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Original poster

10 yo has to have MRI

31 replies

NeverTalksToStrangers · 29/04/2019 00:11

My ds has to have an MRI in a couple of weeks.

It's 4 areas so should take a while. Any tips on how I can prepare him for it? I genuinely have no clue how he's going to react to any of it.

OP posts:
AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 29/04/2019 00:13

Two main issues are that it's a small space and you have to lie still.

Is she claustrophobic or a wriggler?

Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis · 29/04/2019 00:14

You just lie still in a tube. Some are noisy but I think they tend to be quieter now I think. He’ll be fine. Just like an X-ray but longer and at ten he can understand.

Original poster
NeverTalksToStrangers · 29/04/2019 00:23

I don't know about claustrophobia but he does have issues staying still. Yes, he should understand more but he's a real worrier, which is my main concern.

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Leeds2 · 29/04/2019 00:50

I had one years ago, and just shut my eyes and tried to go to sleep. Those in charge emphasised that if I said anything, like I was uncomfortable, they could stop the process. Also, they could play any music that might help me feel better.

Redshoeblueshoe · 29/04/2019 00:54

My DD had one at 10, she knew she had to just keep very still, and it was fine.
if I said she was always well behaved and lovely I would be lying
Are the hospital offering any advice or support ?

Witchend · 29/04/2019 07:32

Dad had one last year when he was 10yo.
I told him he needed to lie very still and he could choose some music to listen to.
He was amazing and hardly twitched a muscle despite being a huge wriggler.

greenelephantscarf · 29/04/2019 07:36

dc had one (leg end) when 8yo
dc had a headset on with a cd running and radiographer could speak communicate.
it was fine. the instructions are very clear and the promise of a treat helped

MakeLemonade · 29/04/2019 07:58

Maybe an audio book to listen to might help him relax/stay still? Or a kids podcast? We listen to a couple of science ones that are fascinating.

FraggleRocking · 29/04/2019 08:05

The children’s MRI unit at our local hospital has mirrors set up so that the patient can see their parent/guardian for reassurance. Maybe you could ask the department how they run their unit to see what they can do for an anxious child.

liitlepenguin · 29/04/2019 08:07

My DS had one. They gave him ear phones and had a paw Patrol dvd on. Do they do t anything like this ?

Original poster
NeverTalksToStrangers · 29/04/2019 08:07

They said to bring a DVD, as opposed to some music or whatever, so he probably gets to wear some sort of screen goggles. Most of our recent purchases have been blu ray but it can't take those. I have asked him if there's a DVD he'd like to get, but he hasn't suggested anything.

Aside from the obvious Marvel movies, does anyone have any suggestions?

OP posts:
Stormei · 29/04/2019 08:21

My son had one at 7 with a DVD, he initially was a bit panicked and came back out. Once he saw though he could stop he was fine and got so engrossed in the DVD he was missing instructions

desperateswisswife · 29/04/2019 08:27

If you google it there are lots of very child friendly videos explaining what to expect. They’re usually produced by hospitals.

Good luck!

desperateswisswife · 29/04/2019 08:28

On YouTube, meant to say

Miljah · 29/04/2019 23:07

What 4 areas?

A lot of hospitals have play therapy that can have a session or two beforehand? Check if you can bring a CD of music.

LocksMyth · 29/04/2019 23:16

My son said it was cold. He appreciated a jumper.

Seekingwellness · 29/04/2019 23:28

My 9 yr old had an MRI a month ago.
She had music only, not DVD but my observations to help would be:

  • choose a calm dvd of cartoons or something...not an action film he may jump or twitch at
  • look up the MRI episode of 'operation ouch' on iplayer and watch it with him
  • prepare him that it's really noisy with clicks, whirrs, knocks, buzzing and similar and the sound changes throughout as depending on what they're imaging depends on the noises
  • i was allowed to stand at my DDs legs and hold them to reassure her she wasn't alone. She could see me if she looked down (eyes only as head couldn't move)
  • the stiller he is the better the images they get
  • they were imaging my daughters head so she had a kind of stabilising cushion around it. I'd assume he may have similar on whichever part theyre focusing on
  • he may have cannula put in hand or arm incase they need to inject dye to get better images
  • time varies but he's likely going to be in there for about 20 mins maybe more
  • wear comfy clothes with no metal (including you in case you can stay in with him)

Think these are the main points from what i remember

Seekingwellness · 29/04/2019 23:29

Just seen poster above me...yes my DD had her bkanket ovee jer as was chilly

ADHDme · 29/04/2019 23:45

The die feels like you wet yourself because its warm! I was warned.

It can be very noisy - drill sounds and beeps.

Stressedmummyof4 · 30/04/2019 00:07

My eldest had one last year, she was 9. I was able to go in and sit on a seat behind the machine. There was a mirror angled so she could see me at all times, although I had to remove my glasses due to the magnetic or I would have lost them, so sat blind for the full duration. They told her to bring a dvd, we both wore head sets. Mines more like ear defenders hers had audio from her dvd that she could watch. If it's at your local children's hospital check with them see if they have these facilities too. My daughters was done at the new children's hospital in Glasgow. Hope all is well x

Original poster
NeverTalksToStrangers · 30/04/2019 00:22

Miljah head and spine.

He has a large cyst on his brain that we discovered last year due to an unrelated head injury. CT scan that time so not as long, but we weren't allowed in the room, so probably a bit scarier for him. Sad He then was assessed by neurology who have identified minor concerns with his movement (hence spinal) but these things could be due to immaturity and so they aren't overly worried.

I ordered Jumanji 2, and then doubted my purchase because there are some bits designed to make you jump. He's not a bit cartoon lover any more. I didn't want anything too funny because I'm afraid of movement too. Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
NeverTalksToStrangers · 30/04/2019 00:26

It's at the Royal Children's hospital in Belfast. Relatively new scanner, so hopefully they are well kitted out for comfort.

Will I need to bring our own blanket?
Must remember to put in contact lenses. And no jeans? Zips? What am I gonna wear? Confused

OP posts:
Seekingwellness · 30/04/2019 06:15

We took our own blanket. Didn't see sny there.

I had dress and leggings. They were ok about my sports bra which had a little metal in and just said i might feel the machine pulling me a bit (i didn't)

Yogagirl123 · 30/04/2019 06:30

My son is a real worrier too. He had MRI on his head when he was nearly 7. We prepared him of what to expect, now there will be YouTube videos etc. Bribed him with a Maccy D’s after and new toy. Consultant said he was borderline for offering sedation, but would try without. It was fine, no problems. Perhaps you son, could listen to music in the scanner?

Personally, I find keeping my eyes closed the easiest, helps the claustrophobia. The radiographers are good at keeping you informed, ask if you need a break in long scans, and theirs always a button in your hand that will stop the machine if necessary.

I have MRI every year. So will used to them now.

Good luck OP I hope all goes well.

shouldwestayorshouldwego · 30/04/2019 06:33

Can you get a DVD from a charity shop? It is staying still which is so difficult. I had to keep my hands on her feet to prompt her to keep them still. There are breaks so the machine will go for a bit then a break then go again for a bit. It is noisy and I heard a pounding of blood in my head on top of the machine noise.