Preparing Child for MRI: A Complete Parent's Guide
- MedBridge NZ
- Nov 1
- 4 min read
When a doctor suggests an MRI for your child, the flood of questions is often followed by a new worry: preparing your child for the MRI scan itself. How will they stay still? What about sedation? What do we need to do?
These concerns are completely understandable. Navigating complex medical procedures can be daunting, especially if you are considering treatment in another country. This guide provides a clear roadmap for preparing your child for an MRI, so you can feel confident and help them have a smooth experience.
While this guide offers information, services from a medical concierge provider can be invaluable in coordinating all aspects of advanced diagnostics during a medical journey.
Understanding the MRI: Is It Safe for Children?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body.
The most important thing for parents to know is this: MRIs do not use ionizing radiation (like X-rays or CT scans).
Instead, the machine uses its magnetic field to interact with the hydrogen atoms in your child's body. These signals are captured and turned into clear, detailed images of soft tissues. Because it relies on magnetism and not radiation, an MRI is considered a very safe procedure for people of all ages.
Key Steps for Preparing Your Child for an MRI
A successful scan depends almost entirely on good preparation. The steps for getting your child ready for their MRI depend on their age and ability to cooperate.
Routine Preparation (For Cooperative Children)
For older children who can lie still, only standard MRI preparation is needed. You can help by explaining the "listening game" or "freeze game" to them beforehand.
Remove All Metal: This is the most critical rule. Both the child and any accompanying parent must remove all metallic objects. This includes:
Jewelry, watches, hairpins, and glasses.
Phones, keys, coins, and magnetic cards.
Clothing with metal zippers, snaps, or metallic threads.
Cosmetics that may contain metal particles.
Check for Implants: You must inform the doctor if your child has any internal metal devices, such as cochlear implants, nerve stimulators, pacemakers, metal stents, or surgical clips. Many modern implants are "MRI-safe," but this must be confirmed by a professional.
Special Preparation: Sedation and Fasting Guidelines
Infants and young children often find it impossible to stay perfectly still. In this case, special preparation is necessary and is the most critical part of preparing your child for the MRI.
Sedation: A doctor may prescribe a sedative (commonly chloral hydrate or phenobarbital) to help your child sleep soundly through the scan. This is typically given about 30 minutes before the procedure.
Fasting: If sedation or a contrast agent (a special dye) is used, your child will need to fast. A common instruction is no food or drink for 4 hours before the scan. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent choking if the child vomits while sedated.
Sleep Deprivation: The doctor might recommend "sleep deprivation"—keeping your child awake for 4-6 hours before the scan. A tired child is more likely to fall asleep after taking the sedative, ensuring the scan is not interrupted.
Coordinating sedation, fasting schedules, and specialist appointments can be one of the most stressful parts of seeking medical care, especially for families traveling for treatment. This is where exploring options for Medical Tourism in China with the help of a dedicated medical concierge can simplify the logistics, allowing you to focus on your child's well-being.
What to Expect on the Day of the Scan
After all your preparation for the MRI, here is what will happen on the day.
The MRI machine is a large, tunnel-shaped scanner. Your child will lie on a movable table that slides into the center of this tunnel. The medical team will monitor your child from an adjoining room through a window and can communicate via an intercom.
How long does it take? A scan of one part of the body typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
Is it loud? Yes. During the scan, the machine makes loud "banging" or "knocking" noises. This is normal. To protect their hearing, your child will be given special earplugs or headphones.
Will it hurt? The scan itself is painless. Some children may feel a slight warming sensation in the area being scanned, which is a normal effect of the radio waves and not a cause for concern.
After the MRI: Post-Procedure Care
What to do after the scan is straightforward:
After a Plain Scan (No Sedation): If your child did not have sedation, they can resume normal activities and diet immediately.
After a Sedated or Contrast Scan: Your child will be monitored in a recovery area for about 30 minutes. Once they are awake and showing no adverse reactions, you can leave. Encourage them to drink plenty of water to help flush the contrast agent (if used) from their system.
Side Effects: While rare, some children may experience nausea or localized pain from the contrast injection. Allergic reactions (like itchy eyes or hives) are also very rare but possible. If you notice any of these, notify the medical staff immediately.
Expert Source & References
Disclaimer: This article is for popular science and health education purposes only. It cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional.
Source: This article is an optimized translation based on an original publication by Dr. Wang Zhichao (王智超), Chief Physician and Associate Professor from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
References
Wang, Z. (2022). Can Children Have an MRI? What Should Be Noted? Retrieved from https://www.haodf.com/neirong/wenzhang/9391642621.html
