with your child is right before the test.

  • On the day of the test, tell your child that he/she will be having some “pictures” taken, so his doctor can help her/him feel better.
  • Use simple words and be honest with her/him.
  • Let your child know that you will stay with her/him until they fall asleep.
  • When you come to the hospital, bring a favorite book, toy, or blanket.
  • You may also bring along a snack for after the test.

School-age children

knee

This is an MRI of a knee.

School-age children have good imaginations and may frighten themselves by imagining something much worse than the actual test.

  • One or two days before the test, tell your child that he/she is going to the hospital to have some “pictures” taken of his body.
  • Use simple words. Be honest with your child and explain exactly what will happen.
  • Let your child know that you will stay with him during the test. If your child is being sedated you will be asked to leave once the child is asleep, but will be brought back into the area once the test is finished.
  • When you come to the hospital, bring along a favorite book, toy, or game. You can also bring a favorite CD for your child to listen to during the MRI scan.
  • You may also bring along a snack for after the test.

It is helpful to have another caregiver for your child's siblings. For young children or babies, it is a good idea to bring a stroller.

During the MRI

Before your child enters the MRI scan room they will be asked to put on a hospital gown or scrubs. Your child will lie on a bed on his back and/or front depending on the type of MRI being done. Before the exam starts all patients will be given either ear plugs or head phones to help with the loud noises that the MRI machine makes. Patients that are not sedated may bring a CD to listen to while having their MRI. Your child will be asked to lie completely still will we take the MRI pictures. Some patients will get an IV for their MRI test. The IV will be placed by our nurses before the MRI begins. The machine will then surround the body part to be examined. The machine makes a "knocking" sound as it goes around to create the picture. It may be necessary to give your child contrast material (a liquid that shows up on the MRI) intravenously during the exam.

Technology/Scanners used

All of the Children's Memorial Hospital imaging sites have GE 1.5 Tesla scanners. Coming in November 2008 Children's Memorial Hospital will be putting in a 3.0 Tesla scanner.

Accredited by the American College of Radiology.

After the MRI

For even more information about MRI's, visit the American College of Radiology site.

Younger children might like this interactive radiology game, and older children might enjoy this charming but simple video, also from the ACR.

Once the exam is complete you and your child can leave. Your child may eat and drink as usual, unless otherwise told not to by a physician.

The Radiologist will then interpret the final images and a report will be sent to your child's doctor.

Links

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

American College of Radiology
GE Healthcare

Learn more here about people you will meet in Medical Imaging.