The PainFree Program. Reducing the pain and stress of children s medical care. MRI. Sneak-A-Peek For Parents. The PainFree Program

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1 The PainFree Program Reducing the pain and stress of children s medical care. MRI Sneak-A-Peek For Parents The PainFree Program Reducing the pain and stress of children s medical care. MRI Sneak-A-Peek For Parents

2 What is MRI? MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive test that allows structures inside the body to be viewed. This test is like an x-ray, but does not involve any exposure to radiation. These pictures are used by doctors to look at the healthy functioning of your child s internal structures. What is MRI? MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive test that allows structures inside the body to be viewed. This test is like an x-ray, but does not involve any exposure to radiation. These pictures are used by doctors to look at the healthy functioning of your child s internal structures.

3 a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine

4 Preparing your child for MRI Because this is a test that requires your child to lay still and quiet for about a half an hour, to 45 minutes, we ask that you do the following to prepare your child for the MRI: Have your child practice laying still. Activity: Using a coffee table at home, drape a blanket over it with your child laying underneath. Make some type of noise (for example, banging on the table; running the vacuum cleaner, etc.) while they lay still. This can be like a pretend MRI. Each time you practice, have your child lay still for longer periods of time. Preparing your child for MRI Because this is a test that requires your child to lay still and quiet for about a half an hour, to 45 minutes, we ask that you do the following to prepare your child for the MRI: Have your child practice laying still. Activity: Using a coffee table at home, drape a blanket over it with your child laying underneath. Make some type of noise (for example, banging on the table; running the vacuum cleaner, etc.) while they lay still. This can be like a pretend MRI. Each time you practice, have your child lay still for longer periods of time.

5 Bring a music tape or CD, or a book on tape for your child to listen to during the MRI. The MRI scanner makes a lot of noise. This can help reduce the level of noise. Feed your child before the test. A hungry child will have a hard time laying still for the length of the test. Have your child go to the bathroom before testing. Bring a music tape or CD, or a book on tape for your child to listen to during the MRI. The MRI scanner makes a lot of noise. This can help reduce the level of noise. Feed your child before the test. A hungry child will have a hard time laying still for the length of the test. Have your child go to the bathroom before testing.

6 Please DO : Remove any metal from your child (earrings, necklace, watch, hair ties, etc.) If your child has a favorite blanket or special stuffed animal, bring it with you. Make sure it contains no metal parts. Arrive early for your appointment if your child will be receiving contrast as a part of their test (You will be notified if contrast is involved). The MRI Technologists can apply some numbing cream that helps children tolerate the needle poke for the contrast. If your child is taking medication for ADHD, please make sure you give it to them the day of their MRI. Arrange for care of your other children. They will not be allowed in the testing area, and we do not have child care providers on-site. Please DO : Remove any metal from your child (earrings, necklace, watch, hair ties, etc.) If your child has a favorite blanket or special stuffed animal, bring it with you. Make sure it contains no metal parts. Arrive early for your appointment if your child will be receiving contrast as a part of their test (You will be notified if contrast is involved). The MRI Technologists can apply some numbing cream that helps children tolerate the needle poke for the contrast. If your child is taking medication for ADHD, please make sure you give it to them the day of their MRI. Arrange for care of your other children. They will not be allowed in the testing area, and we do not have child care providers on-site.

7 Please DO NOT : Plan other commitments around the time of testing. Most tests take about a half an hour to 45 minutes, but they can take longer. The test cannot be rushed. Helpful Hints for MRI Testing During your child s MRI, there are some steps you can take to help ensure the testing process goes smoothly, and the best test possible is obtained. Allow your child to ask questions. We want them to understand the testing process, and feel confident and secure. Children s fears are different from adults. Most children do not experience claustrophobia (the fear of closed spaces). They are more concerned about the noise of the machine, and having to lay still. Please DO NOT : Plan other commitments around the time of testing. Most tests take about a half an hour to 45 minutes, but they can take longer. The test cannot be rushed. Helpful Hints for MRI Testing During your child s MRI, there are some steps you can take to help ensure the testing process goes smoothly, and the best test possible is obtained. Allow your child to ask questions. We want them to understand the testing process, and feel confident and secure. Children s fears are different from adults. Most children do not experience claustrophobia (the fear of closed spaces). They are more concerned about the noise of the machine, and having to lay still.

8 You may stay in the MRI room with your child for the duration of their test. You may talk with your child while they are being positioned for the MRI. This can be soothing and help calm your child. We ask that all talking stop when testing begins. Children are likely to respond by talking or nodding their head. Movement of this kind can impair the test. If your child is having a hard time not interacting with you, feel free to leave the testing area. You can take a walk, or get something to eat or drink. It may take several days before results are available. Reports will be sent directly to your child s doctor. No results will be given the day of testing. You may stay in the MRI room with your child for the duration of their test. You may talk with your child while they are being positioned for the MRI. This can be soothing and help calm your child. We ask that all talking stop when testing begins. Children are likely to respond by talking or nodding their head. Movement of this kind can impair the test. If your child is having a hard time not interacting with you, feel free to leave the testing area. You can take a walk, or get something to eat or drink. It may take several days before results are available. Reports will be sent directly to your child s doctor. No results will be given the day of testing.

9 Directions to MRI From the DHMC Main Rotunda on level 3: Go down the hall past the pink smock, bank, etc. Go around the spiral stairs to the elevators (North Towers). Take a right down the uncarpeted hallway Follow the hall to the desk at the end. Give your name to the receptionist at the desk to get checked-in. While you wait for your MRI you can sit in the waiting room to the left of the desk, or on the benches in front of the desk. Directions to MRI From the DHMC Main Rotunda on level 3: Go down the hall past the pink smock, bank, etc. Go around the spiral stairs to the elevators (North Towers). Take a right down the uncarpeted hallway Follow the hall to the desk at the end. Give your name to the receptionist at the desk to get checked-in. While you wait for your MRI you can sit in the waiting room to the left of the desk, or on the benches in front of the desk.

10 Questions or Concerns If you have any questions or concerns about your child s ability to go through the MRI, or if you would like support for your child through the PainFree Program, please contact Linda Jellison, PainFree Program Coordinator, (603) NOTES: Questions or Concerns If you have any questions or concerns about your child s ability to go through the MRI, or if you would like support for your child through the PainFree Program, please contact Linda Jellison, PainFree Program Coordinator, (603) NOTES:

11 This publication was brought to you as a part of: The PainFree Program* Joseph Cravero, MD, Anesthesiologist, PainFree Medical Director Kristin King, CCLS, Child Life Specialist Patricia Levesque, RN, Registered Nurse Robin Hodge, LNA/PCT, Patient Care Technician Linda Jellison, PainFree Program Coordinator Approved by: Robert Ferranti, RT, R, MR, MRI Team Leader Created 3/01 *PainFree Sneak-A-Peek developed by Kristin King, CCLS, Department of Child Life Services. This publication was brought to you as a part of: The PainFree Program* Joseph Cravero, MD, Anesthesiologist, PainFree Medical Director Kristin King, CCLS, Child Life Specialist Patricia Levesque, RN, Registered Nurse Robin Hodge, LNA/PCT, Patient Care Technician Linda Jellison, PainFree Program Coordinator Approved by: Robert Ferranti, RT, R, MR, MRI Team Leader Created 3/01 *PainFree Sneak-A-Peek developed by Kristin King, CCLS, Department of Child Life Services.

12 One Medical Center Drive Lebanon, NH (603) One Medical Center Drive Lebanon, NH (603)