“Is an MRI scan safe for children?”
My son is 9 year old and needs to have a head MRI with contrast after taking a really bad fall that caused a concussion. He has a severe headache and his symptoms seem like they're worsening. Is this a safe scan for children?
5 Answers
Yes.
MRI is same with no radiation. There is a small risk from the contrast. He also may need to be sedated. You should discuss these issues with the radiologist doing the test.
Yes. The benefit of an MRI over a CT is that there is no radiation involved. I hope your son feels better!
The scan is absolutely safe for children as it uses no ionizing radiation. The only issue is the noise which can be quite loud and they usually provide noise canceling headphones for that. The newer machines allow the scan to be performed fairly quickly.
Thanks for your question,
Brian
Thanks for your question,
Brian
Yes, an MRI brain is very safe for children. MRI is considered the best imaging modality of the brain. If contrast is used request a macrocyclic gadolinium agent such as Gadavist, Prohance or Dotarem. These agents have the best safety profile and are unlikely to allow the accumulation of free gadolinium in the body.
