Ground Floor
MRI Patient Guide
for Parents & Children.
Your child’s doctor has ordered a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan at Melbourne Radiology Clinic.
This information guide is intended for parents or carers of children under the age of 16 who have been referred for a MRI scan .
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan uses a powerful magnet and radiowaves to produce superbly detailed views of the human body, particularly joints and soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord and muscles.
Your Child’s Safety & Health.
A high field magnet, as used in MRI may have serious consequences in certain patients, and as such, we need you to answer some questions and also complete a questionnaire to thoroughly understand your child's overall health.
Patients with cardiac pacemakers and cochlear implants cannot undergo MRI scans. Other metallic implants may prohibit patients from having an MRI scan. This includes people with certain types of cerebral aneurysm clips, vascular stents, infusion pumps and neurostimulators.
At Melbourne Radiology Clinic, we care about your child’s safety and health, and aim to ensure the most appropriate imaging protocol is selected so your child’s scans are performed safely and targeted to their clinical needs.
Preparation.
No preparation is necessary for an MRI scan. Your child can eat and drink normally.
Though some discomfort may occur from having to lay still, MRI is otherwise a painless procedure.
A MRI scan typically takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to perform.
Your child will be asked to change into and wear an examination gown provided for them.
As a strong magnet is used, all metallic devices MUST be removed before entering the MRI room. This includes clothes with metal zips and any toys that might have a metal component.
Patient Comfort
– Wide Bore MRI.
Melbourne Radiology Clinic's MRI scanner is the latest Siemens Espree unit which has a wide bore that is 16% wider than conventional MRI units. Patients may experience less anxiety when entering the enclosed space of the MRI scanner at Melbourne Radiology Clinic
Our Wide-Bore MRI scanner sets the standard for patient comfort. This means that those patients who suffer from claustrophobia or have a large build can be scanned in comfort. Patients having a MRI of their lumbar spine or body areas below such as knees, ankles or feet can enter the scanner feet first ensuring maximum comfort for the patient.
The MRI scan occurs in an enclosed space, so if you have problems with this and may experience claustrophobia or anxiety, please inform us in advance. We can offer a light sedative that may relax you, however, you will require a responsible adult to drive you home and you must refrain from any significant activity for the remainder of the day. In particular, you should not drive a car or any other machinery, nor make important decisions, such as signing legal documents.
Depending on the age of your child, you may want to bring along a “comfort” item—such as a favourite stuffed animal, toy or “blankie” — for your child to hold during the scan.
Children can also bring their favourite DVD or music to listen to (on an iPod or similar digital music player).
Additional Notes for
Parents.
Parents or carers may also accompany their child into the MRI scanning room and sit next to them for the duration of the scan. Please follow the instructions of our MRI technician. They will show you where to sit (or stand) during the scan. The accompanying adult will also be asked to complete a MRI Companion Form and Questionnaire
The most important role of a parent or guardian during the scan is to help your child stay calm and relaxed. It is particularly important that your child stays still during the MRI.
Women who are pregnant or believe they may be pregnant should not be in the exam room when MRI scans are done. In this case, please bring another adult who can stay with your child during the scan.
What to Expect During
The MRI Scan.
Once the scan is under way as you will hear a loud vibrating or knocking sound. Noise cancelling head-phones are provided and your child can choose to listen to music or depending on the scan, watch live TV or a DVD of their choice.
It is very important that you encourage your child keep your body extremely still during the scan. Movement during a scan will result in lower quality or blurred images, similar to the blurring effect that occurs when taking a photograph of a moving object
“Pretend you are a statue or asleep…”
“Imagine you are a rag doll…”
Usually four or five different types of MRI scans called sequences are taken with each one lasting about 2–8 minutes. Overall, you will be in the scanner for about 20 minutes. A sequence or sequences may need to be repeated if there is bluring of the images due to excessive movement.
You will be in constant communication with the technician who conducts the MRI. Their role is to ensure that you are comfortable and kept up-to-date with the progress of your scans. As an additional safety mechanism, you will be provided with a buzzer to hold during the scan. Press this at anytime should you feel exceedingly uncomfortable or anxious to gain the attention of the MRI technician. The scan at this point will be stopped and you will be immediately attended to by our staff.
[before-after is_wiggle=”true” color=”#00adef” label_one=”Pre Contrast” label_two=”Post Contrast” label_position=”two”]
[/before-after]
IMAGES: Fluid sensitive MRI demonstrates striking bone marrow oedema (inflammation) within the distal tibia. Pre and post contrast studies through the same region demonstrate enhancement of the inflammation, these findings are in keeping with a Brodie’s abscess and consistent with the diagnosis of osteomyelitis (bone infection).
MRI Contrast.
Some patients undergoing an MRI scan may require an injection of an intravenous (IV) dye (contrast) known as Gadolinium, which is a paramagnetic substance that is visible on MRI scans. If contrast is required, this will be discussed with you by our MRI Technician and /or Radiologist on the day of your appointment. may be provided.
Further Information: MRI Patient Safety & Health – MRI Contrast →
Follow-Up
After your child’s scan…
A radiologist, a medical doctor specialising in the interpretation of medical images for the purposes of providing a diagnosis, will then review the images and provide a formal written report. If medically urgent, or your child has an appointment immediately after the scan to be seen by your doctor or health care provider, Melbourne Radiology Clinic will provide your results to your referrer on the same day. Otherwise, the report will be received by your doctor or health care provider within the next 24 hours.
Please ensure that you make a follow up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your child's results.
Whilst every effort is made to keep your appointment time, the special needs of complex cases, elderly and frail patients can cause unexpected delays. Your consideration and patience in these circumstances is appreciated.
Reminders.
