Preparing for Pediatric MRI

What is an MRI?

• An MRI is a large camera that uses a magnet to take high resolution images of soft tissues as well as the head and spinal regions.
• An MRI uses magnets (not radiation) to take the images. You and your child will be screened for any metal inside the body or objects that can interfere with imaging. You and your child will also be asked to remove any jewelry or other items that contain metal before entering the MRI suite.
• The MRI machine is an open tunnel with a bed attached that moves in and out of the tunnel. The tunnel will never touch the child. Some children say the MRI machine looks like a really large donut!
• An MRI scan is not painful.
• In order to get the best results, it is very important that your child hold still during the scan. Practice holding still “like a statue” with your child and discuss coping techniques before coming to the appointment.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Getting Ready

• You and your child will check in with the front desk and answer screening questions.
• When you are called in from the waiting room, you will be brought to an exam room where a nurse will perform vitals (height, weight, blood pressure, etc.) on your child and review the medical history of your child.
• Your child will then be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• Please bring your child’s favorite toy or activity to provide distraction while being in the room. Toys cannot contain metal or batteries.

Taking Pictures

• Once your child is changed, you and your child will be escorted into the MRI room.
• If your child is getting an MRI with contrast, an IV will be placed once your child is in the MRI room. An IV is a tiny plastic straw (catheter), inserted into a vein in either the arm or the hand. If you know beforehand that your child needs an IV/contrast, please ask your doctor for EMLA or LMX (a lidocaine numbing cream) to help numb the area for the IV poke. We also ask that you encourage your child to hydrate well the day before the procedure so IV placement is easier. Contrast will then be given through the IV. Contrast is a water-like liquid that is used to help highlight the details of the body parts that are being imaged.
• Your child will be asked to lay down on the MRI table and will then be secured with a Velcro seatbelt.
• A “coil,” or plastic shield, will be placed over the part of the body being scanned. Don’t worry, this does not hurt!
• When the scan begins, the bed will slowly move into the tunnel and stay in place while the images are taken.
• There will be noises coming from both sides of the machine, similar to knocking sounds. Headphones will be available to help block out the noise.
• Sometimes children are afraid that the MRI machine will touch them or hurt them. Reassure your child that nothing will touch them or hurt them during the scan. It is just taking pictures.
• MRIs can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
• You and your child will hear instructions from the MRI technologist telling your child when they need to stay still, hold their breath, move a little, etc. Your child will not need to stay perfectly still throughout the whole length of the imaging.

Supportive Features

• One caregiver is encouraged to stay in the room with their child if possible. Please ask staff if this will be allowed so that the caregiver can be screened as well.
• Comfort items (ie. Stuffed animal or blanket) are welcome. Staff will need to clear it as MRI safe.
• Depending on the type of scan your child is receiving and the MRI machine your child is assigned to, there may be an opportunity to watch a movie or listen to music during the imaging. When scheduling your child’s MRI, please ask the staff if this will be available.

Preparing your Child for an MRI

Helping your child understand the MRI prior to the appointment can lead to a more successful visit. Be honest with your child and provide simple explanations about what to expect. Children need to know what they will see, hear, and feel during procedures. You can also create a game at home to help your child practice staying still. Set a timer for 2 minutes and slowly increase the time up to 5-6 minutes. It is challenging for children to hold still without any prior knowledge or practice.

Child Life Specialists

To help support their psychosocial and educational needs, the UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center has certified child life specialists to help you and your child cope with the fear and anxiety associated with the medical experience. A Certified Child Life Specialist may be available on the day of your child’s procedure to provide education and coping strategies. For more information about Child Life, please contact 774-443-2549 or childlife@umassmemorial.org.