Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
In This Post:
MRI in Children: Benefits and Risks
- No harmful radiation – MRI uses magnetism and not X-rays, eliminating exposure to X-ray radiation. This imaging technique has become the preferred method for people needing repeated diagnostic imaging.
- Better visibility – MRI scans have a better and clearer image of internal organs in your body. That’s why MRI is the preferred method for scanning body areas such as knees and shoulders, especially for brain diagnosis.
- Fewer side effects – Compared to X-rays, MRI scans for multiple diagnostic imaging requests have the least risk of side effects. Also, MRI is non-invasive, as you are just placed in an MRI machine.
- Best for detecting tumors – MRI scans are crucial for the early detection of tumors and certain types of cancers, especially brain cancers.
- It is expensive – MRI scans use high-end digital imaging techniques, making them more expensive than X-ray scans. As of April 2022, the average price of an MRI scan ranges between $375 to $2,850.
- Ineffective in certain types of cancer – Despite it being used to detect tumors and other types of cancers, there are also cancers that MRI cannot properly image for accurate diagnosis. Breast cancers and other types of benign tumors are some examples.
- Reagent allergy – There are cases where a reagent is given to a person undergoing an MRI scan to get better image results. However, this reagent may result in allergic reactions for some.
- Bad for people with claustrophobia – An MRI machine is an enclosed tube that a person is slid into, which may be claustrophobic for some individuals.
What Is the Difference Between an MRI Scan in Adults and Children?
Preparing Your Child for an MRI Scan
Post-Procedure Care
give your child a lot of water