MRI Scan
A guide for patients and carers
Children and MRI scanning
The procedure for scanning children is the same as for adults, except that children may be given either a sedative (calming) drug or a short anaesthetic to help them stay still during the test.
If an anaesthetic is planned, you will be asked to withhold food and drink from your child for a few hours before the anaesthetic is given. You will be able to go with your child to the scanning room and you will be asked to wait nearby when the pictures are being taken. Once the scan is completed and your child is awake and has managed to eat and drink, you can go home.