A short animation for children about what to expect before and during an MRI scan. Thanks to Nottingham Trent University and Dr Robert Dineen at the University of Nottingham.
Key points about MRI of the brain
- MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging
- an MRI scanner can take detailed pictures of the brain
- there is no radioactivity present during an MRI scan
What is an MRI?
An MRI is a special type of scan. Sometimes a doctor may recommend an MRI to see what’s happening inside your child’s brain.
The MRI scanner can take pictures of the brain. This gives doctors the detailed information they need to look carefully for differences in the appearance of the brain.
MRI can show very small abnormalities that can cause seizures or developmental delay. MRI shows this in tamariki (children) better than x-rays or CT scans.
How MRI works
MRI produces images of the brain on a computer, using radio waves and a magnet.
Sometimes, your child might feel a bit warm when they are having their scan, but other than that, they will not feel anything. They will be able to talk with the technician taking the scan the whole time.
How long does an MRI scan take?
The scan can take up to one hour. If your child needs an anaesthetic, it will take most of the day.
Is an MRI noisy?
The MRI scan is very noisy. Your child will hear very loud knocking sounds coming from the scanner. This is normal. The radiologist taking the scan will give your child ear plugs or headphones.
See the KidsHealth page on MRI to learn about MRI in general
MRI safety
Yes. There is no radioactivity present at any time.
Make sure your child is not wearing any metal objects, such as earrings, hair clips, or watches. This is because MRI uses a magnet to take the pictures.
What to do during an MRI scan
Your child will need to lie very still on a bed which moves into the centre of the scanner. The scanner is large and round with a hole in the centre. The scanner can make some people feel claustrophobic.
See the KidsHealth page on MRI scans in children for more information.
MRI scans and anaesthetic
Some tamariki may find it hard to stay still long enough to have their scan. Some tamariki may need a general anaesthetic (GA) to help them go into a short sleep while they have their scan. The appointment time will be longer if your child needs a GA.
If your child needs an anaesthetic, the doctor will explain which part of your hospital they need to go to. You will get information about how to prepare your child for an anaesthetic, and your appointment details, before the MRI scan. Before the scan, an anaesthetist will check your child, explain what will happen and ask you to sign a consent form. After the scan, your child may need to stay for a while to recover from the anaesthetic.
See the KidsHealth page on anaesthetic to learn more.
Health professionals you'll meet during an MRI
A qualified radiographer or MRI technician from the radiology department will do the MRI. If your child is awake, the radiographer will talk to your child during the scan, to reassure them. It can be helpful for your child to have their favourite soft toy or comforter with them during the scan.
MRI results
A radiologist is the doctor who will look at your child's pictures after the MRI scan. They will write a report and send a copy to the doctor who requested the MRI scan, as soon as possible. This should happen within 10 days.
Acknowledgements
The content on this page has been developed and approved by the Paediatric Neurology Clinical Network, Paediatric Society New Zealand.
Our thanks to Nottingham Trent University and Dr Robert Dineen at the University of Nottingham for permission to embed the video animation for children about what to expect before and during an MRI scan.
Our thanks to My little drummer boys: Preparing your child for an MRI scan for permission to reproduce the photo of the young boy on the MRI scanner bed.
