|
|
How Do You Know the MRI is Safe For Babies?
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a non-invasive medical imaging procedure Generates detailed images of the body using a powerful magnet It is widely used in hospitals and clinical settings for individuals of all ages Why is MRI Safe? No radiation is used during the scan MRI is considered biologically harmless There are no known side effects It has been fully approved by the Federal Drug Administration MRI has been safely used with babies for over 20 years How Long is the Scan?
Scan Duration
Total Time: About 50 minutes Includes: ~10 individual scans Each scan can take from 20 seconds to 10 minutes Baby’s Sleep It is common for babies to wake up during the scan, in which case, we will pause and our infant coordinator will soothe them back to sleep. When your baby is asleep again, we will continue the scan from where we left off — we will not have to completely start over. Every Baby is Different Some babies sleep through the whole session. Others stay awake or wake intermittently — this is perfectly normal! What Will I Do During the Scan?
Regular Updates
Our parent coordinator will keep you informed about how your baby is doing and the progress of their scan. Enjoy Your Meal While your baby is scanning, we will give you time to eat your meal. Complete Session Tasks After you eat, our parent coordinator will set you up with surveys to complete. We also will review our devices with you and how to complete the device recordings. If you're comfortable, we also typically collect a small hair sample during this time. Any Tips to Help Babies Fall and Stay Asleep for an MRI?
Practice Back-Sleeping:
During the MRI, your baby will lie on their back. We recommend practicing back-sleeping for the week before the scan. Play MRI Sounds at Bedtime You can play this MRI sound audio file at a moderate volume as they’re falling asleep for several days before the scan. Doing this before your scan can help your baby get used to the sounds of the scanner. Gently Move Your Baby While They Sleep: You can practice lifting or repositioning your baby once they’re asleep. Moving them from your arms to a crib or another surface can help them get used to being moved without fully waking up—something that may happen during the scan. Will Sedation Be Used During the Scan?
Sedation-Free Scanning
We do not use sedation for infant MRI scans. Our team is trained in gentle, non-invasive techniques to help your baby fall asleep naturally. We focus on keeping your baby comfortable throughout the scan. Comfort and Medication Guidelines If your baby is teething or typically receives medication (like Tylenol or teething gel), you are welcome to follow your usual routine. We do not give your baby any medications. If you have questions about what is safe or recommended before the scan, we’re happy to discuss it with you when you arrive! What Hearing Protection is Used for Infants in the MRI?
To keep your baby safe and comfortable during the MRI, we use multiple layers of hearing protection:
1. Mac’s Ear Putty for Kids: Soft silicone earplugs are gently placed in your baby’s ears and secured with skin-safe tape. This provides the first layer of sound protection. 2. DREAMIES or Minimuffs – Based on Your Baby’s Preference: DREAMIES are soft, MRI-safe headbands with attached ear cups that reduce sound while staying snug and comfortable – like swimming goggles for your ears. Minimuffs are small MRI-safe ear covers that stick directly to each ear without a headband. Since every baby is different, we offer both options and choose the one that suits your baby best. 3. MRI-Safe Headphones: Over all other layers, we use specialized MRI- safe headphones to further reduce any remaining noise Who are Infant Coordinators?
SEA Lab Infant Coordinators:
Infant Coordinators are trained members of the SEA Lab team who provide expert care and support during infant scan sessions. Our current infant coordinators are: Jada Ledgister, Jalia Chester, Andrea Petersen & Jessica Utter. How Are Infant Coordinators Trained? Infant coordinator training includes hands-on infant care such as diaper changes, feeding, and soothing techniques.. They are also trained in preparing infants for MRI scans — this includes applying hearing protection, helping babies fall (and stay) asleep, and ensuring the scan environment is safe and comfortable for even the wiggliest little participants. |
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Feel free to call or text us at (615) 348-5752 or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions before your scan session.
Feel free to call or text us at (615) 348-5752 or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions before your scan session.