Pediatric MRI
Depending on the child's age and the examination prescribed, the radiologist specialized in pediatric radiology determines the appropriate protocol
An MRI has been prescribed for your child age 5 or older
The exam can be carried out without sedation (without putting your child to sleep), but your child must remain motionless while in the MRI machine.
His or her cooperation is therefore absolutely essential in order to successfully obtain clear images. Our team of MRI technologists will provide all the information you need on the day of the MRI, before the exam begins.
However, here are some useful tips to help you and your child be prepared:
- It is very important to explain to your child why an MRI is needed and what happens during the exam: if they understand this, they will cooperate more easily
- Play pretend-MRI with your child: for example, practice lying still on the bed like a statue
- Use your imagination to compare the MRI to your child’s favorite games: for instance, some children like to imagine being in a space shuttle, and their enthusiasm helps make the experience a positive one
- Reassure your child: the machine is just taking pictures
An MRI has been prescribed for your child under the age of 5
To ensure the MRI produces high-quality images, your child must remain motionless in the machine for 20 to 30 minutes. Since children under the age of 5 are too young to stay still for so long, we use sedation (also called premedication) to help them fall asleep, so we can obtain detailed images that will aid in your child’s diagnosis and future care.
Qu’est-ce que la sédation ?
Sedation is a medication given to put your child to sleep. It is prescribed by a radiologist and administered through the rectum, like a suppository.
When you make the MRI appointment, you will be given instructions to help your child fall asleep. Your child should already be sleepy when they arrive for the MRI: to achieve this, you should reduce the number of hours they sleep the previous night and prevent the child from napping in the car on the way to the exam). If you follow these instructions, your child will fall asleep more easily.
The use of sedation does not require a consultation with an anesthesiologist. However, if your child has a cough or fever the day before the exam, you should contact the Imaging Department. A medical opinion will be sought to determine if the exam should be postponed.
Que dois-je apporter le jour de l’examen ?
- The MRI prescription
- Any earlier radiology images or operative reports
- Your child’s health record booklet (carnet de santé) and national insurance card (carte vitale)
- The contrast agent, if prescribed
- Comfort items for your child: pacifier, stuffed toy, favorite blanket, small book, etc.
- Even if your child usually walks, a stroller can be useful for the return trip, if your child is tired
How does the sedation process work?
Your child must fast before the exam. You must also shorten your child’s sleep time ahead of the exam, to help them fall asleep more easily when the time is right.
When your child arrives for the exam, after some paperwork, you will be greeted by the pediatric testing team. We will then help you get settled in the preparation room with your child. A pediatric assistant will come to administer the medication, which is dosed based on your child’s weight.
The length of time before your child falls asleep will depend on their level of sleep deprivation, their age, and their individual nature.
On average, sleep comes about 40 minutes after the medication is administered.
Once your child is asleep, they will be placed on the MRI table and monitored throughout the exam.
One parent can stay with your child in the exam room (however, women in the first trimester of pregnancy are not allowed).
Will a shot be necessary?
Sedation is administered through the rectum and does not require an injection.
However, the injection of a contrast agent may be required to examine certain organs. To help us determine whether a contrast injection is needed, we ask that you send us the MRI prescription when you make the appointment.
The radiologist will assess whether an injection is necessary, both at the time you make the appointment and during the exam, based on the initial findings.
When can we go home?
After the exam, the pediatric radiology specialist will meet with you to share the results.
You will be given a report, images and a CD of the MRI exam.
If sedation was used, we must see that your child has awakened (even if they fall back asleep again) before they can go home. Some children wake up when they leave the MRI room, while others continue to enjoy a long nap. Your child should continue to fast for a few hours after the exam, to reduce the risk of accidentally inhaling food or liquid into the airways. Your child will gradually recover their normal level of consciousness. Nevertheless, and even if your child usually walks, a stroller can be useful for the return trip.
Are there any contraindications?
Because of the magnetic field produced during MRI, there are possible contraindications: metallic implants, pacemakers, and first-trimester pregnancy. When you arrive at the Imaging Department, you will be questioned on these points. If you or your child are unsure about an implant (clip, prosthetic device, etc.), our team is available to help.
All metallic or magnetic objects must be left in the preparation room.
