Understanding Your Child's MRI Scan

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Riley Radiology - Uniquely Qualified

Dedicated to the care of children, the pediatric radiology staff at Riley Hospital for Children combines medical skill with the personal experience of working and interacting with children every day to provide the best possible radiology services. Riley's pediatric radiologists, affiliated with Indiana Radiology Partners (IRP), are subspecialty board certified and have completed extensive training. IRP's pediatric radiologists provide sub-specialized interpretation services and child-focused care with high-quality imaging.

What Is a MRI Scan?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a special type of procedure that allows a doctor to see what is happening inside your child's body. Unlike X-rays, the MRI scanner uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce very clear and detailed pictures of parts of the body, such as the head, heart, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine and extremities. MRI gathers soft tissue images and is used to evaluate function and structure of organs and to distinguish normal, healthy tissue from tissues that may need to be studied for disease.

Preparing for Your Child's MRI Scan

You will be contacted to confirm the date and time of your child's exam and the time you should plan to arrive. If you have any questions, call the Riley MRI department at (317) 274-2566.

There are no special preparations needed for a MRI scan, unless otherwise notified by your child's doctor or a member of the pediatric radiology staff. Preparation could include keeping your child from eating or drinking for a certain amount of time prior to the exam, or waking your child up early the morning of the exam to help him sleep more easily during the exam.

You will need to fill out a MRI metal safety questionnaire for your child and a medical history form prior to the exam. These forms include questions about current medications, allergies, pacemaker, ear implants and previous surgeries. Parents are often invited to stay in the MRI magnet room with their child. If this is the case, parents will also need to complete the MRI safety questionnaire.

Your child should wear loose-fitting clothing without zippers or metallic parts. Before the exam, your child will be asked to remove all jewelry, watches, hair accessories, glasses and other metallic objects.

The MRI Scan - What to Expect

After your child has been registered, you will be directed to the MRI suite on the first floor of the Riley Outpatient Center.

The MRI scan itself will take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the part of the body being scanned. Your schedule should allow for additional time for parking, registration and exam instructions.

Sometimes the use of a contrast-agent (a special dye) called gadolinium is required to assist in imaging certain parts of the body. Gadolinium is given through the veins, which means that an IV will be started prior to the exam. A member of Riley's pediatric radiology staff will let you know if this is required for your child's exam.

When it's time for your child's exam, Riley's MRI technologist will position your child as comfortably as possible on a special table with his head in a padded plastic cradle or on a pillow. The table then slides into the MRI scanner. The technologist will be able to communicate with your child during the exam.

For the best results and clearer pictures, your child will be asked to relax and hold very still during the exam. During the scan, the MRI equipment makes a "knocking" noise. Earplugs are available for your child to help minimize the noise. Headphones, designed for listening to music, are also available for this purpose. Patients are welcome to bring in their own CD music for use during the exam.

In the event moderate sedation or general anesthesia is necessary to complete your child's exam, Riley's expert pediatric anesthesiologists and nurses will administer the sedative or anesthesia and monitor your child until they awaken following the exam. If you have any questions or would like more information about sedation and anesthesia, ask a member of the Riley radiology staff for assistance.

Your child will remain under the care of his health care provider who supplied the written order for the MRI exam. This is also the person who will receive the exam report and notify you of the results.

Insurance Coverage

Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana Radiology Partners, both affiliated with Clarian Health Partners, participate in the majority of health insurance plans.

It is recommended that all patients check with their insurance company for coverage.

When visiting Riley Radiology for a MRI scan, park in the Riley Outpatient Garage and proceed to Registration in the Riley Outpatient Center. The registration specialist will then give you directions and a map to the MRI suite, which is located on the first floor of the Outpatient Center.

For More Information

If you have additional questions about MRI scans, call (317) 274-2566.

Riley Hospital for Children is a national leader among children's hospitals in minimizing radiation exposure. We use techniques that result in the lowest doses possible for your child. For more information about exposure to radiation, ask your doctor or consult the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web site at www.fda.gov/cdrh/safety/110201-ct.html.