Sometimes, as much as children try to keep themselves calm, they just can’t help but be so anxious during an MRI scan that they can’t hold still. If that’s the case, they may need to undergo MRI sedation in order to get the procedure done. If you’re not sure what to expect, then read on to find out more about this process.
Change Their Usual Sleep Pattern
It may help if you let them sleep sleep an hour later than usual and then get up an hour earlier than the usual schedule. This will reduce their amount of sleep, possibly helping them better go under once they do get sedated.
Don’t Let Them Eat or Drink Before the Scan
Let them fast before they get sedated. By doing so, they will greatly reduce the chances of having the contents of their stomach going into their lungs during and after the procedure.
Make Sure They Wear the Right Clothes
Your child cannot wear any clothes that have metal zips or poppers on them. But don’t worry. In case you forgot about it, the technician will have your child change into a hospital gown instead.
Let Them Take the Sedation Properly
Most of the time, your child will have to orally take the MRI sedation liquid around half an hour before the scan begins. Sometimes, children also need to top up their sedation via IV. If your child is scared of pain, fear not. Technicians will apply a local anaesthetic cream to your child’s skin so as to numb any and all feeling there.
Throughout all of this, you have the option of staying with your child in order to comfort them. As long as you are both aware of what you’re going into, you will both be fine. Make sure to get the services of a reliable company like Open MRI of Orlando so that you can have the peace of mind that you need.
