MRI Kids

THE BENEFITS FOR KIDS

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is one of the safest and most comfortable diagnostic imaging studies available. It’s safe for children and uses a powerful magnet, radio frequency waves, and computer software to create images of your organs, soft tissue, bones, and body structures.

MRIs provide highly detailed images without X-rays. They are used to diagnose a wide variety of diseases and conditions including tumors, aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, joint disorders, and more.

Advanced Imaging Of Montana
Advanced Imaging Of Montana

About Your Visit
WHAT TO EXPECT

If you are the parent or legal guardian, please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time with your child. This will give you time to fill out any necessary forms and allow time to change into scrubs, if needed.

Our MRI scanners are wide open on both ends, well-lit, and ventilated. For the scan, the MRI technologist will put your child into position on the MRI bed. A device called a coil will be positioned around the area of the body we are scanning. Once they’re comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the MRI scanner. They will be able to speak to and hear the MRI technologist over an intercom.

The equipment does not touch their body but they will hear buzzing and tapping noises from the machine. We will supply them with ear plugs and/or headphones, and can talk with them throughout the tests. Some patients also find it comforting to have a cloth or other item covering their eyes, which can help if you are feeling claustrophobic. We have all of these aids available for your child.

Depending on their test, they may receive an injection during the MRI after initial images are taken. The injection is a “contrast” dye that helps to differentiate normal from abnormal tissues. Some younger patients describe a metallic taste or cool sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly.

The scan takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the purpose of their scan.

Prep & Safety
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD

A quality MRI study is dependent on your child’s ability to remain still for the entirety of the exam. If you think they may be in too much pain to remain still or are claustrophobic, please talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking pretreatment medications.

If you feel you child may require sedation for their MRI exam please contact us at the number below

If your child chooses to use our video goggles during their MRI you may request that at the time you schedule.

Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to the study. We encourage their jewelry at home.

If your child has an implanted medical device, be prepared to provide our staff with the manufacturer name, model number and device name.

Please alert
your technologist if your child

  • Have renal disease, a kidney transplant, diabetes or gout.
  • Have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
  • Have aneurysm clips.
  • Have other implantable devices such as a heart valve, middle ear prosthesis, tissue expanders, or implanted neurostimulator.
  • Have or suspect that your child has metal fragments in or around your eye(s).

Cinemavision

We are proud to introduce Cinemavision! User-friendly virtual entertainment system. The #1 system for total MRI patient comfort. Watch a movie/TV or listen to music. Helps to reduce the need for sedation in children and adults, eliminates claustrophobia fears and is effective for patients with PTSD.

Make your MRI experience less intimidating and more enjoyable with Cinemavision.

Learn More

We work with nurses and physicians from Community Childrens to provide Sedation during MRI exams for our pediatric patients.

Connect With Us: (406) 327-3950