These MRIs take a long time (at least 30 mins) and it’s hard to stay still. Only you know if your kid will be up for it. Mine has had several MRIs (never with entertainment or sedation) but they started when they were 11 and I have a calm and very compliant girl.

I think he will be fine if you do not act like it is a big deal. Just tell him what to expect.

>They will place his head on a rest to help him keep it still.

>He will not feel anything (zero pain or discomfort, unless he gets contrast= a shot).

> when they slide the table you are laying on inside the machine, the ceiling will be close to you but it won’t touch your head or anything. You can close your eyes if you want to, and think of X, which you will get to do afterwards when it’s all done.

> the machine makes weird noises. That is normal, and some kids like to pretend it is something cool, like a spaceship. (Ad libbing at the end there…you know your own child)

If you are not sure what your child will experience, call the hospital ahead to find out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Children’s National will not even try it unsedated until 8. I would prepare for it needing to be done sedated.

This is false. They'll do it at 6. Scroll down to where it says MR-I can do it
https://www.childrensnational.org/plan-your-visit/inpatient-and-hospital-stays/patient-services-and-hospital-amenities/family-support-services/child-life/supportive-resources

The Children's neurologist who ordered the MRI said they would not do it until 8. It may have been specific to it being brain MRI, IDK.