“Dear parents, the doctor thinks… the child should have an additional MRI scan to help with the diagnosis.”…
At this point, many parents may be worried about how the MRI scan will affect their little one and how safe it is for our beloved child. Today, the doctor will provide information about this type of examination.
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a diagnostic test that shows which part of the body is abnormal and how it is abnormal. For example, a brain MRI clearly shows which part or area of the brain has abnormalities.
The MRI scan uses magnetic waves and is very safe because it does not involve X-rays, which can remain in the body, unlike X-ray or CT scans.
However, although MRI magnetic waves are safer for the body, the scan takes much longer than X-rays or CT scans. Usually, an MRI scan takes about 30-60 minutes, and the patient must lie still inside the MRI machine to get the clearest images.
Interpreting the diagnostic images requires a radiologist who is experienced and specialized.
MRI scans in children
Since the MRI machine makes loud noises continuously while operating, adults undergoing the scan can control themselves, but children often have difficulty lying still for a period of time, especially young children who may not be able to control themselves well. The loud noise may disturb them and cause them to wake up, even if they are wearing earplugs.
Therefore, in some cases, children may need sedatives or general anesthesia to ensure the scan goes smoothly. Even though anesthesia is very safe, parental consent must be obtained before administering it to the child.
When children undergo MRI scans at the hospital, most hospitals admit the child as an inpatient for one night to fast from food and water before the scan because some organ scans require fasting, such as abdominal scans, to avoid food residue obscuring the images. Fasting also helps reduce nausea caused by contrast agents injected during the scan.
Advantages of MRI scans
- Can differentiate various tissue characteristics and detect abnormalities at an early stage
- Covers almost all organs in the body
- Can scan in any plane without moving the patient
- No harmful X-ray radiation
- Can be performed even in cases of renal failure
Effectiveness and limitations of MRI scans
The following groups are specifically prohibited from undergoing MRI scans:
- Patients with implanted pacemakers
- Patients with clips placed to block blood vessels in aneurysm cases
- Patients with cochlear implants
- Patients with metal inside the body, such as joint prostheses, metal in bones, or bullets
- Pregnant women, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, although it is not confirmed whether the scan harms the fetus
- Patients suspected of having metal foreign bodies in the eyes
- Patients who cannot lie inside the MRI tunnel
Preparation when your child needs an MRI scan
Most pediatric patients require sedation or general anesthesia before the MRI scan because children often do not cooperate by lying still during the procedure. Therefore, preparation for the child includes:
- Parents should accompany the child on the day of the scan
- Older children should fast from food and drink for 6 hours before the scan; younger children who drink milk should fast from milk for 4 hours before the scan
- Parents must sign a consent form to allow anesthesia for the child
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chidchanok Thianphat
Specialist in Pediatric Neurology
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
