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MRI for children with sedation
pediatric MRI with sedation · MRI under anesthesia for children · MRI for kids while asleep · sedated MRI
An MRI during which your child sleeps with medicine. This way your child lies still and is not scared of the noise.
For young children and children who cannot lie still for 20 to 40 minutes.
⏱ Duration: the MRI itself usually takes 20 to 60 minutes; with prep and waking up, 2 to 4 hours
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Fasting. Before sedation, your child cannot eat or drink for a set time. Usually: food 6 hours before, breast milk 4 hours, clear water 2 hours. The anesthesiologist will tell you the exact times.
- Checkup. A pediatrician checkup and tests are often needed. Ask the clinic for the list.
- Clothing. Clothes with no metal: no snaps, zippers, or rhinestones.
- Toy. A favorite toy and a bottle of water for after waking up.
What to bring
- The referral
- The pediatrician's report and tests, if asked
- Past images
- Diapers, a change of clothes, and water
How it goes
- The anesthesiologist checks your child and asks you about their health
- An IV line is put in a vein. Sometimes a mask with medicine is used first
- Your child falls asleep while you watch
- Your child is placed in the scanner, and the anesthesiologist watches breathing and pulse
- You wait nearby, outside the room
- After the scan, your child is woken up and brought to you
What you'll feel
- It does not hurt your child
- After waking, your child may be sleepy, fussy, or cry. This passes
- Sometimes there is mild nausea
Afterwards
- Your child rests under observation, usually for 30 to 60 minutes
- Your child can eat and drink when the doctor allows. Usually start with water
- For the rest of the day, keep things calm, with an adult nearby
- The report usually comes in 1 to 3 days
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Your child does not wake up, breathes poorly, or has blue lips: call emergency services right away
- Repeated vomiting or a high fever after sedation: call your doctor or emergency services
Common questions
Is sedation dangerous for my child?
It is given by an anesthesiologist, who watches your child the whole time. Serious problems are rare.
Can I be with my child while they fall asleep?
Often yes. Ask the clinic.
Why no food before sedation?
An empty stomach protects against food getting into the airways during sleep.