Is awake MRI right for my child?

Lots of kids can get an MRI while awake. Some still need sedation. Here's how to think about it, in plain words. Your child's doctor and the imaging team make the final call.

What "awake MRI" means

Your child stays awake and holds still while the scanner takes pictures. A child life specialist often helps them get ready ahead of time, with pictures, sounds, practice, or a pretend scanner. During the scan many kids watch a movie or listen to music.

Kids it may work for

• Kids who can follow directions and lie still for a while. Many hospitals start around age 5 or 6, but every hospital has its own rules.
• Babies 6 months and under, at some hospitals, with "feed and swaddle": feed, wrap snugly, and scan while they sleep.
• Kids who have done MRIs before, or who really want to skip the not-eating and wake-up time that comes with sedation.

When sedation may still be needed

• Long scans, or several scans in one visit.
• Very young children.
• Scans with contrast, which needs an IV.
• Pain, anxiety, developmental or medical needs that make holding still hard.
• If your child tries and can't stay still. Many hospitals reschedule with sedation, and that's okay.

Kinds of scanners

• Standard: a tunnel about 60 cm wide.
• Wide-bore: a roomier tunnel, about 70 cm.
• Open: open on the sides.
• Upright (Stand-Up MRI): you sit or stand. These centers mostly serve adults and aren't pediatric programs, so call and ask.

What to say

"Does your hospital offer an awake MRI program or child life support for MRI? Is my child a good fit to try without sedation?"

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