Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• You (or your child) will have to be able to lie still for 15-35 minutes.
• If your child cannot lie still for this amount of time, sedation may be needed. A child who needs sedation cannot have solid foods, formula or milk for six hours before the appointment. Clear liquids such as water and juice without pulp can be given until two hours before the exam.
• Sometimes contrast material is necessary for MRI exams. If you (or your child) need contrast material, do not eat or drink for 3-4 hours before your appointment.
• If sedation or contrast is needed, a nurse, doctor or technologist will go over the details with you.
• Since some noises from the MRI machine will be loud, we will offer you (or your child) ear plugs. If your child has a favorite blanket, you may bring it with you. Any special toy that does not have any metal parts may also be brought along.

The open M.R.I (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine contains a powerful magnet which can attract ferromagnetic metallic objects. These objects may also disturb the images. Accordingly, please note the following:

• Patients with cardiac pacemaker and those with metallic implants (such as aneurysmal clips) or intra-orbital metallic foreign bodies are exempted from the study.
• Please inform the Doctor about your previous operations particularly if there are metallic implants.
• Please get rid of the following items before the examination (jewels, metallic currency, keys, watches, bank credit cards, eyeglasses, hearing aids, artificial denture, hairpins, etc.). Keep these items and other personal belongings with a relative or let them with the technician doing the MR examination.
• Small metallic things with your dresses like buttons or zippers are not allowed, kindly put-on our hospital gown supplied for you during the examination.
• The examination takes about 15-20 minutes (divided into 3-4 periods of time)
• The examination is painless and doesn't use ionizing radiations.
• You will be lying down on your back during the examination and should not move as movement may necessitate repeating the imaging and prolonging the study.
• During the examination the machine produces knocking-like high sound which is normal. Rubber ear-plugs are available, if needed you can ask for one.
• The Doctor and technician performing the study are continuously monitoring you and they can communicate with you throughout the examination through the intercom. A relative or a companion can stay with you inside the examination room during the study if necessary.
• Patients suffering from severe pain preventing them lying down quite during the examination may be given sedation and this necessitates fasting at least 4-5 hours prior to the examination. Other patients do not need to be fasting.
• No definite scientifically proven dangers or side-effects to this study on the fetus or pregnant woman. However, the study is not routinely used during pregnancy except whenever it is indicated.