Pediatric MRI without general anesthesia
Some children are able to complete MRI’s without general anesthesia. Each child is different and parents can best determine if this is a possibility.
- A Child Life Specialist can also help you assess this option and provide information.
- Cinemavision movie goggles are available for some types of MRIs. This distraction tool allows children to watch a DVD throughout the MRI.
- A parent or trusted adult is welcome to remain in the room to further increase a sense of security for your child (the technologist will screen the adult to be sure it is safe for them to be in the MRI room, i.e . for pacemakers or other metal inside the body)
- If you are interested in the movie goggles, please inform the staff when scheduling your appointment.
- After the MRI is complete, your child can pick out a prize and enjoy the rest of the day!

Pediatric MRI with general anesthesia
If your child is completing his or her MRI with anesthesia (asleep), here are some useful guidelines:
- A nurse will call you before your appointment with important preparation instructions
- A Child Life Specialist is available to prepare your child and help him/her feel more comfortable in the hospital setting.
- Your anesthesiologist, nurse and technologist will meet with you before the exam starts to explain the process and answer questions.
- You are welcome to stay with your child until they fall asleep with anesthesia.
- After your child drifts off to sleep, you will be asked to return to the waiting room until the MRI is complete.
- Your child will wake up and “recover” from the anesthesia in the Children’s Surgery Center (CSC). You can follow your child as they push him/her by gurney from the MRI to recovery area.