Magnetic Resonance Ima​gi​ng (MRI)

Both MRI and CT create detailed pictures inside your child's body. Your care team will recommend whichever one best answers your child's specific medical questions.

The main difference is how each test works. MRI uses a magnet and radio waves, with no radiation. However, it takes longer, often 30 minutes to an hour or more. Because of that longer scan time, younger children or those who have trouble staying still may need sedation or extra support, like our Try Without Anesthesia Program. CT uses a small amount of radiation to capture images in just a few seconds to a few minutes, so most children can get through it by simply lying still and following a few instructions.

The two tests are also good at different things. MRI is especially useful for soft tissues (the brain, muscles, organs and blood flow). CT is especially good at producing fast, precise images of bones, blood vessels and dense structures, making it valuable when a quick answer is needed.

Your child's physician will choose the test, or combination of tests, that gives the clearest, safest picture for your child's care.

Because an MRI uses a powerful magnet, keeping metal out of the scan room is essential for a safe exam. Upon arrival, your child will change into a hospital gown or scrubs, and our team will ask about anything in or on their body that could be affected by the magnet — obvious items like jewelry, glasses and clothing with zippers, as well as less obvious ones like braces, hearing aids or implanted devices.

Some implants, such as pacemakers, cochlear implants or certain surgical hardware, can be sensitive to the magnetic field, so it's important to tell us about any procedures, surgeries or devices your child has had. If your child has metal that can't be removed, our radiologists will review it ahead of time to confirm the MRI can be done safely, or recommend another type of imaging if needed.

If you're hoping your child can complete their MRI without anesthesia but think they'd benefit from extra support along the way, they may be eligible for our Try Without Anesthesia Program, which pairs your child with a certified child life specialist to help them feel confident and ready for the scan. This program supports patients who have not completed an MRI before, are switching from completing routine scans under anesthesia, or are nervous about the MRI machine or process.

This program starts with a phone screening with a child life specialist to determine if your child is eligible to participate. Following the phone screen, you will be provided with materials over email to prepare your child for their MRI experience. On the day of your child’s MRI, you will arrive early to allow your child to meet one-on-one with a child life specialist for extra teaching about the MRI and to make sure your child feels comfortable with the environment and the imaging plan. Your child will also have an extended time to complete their imaging to allow for time to get comfortable with the equipment and the imaging technician. If your child is unable to complete their imaging while awake, you will be rescheduled with anesthesia in the following weeks.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please communicate your interest to the imaging scheduling team, or reach out to the medical imaging/MRI child life specialists with your child’s name, birthday, and a phone number to be reached at.

Before the Test

Before your child enters the MRI scan room, they will be asked to put on a hospital gown or scrubs. Your child will lie on a bed on their back and/or front depending on the type of MRI being done. Before the exam starts, all patients will be given either earplugs or headphones to help with the loud noises that the MRI machine makes. Some patients will have an IV placed by our nurses for their MRI test.

During the Test

For infants, we offer a special technique referred to as feed and swaddle. In some instances, your child may need to be sedated, you can learn how to prepare for sedation here. Patients that are not sedated may bring a CD to listen to or movie to watch or may borrow one of ours to watch while having their MRI. A child life specialist may be available on the day of your child’s visit to provide support with their medical experience.

After the Test

Once the exam is complete, your child may eat and drink as usual, unless you are told otherwise. A radiologist will interpret the final images and a report will be sent to your child's doctor.

Watch the below video to learn more about what happens during an MRI.

Our Department of Medical Imaging performs more than 115,000 procedures each year, giving our team deep experience with children of every age. 

Safety is central to how we work. We're committed to the Image Gently campaign, and unlike most radiology departments, we have two full-time medical physicists who monitor radiation dose and equipment to help ensure every scan is as safe as possible. Our team also has the training and technology to safely sedate children who might not otherwise be able to complete an MRI.

Our imaging spaces are designed to feel welcoming, not clinical, with kid-friendly exam rooms and activities for families. Parents are always encouraged to stay with their child throughout the visit.

Learn more about our medical imaging team

We are pleased to offer self-scheduling via MyChart for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams. If you do not have an active MyChart account with Lurie Children's, please call 833.706.4507 to activate your account or 312.227.4277 to schedule an appointment over the phone.

For other questions or concerns, or to speak with a Radiologist, please call 312.227.4500