Pediatric MRI

MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Pediatric MRI is a very useful type of diagnostic exam and can be used for a variety of reasons. The sensitivity of MRI to changes in soft tissue, as well as its very high resolution, allow for the visualization of changes that may not be seen in other imaging exams, such as an x-ray or CT scan. MRI excels at imaging soft tissues such as internal organs, muscles, and cartilage. It is also very sensitive to subtle changes in bones. While MRI is a very powerful and versatile technology, it is not used in all circumstances. Your doctor will let you know if MRI is the right exam for your child.

MRI does not use ionizing radiation, as CT scans and x-rays do. Instead, MRI generates images based on the amount of water in the body tissues, using a very strong magnet and radio waves.

Some MRI scans require the use of a contrast medium, also referred to as gadolinium. Gadolinium, which is given intravenously, highlights certain body parts so the radiologist can better see any abnormalities.

MRI has become the favored way to obtain very detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord. The developing brain of a growing child undergoes many changes in water content that require expert knowledge of how this affects the MRI pictures. Correct interpretation of these findings is required when examining a child with seizures, spina bifida, or delays in development, for example.

This page contains the following information about pediatric MRI scans:

Reasons for Having an MRI

MRI is used for imaging many parts of the body. MRI can be used to evaluate the cause of seizures, developmental delays, headaches, back pain, and joint injuries. MRI is also frequently used to image the abdominal and pelvic organs. MRI may be used as a tool to make an initial diagnosis, or it can be used to follow an existing illness or injury. 

Back to top

Risks Involved in an MRI

MRI uses a very strong magnet. It could be dangerous to be in the magnetic field if your child has any of the following:

Some MRI exams require the use of an intravenously administered contrast medium.  As with any other intravenously administered substance, the possibility of a reaction exists. However, documented reactions to MRI contrast media are very rare.

If your child is sedated, there is a risk of complications; however, this risk is minimal and your child will be closely monitored throughout the procedures.

Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About

In advance of the exam, let your INVISION radiologist or technologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to your child:

Back to top

Insurance Coverage

MRI scans are usually covered by insurance when ordered by a physician. Check with your insurance carrier to be sure. Please bring your insurance card with you to your exam.

Exam Locations

Pediatric MRI exams may be performed at the following INVISION partner hospitals in the Denver, Colorado area. Exam results are evaluated by INVISION radiologists.

Some pediatric MRI exams are also performed at the following Invision locations:

Most MRI scans can be done at all INVISION sites; however, some specialized MRI scans are only performed at specific locations. Please accept our apology if the MRI you need is not offered at the facility of your choice.

Please note:

INVISION is partially owned by Radiology Imaging Associates (RIA); consequently, your radiologist’s lab coat and your bill, if you receive one, may say RIA rather than INVISION.

Scheduling this Exam

To schedule a pediatric MRI at an INVISION location, call 720-493-3700. To schedule a pediatric MRI at a hospital, please call the hospital where the exam will be performed.

Back to top

Preparation Guidelines

The preparation for an MRI depends on the type and purpose of the scan that is ordered. Following is information for some MRI scans. You may contact us at 720-493-3700 if you have any questions.

Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete necessary paperwork. To help your child be comfortable, please have him or her go to the bathroom before the exam.

All MRI Scans
  • Dress your child in comfortable, loose fitting clothing without metal snaps, zippers, or fasteners.
  • Have your child take all prescribed medications.
  • Bring any related images not done at an INVISION site or The Children’s Hospital.
  • Notify your doctor of any conditions your child has under the Conditions to Let Your Doctor Know About section.
  • Any jewelry that is difficult to remove should be taken off your child at home prior to the exam.
  • Your child should not wear eye makeup.
Abdominal or Pelvic MRI

Everything listed under “All MRI Scans” and:

  • Nothing by mouth for 4 hours before exam (except small amount of water if needed to take medication).
MRI with Sedation

Everything listed under “All MRI Scans” and:

  • Nothing but clear liquids 4 hours before the exam.
  • Nothing by mouth for 2 hours before the exam (except small amount of water if needed to take medication).

It is important that you also provide emotional support for your child before and during the procedure. If your child is old enough to understand, explain the procedure to him or her. Let him or her know that the exam won’t hurt and that he or she will have to lie very still during the scan.

Support for Your Child during the Exam

We allow up to two adults in the MRI room with your child to provide support.

What to Expect During the Exam

When you come in for the exam, a technologist will ask you some safety questions and answer any questions you may have. Before the exam begins, your child will need to remove all metal and metallic objects, such as eyeglasses, belts, hair accessories and jewelry. Non-removable braces will not cause a problem. He or she may also be asked to change into a gown. INVISION provides secure lockers for personal items during the exam.

Your child will lie on a table for the exam. It is extremely important that he or she not to move any part of his or her body during the MRI scan to avoid blurring the images. A device called a coil will be placed on or around the area being imaged. Padding and/or straps may be used to help prevent movement. The table will slide into a narrow tube, where the images will be taken. Nothing will touch your child during the exam except an IV, if it’s needed for contrast or sedation.

During scanning, the MRI machine produces loud buzzing and banging sounds. Your child will be provided with earplugs or headphones to protect his or her hearing. The technologist will not stay in the room during the scan, but you and your child can speak with him or her throughout the exam by intercom.

An MRI can take up to an hour to complete. INVISION staff is prepared to help keep your child comfortable with diversions such as movies.

MRI Scans Requiring Contrast Medium

If your child’s exam was ordered with gadolinium contrast, several series of scans will be taken before the contrast injection is given, then a few more will be taken after the injection. For the injection, your child will have a small IV placed in his or her hand prior to entering the exam room. The IV will remain in place until the exam is completed. Your child may feel a pinch when the IV needle is first inserted, but it should not hurt after that. He or she may feel a cold sensation as the contrast goes in.

MRI Scans Requiring Sedative

If your child will receive a sedative for the exam (usually for children under the age of 10), it will be administered through a small IV placed in his or her hand prior to entering the exam room. The IV will remain in place until the exam is completed. Your child may feel a pinch when the IV needle is first inserted, but it should not hurt after that. Sedation must be given one hour before the exam is performed.

Back to top

Recovering from this Imaging Exam

Unless sedated, your child can return to his or her normal activities immediately after the exam.

If your child is sedated, he or she may be groggy after the exam. The sedation drug may stay in your child’s system throughout the day. Please anticipate a change in your child’s eating and sleeping habits for the remainder of the day. Although it isn’t essential that your child eat, it is important that your child drink fluids throughout the day. He or she should be back to normal the following day.

Getting Your Child's Exam Results

Trained and experienced pediatric radiologists interpret all exams, and then report the specific results to the physician who ordered your exam. Your physician will usually receive the report on the day of the exam. Your physician will then pass the results onto you. Our radiologists and technologists will be happy to answer questions about the exam procedure itself; however, they will not provide the exam results at the time the exam is performed.

MRI is used for imaging many parts of the body A sedative of often given to children under the age of 10 for an MRI exam