If your child needs to have an MRI, you must be apprehensive about how they’ll react to this test. Don’t worry, we have some suggestions on how you can handle this experience in the most stress-free way possible.
Depending on how old your child is, they’ve probably already asked you some questions about what happens during the procedure. We’ve seen that it’s always better to prep them in advance, ideally a few days before the procedure.
Here are some steps to keep in mind to help them (and you) prepare:
Explain what is going to happen - in simple terms
Honesty is the best policy here – we encourage you to be as open and transparent about the procedure – but explain it in a way that your child can grasp the concept.
To explain what an MRI scanner is, you can liken it to a big camera that takes a picture of the insides of their body, using a powerful magnet (like the one on the fridge, but much bigger) and radio waves (like the sounds coming out of the radio).
Show them a picture of the machine and explain that they’ll have to lie very still inside, just like when their picture is taken with the camera, so that the machine can take a good picture.
Remember to reassure them on the pain-free aspect – an MRI scan doesn’t hurt at all, but there may be some loud sounds and whirring noises. However, the nurse will give them headphones or earplugs which should muffle the sound.
Answer questions as accurately as possible
Your child may be wondering how long the procedure will take or may ask how they will feel after the test. One way to reassure them is to call the doctor together and have all the doubts cleared. Depending on whether or not a sedative is administered, and whether the scan requires fasting, you can say that they will feel totally normal or that they may feel sleepy or hungry.
Find a centre that makes the experience less intimidating/claustrophobic
Kids find traditional MRI machine big and scary. Often, many kids also find the MRI tunnel claustrophobic. At Star Imaging, our 3T MRI scanner offers an ambient experience and lets patients see movies/cartoons while getting a scan done. This has helped many young and adult patients alike, feel more comfortable, and has even done away with the need for sedation in over 90% of the cases.
However, if your child is very young, or is finding it hard to lie still, they may have to be sedated. In this case, make sure the centre has a qualified anaesthetist who is always at hand to monitor the dose and ensure your child’s comfort – remember, this is of utmost importance.
To make the experience more comfortable – call your child’s imagination into play and turn the MRI scan into a game – ask them to pretend they’re playing pirates or cops and robbers and need to be quiet and still as they go into the machine. Also, take a favourite toy to keep them occupied while they wait (if it’s metallic it may not be allowed into the MRI room, though).
In addition, to provide further reassurance, you can request the doctors/nurses to allow you to accompany your child inside the MRI room in order to talk to them or hold their hand during the duration of the scan.
Give them something to look forward to after the procedure
Every child will have specific concerns or fears about this procedure. You know your child best and will know how to reassure them. It’s always nice to plan a small treat after the procedure – going out for ice cream or watching a movie at home – that will give them something fun to look forward to.
Important note: Before the scan, do make sure your child has no metallic item on their body – as mentioned before, the MRI scanner consists of a powerful magnet – hence taking metallic objects inside the room can be dangerous, and even fatal.