MRI scan baby- is it necessary?

[Rainydays991]

Not sure if this is the right place to post but my baby was doing some weird movements with his head which I mentioned to the GP.
He told us to go A&E as it could potentially be infantile spasms. Obviously I became very worried that this is what it was and prepared myself for the worst.
Took him there and a paediatric neurologist performed an EEG test which, thankfully, confirmed it was not infantile spasms.
The doctor discharged him but said I will receive a letter in the post with details of an MRI scan to follow up.
I’m just wondering if this is because they are genuinely worried about him or if it’s because I was so worried and they are doing it for my peace of mind?
Other than the movements he is developmentally fine. Reaching all his milestones and was born at term. The doctor also said we are reassured that nothing is wrong, therefore am a bit confused about the MRI scan referral.
Obviously want to do everything in my power to make sure he is okay but perhaps the movements are just random baby movements that he does for no reason?
The MRI scan would require general anaesthesia which I’m anxious about but, again, obvs I would do this if the doctors were concerned.
I realise I need to speak to the doctor about this but whilst I’m waiting to do so, I just wondered if anyone had any insight into this as I’m a first time mum and a bit confused with the conflicting info.

The NHS is very cautious with babies, very busy, very stretched, and very broke. If they're offering you an MRI, take it.

@MolliciousIntent okay thank you

My daughter had an MRI at 6 months (for a different reason - she had a big lump on her neck - it was treatable and is gone now). I wouldn't worry about the GA, it won't be for long and he will be closely monitored. I phoned the anesthesiologist before to clarify the fasting rules for my breastfed baby as she didn't really drink any water at that age.

The MRI is to rule out/rule in tuberous sclerosis or other genetic epilepsy syndromes. Our son had one at 3 months because he was having infantile spasms. He was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis shortly afterwards. Don't worry about the general anaesthetic as the hospital will monitor him closely. They need to know what is causing the spasms so they can treat them and he can get the help and support that he needs.

This. Absolutely this. It will take away any anxiety you have if ever he makes any strange movements again or anytime he does anything you might question. Take the reassurance, it will do him no harm and you the world of good.

Well, you don't have to agree, you could just cross your fingers and hope all is well.

My ds2 had his first mri at less than 24 hours old as part of a medical research project, so I'm clearly less cautious than you but they really are very safe procedures. Clinicians rarely offer them for shit n' giggles but you could talk to them about why they are recommending it and what alternatives there are (watch and wait may be one of them if its more of a precaution).

One of the causes of infantile spasms- tubular sclerosis - can present as a normal EEG and show up on MRI.

Infantile spasm hypsarrhythmia might not have been found but I'd personally be grateful they're taking it seriously. I'd definitely take it as it sounds like they only did a short eeg, not an extended study?

Yes, as PPs have said, MRI scans are not handed out like sweets & especially not for babies. I'm sure that the results WILL reassure you, but that is not the sole purpose of ordering the scan.

Thank you all.
I appreciate the reassurance. I have had people tell me that they just want to do it to ease my worries and that there’s nothing wrong with him and an MRI scan would be very traumatic for him blah blah so that’s where my hesitations came from.
From the comments I can see they wouldn’t do it if they did not think it was necessary.
Also, the EEG test took about 3 hours as they wanted to record him whilst asleep and awake. The doctor said with certainty that he is not having infantile spasms so I’m not worried about it anymore. Although like others have said, they may want to rule out any other brain abnormalities such as tuberous sclerosis.

I'm glad your kid doesn't have IS. My nephew was diagnosed with it at 7 months. The treatment is brutal, but luckily he's made a full recovery now 🙂

A relative had a head MRI when very young, it wasn't looking for anything particular and was more to rule things out. They did find something and it's fortunate that they did.

The NHS wouldn't be offering it unless they thought it necessary. Take it.

The MRI won't be traumatic. There were lots of toys on the day surgery ward whilst we waited and as she was young she got seen quickly. I was allowed to stay with baby DD till she was under anaesthetic and they called me down to the recovery room in time for her waking up and I could feed her there straight away.