Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a type of imaging that can show detailed images of organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. Your doctor may order an MRI to help them diagnose a medical condition.
An MRI machine acts as a large camera that takes pictures using a strong magnet. The patient lays inside what looks like a large so the machine can rotate around the whole body to produce detailed images. This can be scary for some children but the machine is perfectly safe. This video will help children and their families understand what to expect during an MRI.
During the test, the machine won’t touch you, and you won’t feel anything. You’ll lie on a bed, and the bed will slide into the machine. It’s important to lie very still during the test so the camera can get clear pictures. You may wear a seatbelt to remind you to stay still. It’s also very important to take off anything metal before you go into the MRI room.
MRI in children may take 15 minutes (half a TV show) to 90 minutes (a movie). You can take a blanket or stuffed animal into the MRI machine, as long as it doesn’t have any metal in it. You also can watch a movie and listen to it through headphones.
During a pediatric MRI, the technician may talk to you through the headphones. If you have questions or need help during the test, you can press a button to let the technician know you need something.
Learn more about the MRI and how we make the experience more comfortable for kids: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/imaging-services/magnetic-resonance-imaging/mri-program/
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