Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a way of taking pictures of the head and
body without the use of radiation. A magnet, radio signals, and a computer are
used to create the pictures. A complete study is made up of a number of short
scans. Each scan takes from 3 to 8 minutes. The total time for a complete MRI
study is about ½ hour to 1 hour.
If your child is old enough and able to lie perfectly still for an hour, then no special preparation is needed for the scans. However, many children do need sedation to help them keep still for this length of time. There are special dietary requirements for both sedation and a general anaesthetic. Instructions about diet will be given to you at the time of booking your child’s MRI study. A short video about MRI is available for you and your child to watch in the MRI Centre before the scan.
You will be directed to check in with the receptionist at the MRI Centre. Inpatients
will be taken to the Centre by a transportation aide when it is time for their
MRI study. If your child is an outpatient and receiving a sedation for the MRI
you must report to Ambulatory Care 1½ to 2 hours before the scheduled
MRI time. A Paediatric nurse will meet you there. From there your child will
be accompanied to the MRI Centre when it is time for the study.
A team of three people will be doing the MRI scans. A medical radiation technologist will be operating the scanner. A nurse will prepare your child for the scans and give sedation. Sometimes it is necessary to give a general anaesthetic for the scan. An anaesthetist will then be present. A radiologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnostic images) will be checking each scan to make sure that the study is complete.
Some scans provide the doctor with more information when a contrast fluid is given to the child. This fluid is injected through a small needle in a hand or arm vein and is quite safe. If the radiologist feels that your child’s scan would benefit from an injection of this fluid, the reason for doing so will be explained to you at the time of the scan. It may be necessary for infants and young children to have an intravenous established prior to the MRI.
One parent may stay in the room if your child is awake during the study. Before you enter the room, the staff will question you to make sure that you will have no problems being near a strong magnetic field. You will have to empty your pockets completely (coins, keys, pens, wallets, bank cards) and remove your watch. Children may wear their own clothing for the study as long as there is no metal on it, otherwise a hospital gown will be provided. The MRI scanner is a large machine with a deep, wide tunnel in the centre. Your child will lie on the bed and the technologist will place him or her into position for the scan. He or she will be able to breathe normally.
Your child must lie completely still for the entire length of each scan. When everything is ready, the bed will be moved up and into the tunnel. All of your child’s body will be inside of the tunnel, but you will be able to touch the child if you wish. The scanner makes a loud knocking or drumming sound during scanning. Ear plugs or headphones are given to everyone staying in the room. Each scan lasts 3 to 8 minutes. Between scans you will be able to talk to your child. The technologist will talk to you and your child through an intercom. Once all of the scans have been done and the study is complete, the technologist will help your child off the table.
After the MRI study is done, outpatients may go home unless they have other appointments at the hospital. However, if your child has been given sedation you must stay until he or she is awake. All patients who have received a general anaesthetic will be sent to the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit until they are fully awake.
A radiologist will review the MRI study, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results of the study with you at a follow-up appointment.
If you need to cancel your child’s MRI appointment, please call the MRI
CENTRE at (807) 684-6300 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If your child has a bad
cold and is coughing, you would be best to reschedule the appointment, as it
is unlikely that your child could lie still for the entire time of the study.
This appointment time will be given to another patient, since there is a very high demand for MRI studies. If you are late, your child’s appointment may be delayed or cancelled. If you have any questions about your child’s appointment, please call the MRI Centre.
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