Your doctor will contact you within 48 to 72 business hours after the exam.
Will my child need sedation for MRI?
Since it is important for the child to hold very still during the pediatric MRI procedure, your doctor may order some sedation (medicine to make your child sleepy).
Unlike other imaging modalities, there are some people who cannot have an MRI. Persons who have a heart pacemaker or any kind of metallic implant in their body should not have an MRI unless their physician and the radiologist know about it and have approved the exam. For this same reason, the child (and a parent who comes into the room with the patient), will not be allowed to wear anything metallic during the exam, so when preparing for an MRI, it would be best to leave watches, jewelry, or anything else containing metal, at home.
If your child is to be sedated, the MRI Department needs to have the answers, from your doctor, to the following questions about your child:
- Does the patient have cardiac (heart) problems?
- Does the patient have any type of airway disease (breathing problems)?
- Does the patient have a history of apnea-breath stoppage (especially sleep apnea)?
- Does the patient have any type of metabolic disease?
- Does the patient have a prior history of difficult sedation of anesthesia?
- Does the patient have any congenital syndromes?
Patients must also follow the Standard Orders for a Patient Undergoing Sedation for Elective Non Emergency Procedures.
Guidelines for an MRI with Sedation
In some cases, the examination time is too long to permit the child to try to hold still without sedation. This may be determined in advance or, can be ordered by the radiologist after your child is in the department. Pediatric sedation is only given by a sedation-qualified physician and/or nurse.
While the amount and type of sedation is determined upon arrival by your child's size/weight and age, there are general guidelines for pediatric sedation preparation.
Pediatric Sedation Guidelines for Preparation for Elective Non-Emergency Procedures
Your child will need to have an empty stomach when sedation medications are given. Food or liquid in the child’s stomach may result in vomiting or other reactions. You will be given specific instructions as to when your child must stop eating or drinking before the procedure.
Infants 0 to 6 months:
- Formula without cereal until six (6) hours before the procedure
- Breast milk until four (4) hours before procedure
- Clear liquids (apple juice, Gatorade or water) until two (2) hours before the procedure
Ages 6 months to 10 years:
- Solid foods, milk or formula until eight (8) hours before the procedure
- Clear liquids (apple juice, Gatorade, water) until two (2) hours before the procedure
Ages over 10 years:
- No solid foods or milk after midnight unless otherwise instructed
- Clear liquids (apple juice, Gatorade, water) until two (2) hours before the procedure
No gum or hard candy permitted prior to sedation.
The Largest Provider of Pediatric MRI
In 1985, Nicklaus Children's Hospital installed the first MRI unit in the city of Miami, and was the first MRI facility in the United States dedicated to pediatrics. In 1998, the hospital became the first MRI unit in Miami to offer functional MRIs or fMRI. The Radiology Department of Nicklaus Children's Hospital is the largest provider of pediatric MRI services in south Florida.