Magnetic resonance imaging scan - MRI

Your child’s MRI scan is scheduled for (date) ____________ at (time)_________ in the Imaging (Radiology) Department: 

Lower level of the main hospital. Please stop at a Welcome desk for a badge.
New Berlin Clinic.  Please check in at the main desk on the first floor.
Mequon Clinic.  Please check in at the main desk on the first floor.

What is a MRI?

An MRI scanner is a machine that uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to take pictures of areas inside of the body. It can look at the brain, heart, spinal cord and more.  It does not use radiation.  There are no known harmful effects from having an MRI.  

Special instructions

• Your child will need to lie very still during the scan.  If your child doesn’t feel well on the day of the appointment, it may be hard to lie still.  If your child has a cold or is sick the day of the scan, please call the MRI Department at 414-266-3180.  
• If your child will need sedation, your child cannot eat or drink before the MRI scan. Use the guide below:   

What to stop and when to stop

• Solid food/whole milk - Stop 8 hours before the scan.
• Formula - Stop 6 hours before the scan.
• Breast milk - Stop 4 hours before the scan.
• Clear liquids - Stop 2 hours before the scan.

Please note:

• It is important that you follow these special instructions.   If your child eats or drinks anything after the times listed above, the scan may be cancelled if your child needs to be sedated.  
• If your child has diabetes or is taking medicine, check with their doctor about these special instructions.
• Some special types of MRI scans require that your child not eat so we can get good pictures. An Imaging nurse will call you with these instructions.

How the scan is done

• Your child will be given a gown or pajamas to wear into the scanner.  After your child is changed, we will bring him or her to the MRI scanner. The MRI scanner uses a magnet so your child will need to take off any metal that he or she is wearing.  This includes things like, jewelry, earrings and watches, etc.  Most braces or fillings in teeth will not be a problem. 
• Your child will lie down on a special table.  It is important for your child to lie very still during the scan.  If it is hard for your child to hold still, medicine may be given to help your child feel sleepy (sedation).   Your child may be awake during the scan.  
• When your child is comfortable, the table will move slowly inside of the scanner.  The technologist and nurse will be able to see your child on a TV camera.  They will use a microphone to talk with your child.
• The MRI scanner is noisy.  A monitor helps the nurse know that your child is feeling okay during the scan.
• Sometimes, even with sedation, a child is not able to lie still long enough for the scan to be done.  If this happens, the test will be rescheduled for another day.

After the scan

If your child was sedated, they will be able to leave the hospital some time after waking up.  They may still feel sleepy or dizzy for a few hours after the scan.  Have your child stay home and rest for the day.  Your child may play quiet games, but should not do activities such as riding a bike or climbing. 

Results

Your doctor will get the results within 24 hours, but it may take up to one week for him or her to review the information. Your doctor will share the results with you.