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MRI scans


At Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), children can have the scan under sedation, under general anaesthetic, or without either. For more information, please visit:

Your child will be assessed by the nurses and radiographers in the MRI department to see which option is most suitable for your child. This decision is based on your child’s medical condition and the type of scan needed.

Watch our short video film about having an MRI or listen to our audio podcast. If you would like further advice about preparing your child for the scan, please ring the department’s play specialist on the numbers below.

Are there any alternatives?

Your child may need this scan so that their doctors can get detailed pictures of the size and shape of part of your child’s body. Various types of scan such as CT, ultrasound and x-rays can show the size and shape of parts of your child’s body but not in as much detail as an MRI scan. The information from the scan is then used to plan their treatment.

What does the scan involve?

Children having the scan under sedation or general anaesthetic will need to ‘fast’ or stop eating and drinking for a while beforehand. Fasting is not needed for scans without sedation or general anaesthetic unless stated in the appointment letter.

Small babies often have a ‘feed and wrap’, that is, they are given a feed and then wrapped tightly in a towel. Usually, babies doze off when this is done so lie still during the scan.

Your child will need to lie on the bed for the scan. Depending on the part of their body being scanned, they may need to have a coil over part of their body or wear a head coil (this will not touch their head). When your child is in the correct position, the radiographer will move the bed inside the scanner and then go into the control room.

When the scan has finished, the radiographer will move the bed out of the scanner. Your child can then get up and leave if they have not had sedation or a general anaesthetic, or will be moved into the recovery area to wake up from the sedation or general anaesthetic.

Are there any risks?

There are no risks associated with MRI scans. They are painless quick with no lasting effects. The scanner does not touch your child during the scan. MRI scans are not suitable for people with certain metal implants inside them (pacemakers or surgical clips) because the scanner emits a strong magnetic field. This is why we carry out a thorough metal check before your child has the scan.

What happens next?

Before we book the scan, the MRI nurse will need to assess your child, either in the department or over the telephone. Once they have decided how best your child can have the MRI scan, we will book a date and send you more detailed information about preparing for the scan.

More information

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Radiology Play Specialist: 020 7405 9200 ext. 0301

MRI Bookings: 020 7813 8510

Ref: 2012F1343 January 2013

Compiled by the Radiology department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group

This information does not constitute health or medical advice and will not necessarily reflect treatment at other hospitals. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.