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Pediatric Imaging

We provide specialized imaging for children.

We provide pediatric-centered care to help children, and their parents, have the best imaging experience possible. At Advanced Imaging, our technologists provide pediatric imaging patients great attention to prepare and comfort your child. And our child-friendly video and music technology aides help relax your child throughout their exam. If sedation is needed, your child will be cared for by a specialized group of pediatric anesthesiologists.

SAFE PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY

We offer Western Montana pediatric patients a variety of diagnostic imaging services. MRI and CT scans are the most common. Both are noninvasive, relatively short outpatient procedures offered at our Main Center in Missoula.

Safe for children, MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is one of the most comfortable diagnostic imaging studies available. MRIs provide highly detailed images without X-ray radiation, using a powerful magnet, radio frequency waves and computer software to create images of your child’s organs, soft tissue, bones or other body structures.

Also safe and comfortable for children, CT, or computed tomography, uses specialized X-ray equipment to create detailed imaging of your child’s internal organs, bones, soft tissue or blood vessels. Our radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation needed for your child to get the best results.

Our experienced radiologists and technologists provide specialized ultrasound exams of infant hips and spines — scans that require exceptional skill, precision and care for the smallest patients.

Advanced Imaging Montana Child Friendly Diagnostic Imaging Missoula kid video goggles
Advanced Imaging Montana Safe Pediatric Radiology father daughter bike rack

ENSURING A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

Our goal is to minimize any discomfort and anxiety your child may be feeling so that they may remain still and calm through the entirety of their exam. This allows us to capture the highest quality diagnostic imaging to provide valuable information for their health.

Particularly for children and adults with PTSD or claustrophobia, CinemaVision video goggles make the MRI experience less intimidating, help eliminate claustrophobia fears and reduce the need for sedation. The virtual entertainment system allows your child to watch a video or listen to music during their exam. CinemaVision is available to MRI patients of all ages at our Main Center in Missoula.

If sedation is needed for your child’s exam, we will work with the board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists and nurses at Community Children’s at Community Medical Center to provide safe, controlled sedation. These anesthesiologists care for the smallest of children, including infants, as well as those with complex needs.

What to Expect

Let’s help you and your child prepare.

We’re here to ensure your child’s procedure is as comfortable as possible. A little preparation can help everything go smoothly and put both you and your child at ease.

  • A quality MRI or CT 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 your child may require sedation for their exam, please call us at our main number: (406) 327-3950.
  • When you schedule your child’s MRI exam, you can request the CinemaVision video goggles.
  • Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your child’s exam. We encourage you to leave their jewelry at home.
  • If your child has an implanted medical device, be prepared to provide our staff with the manufacturer’s name, model number and device name.
  • If you are the parent or legal guardian, please arrive with your child 30 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to fill out any necessary forms and allow time to change into scrubs, if needed.
  • Our MRI and CT scanners are wide open on both ends, well-lit and ventilated. For the scan, the technologist will put your child into position on the bed. Once your child is comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the scanner. They will be able to speak to and hear the technologist over an intercom.
  • The equipment does not touch their body, but during an MRI exam, in particular, they will hear loud buzzing and tapping noises from the machine. We will supply them with CinemaVision video goggles, ear plugs and/or headphones and can talk with them throughout the tests. Some patients may also find it comforting to have a cloth or other item covering their eyes, which can help if they are feeling claustrophobic. We have all of these aids available for your child.
  • Some MRI and CT scans require a contrast dye injection to help highlight the areas of the body being examined. Patients may describe a metallic taste or cool sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly.
  • MRI and CT scans usually take 15 – 45 minutes, depending on the purpose of the scan.
  • If your child has renal disease, a kidney transplant, diabetes or gout.
  • If your child has a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
  • If your child has aneurysm clips.
  • If your child has other implantable devices such as a heart valve, middle ear prosthesis, tissue expanders or implanted neurostimulator.
  • If your child has or you suspect that your child has metal fragments in or around their eye(s).

Still have questions?

You can learn more about our imaging services here:

How can we help?

Still not finding what you need? Please give us a call at (406) 327-3950.

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