Preparing your child for an MRI with I.V. Sedation


Patient preparation

Preparing for your MRI with I.V. Sedation

What is I.V. Sedation?

In our office, I.V. Sedation is medication given to patients to help them remain still during an MRI scan. Lying still is critical to insuring that the MRI pictures taken will be accurate and clear. Prior to the scan, the Board Certified Anesthesiologist will put your child into a very light sleep to help your child relax and minimize any fear or anxiety. Both the Anesthesiologist and a Registered Nurse will monitor your child before, during and after the MRI study.

What medications are used?

Propofol will be given through an I.V. to induce sleep. This medication has a short duration of action and a rapid recovery time and is administered to make sure your child remains asleep during the entire MRI study.

How will my child feel after the MRI scan?

Most patients are awake, alert, and ready for discharge within 30 - 45 minutes after the MRI scan is completed. There are usually no lasting effects from the medication after awakening. Some patients may continue to feel drowsy throughout the day, and some children may wake up irritable and crying. These side effects should last only a short time. Our Registered Nurse will call you within 24 hours to confirm that your child is doing well.

How do I prepare my child for I.V. Sedation?

Your child should:

  • Have nothing to eat or drink for at least eight (8) hours before the scheduled MRI appointment time.
  • Dress in comfortable clothing that has no metal detailing (no metal snaps, zippers, jewelry, etc.). Wearing sweatshirts and sweatpants is suggested.
  • Arrive one (1) hour prior to the exam time. A parent/legal guardian must accompany all children under 18 years of age.

If your child is ill within one (1) week prior to the scheduled MRI procedure, please call us as soon as possible to let us know. Your child should be free of congestion, cough or fever for the scan. If your child's appointment is in our New Brunswick office, call 732-249-4410 x4561. If the appointment is scheduled in our East Brunswick office, please call 732-390-0030 x4262.

Will there be a doctor present?

There will always be a Board Certified Anesthesiologist present and there is always a Board Certified Radiologist in the office during I.V. Sedation.

What information do I need to send you before the MRI appointment?

After scheduling an appointment for your child's MRI, you will need to provide us with some very specific medical history information and documentation so that our clinical staff can evaluate medical eligibility for this procedure. As a first step, please fax a prescription from the child's physician which orders the MRI with I.V. Sedation. The script should be dated within 30 days of your child's scheduled MRI appointment and faxed to us at 732-238-6238, if your child is scheduled in our East Brunswick office. If your child's appointment is in New Brunswick, please fax the script to 732-246-2696.

University Radiology clinical staff will call you to confirm your child's medical clearance for this procedure based on the information that you have provided. At that time, we will let you know if your child needs a physical exam performed by a Pediatrician.

If your child has diabetes, heart disease, seizures, high blood pressure, or kidney issues, specific blood work may have to be performed before the MRI appointment. You will need to fax the results of these tests so that we receive them at least five (5) days before your child's appointment date. This allows us the time necessary to properly review your results and order additional testing if necessary.

Again, please fax all information to 732-238-6238, if your child is scheduled in our East Brunswick office. If your child's appointment is scheduled in our New Brunswick office, please fax to 732-246-2696.

Please recognize that it is your responsibility to schedule a physical, if appropriate, and get all of the necessary testing and paperwork completed by your child's physician and faxed to us within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled appointment.

Please note that the Anesthesia physician who is administering the sedation will be sending you a bill for their services. The actual procedure/exam is covered by your insurance; however, sedation is not considered part of that procedure/exam and therefore may not be covered by your insurance. If you have any questions please contact our office.

If you have additional questions about the MRI study or any of the information needed above,please feel free to contact us. If your child's appointment is in our New Brunswick office, call 732-249-4410 x4561. If the appointment is scheduled in our East Brunswick office, please call 732-390-0030 x4262.

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