MRI is used to produce detailed pictures of the inside of a child's body, but what is the truth about MRI harms to children? To learn more, keep reading.
Because it creates precise images of the body's organs and structures and uses radio waves and a magnetic field to do so, MRI is both painless and safe for use in a wide range of medical conditions.
The truth about the risks of magnetic resonance imaging for kids and its advantages are revealed in this article:
MRI damage to children
The magnetic field has not been linked to any health risks, and MRI is safe and simple; Because radio waves are low in energy and no radiation is used, but some side effects may occur, such as:
1. Allergic reactions
The risks and benefits of administering anaesthesia to a child should be discussed with the doctor beforehand, as some kids may suffer from allergic reactions, bruising, or skin irritation from the needle.
One of the most obvious MRI damages for children is a weakness in kidney function, which may lead to serious complications in some cases.
2. Interference of metallic elements with magnetic resonance
Some medical and implantable metal devices can be harmful because they can interfere with the magnetic field, which can cause MRI to malfunction.
In order to remove them and stop injury to the child, the doctor must be informed prior to imaging.
3. Fear of enclosed spaces
It is advisable to talk to the paediatrician about prescribing a mild sedative before the scheduled examination because some kids experience claustrophobia or anxiety.
Benefits of MRI for children
Learn about the advantages of using magnetic resonance imaging after discovering that it is bad for kids:
- MRI is a harmless imaging technique, as there is no radiation exposure.
- When compared to other imaging techniques, MRI produces images that are sometimes clearer, making it possible to diagnose and characterise diseases more precisely.
- Due to its ability to detect abnormalities that bone may have covered up, MRI offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods of diagnosing cardiovascular issues.
What to expect at a pediatric MRI?
Here are some expectations when having an MRI:
- Your child may have to lie still on the MRI table for 20-90 minutes, but there are short breaks between each scan unless anesthesia is used. Your child can resume his regular routine and diet as soon as the majority of the anaesthesia wears off, which usually happens in one to two hours.
- A blanket might be offered if your child gets cold while lying on the MRI table.
- Though they are momentary, your child may experience mood swings that make him irritable.
Tips for pediatric MRI
Here are some important tips for preparing children before an MRI:
- Before the scan, explain the procedure to your child in simple terms. Also, be sure to mention which body part will be scanned and that the machine will probably make noises.
- Limit the amount of sleep your child gets in the evening before the test by letting him go to bed an hour later than usual. Wake your child up at least an hour earlier than usual on the day of the test.
- In order to lower the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during and after the scan, your child should refrain from eating or drinking anything for a few hours prior to the anaesthesia.
- Dress your child in comfortable clothes on the day of the MRI.