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What are the differences between a CT scan and a pediatric MRI?
Professor Catherine Adamsbaum, head of the pediatric radiology department at Bicêtre hospital, explains: “Unlike the scanner which uses X-rays, MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging – is an examination performed using the magnetic resonance phenomenon, based on the magnetic properties of the protons of the water contained in the tissues. It is not invasive or irradiating, and presents no risk to the health of the patient. Its use is therefore not limited, unlike the scanner.
Are MRI and CT scans dangerous for a child?
“Children are particularly sensitive to the risks associated with ionizing radiation, emphasizes the specialist. This is why we limit the use of CT scans in pediatrics as much as possible ”, continues Professor Adamsbaum. “It is therefore recommended by the Directive Euratom 2013/59 to limit the exposure of patients to X-rays as much as possible ”, explains Professor Adamsbaum. Indeed, even if the doses used are low, they accumulate and can therefore represent a risk if the scanner is repeated several times. This is not the case with MRI, which therefore presents no danger to the child.
Why do an MRI or a CT scan?
Pediatric MRI provides a precise 2D and 3D visualization of the soft tissue and allows you to quickly detect:
- inflammation,
- infections,
- vessel abnormalities
- joint and bone marrow abnormalities
- abnormalities in the spine
- the presence of a possible tumor
The pediatric scanner allows a detailed analysis of the cortical bone, that is to say the external part of the bone, in 2D and 3D. It allows to diagnose:
- fractures
- the study of the skull
- the presence of a possible tumor
When doctors explained to Manon, 32, that her daughter Leopoldine had to undergo an MRI, she had a hard time masking her anxiety. “I was obviously terrified that my 6-month-old daughter could suffer from an illness, and stressed that the exam would be traumatic for her,” explains the young mother. The questions were numerous and thefortunately very attentive medical team. The exam went well, Manon having been able to stay with her baby. “The doctors asked me to prevent Leopoldine as much as possible from sleeping before the exam in order to make it easier to fall asleep, explains Manon. I had woken her up early and kept her awake during the drive. “
How are MRI and CT scans performed?
Both devices consist of a movable bed on which the child is lying in his underwear, and which slides gently in a tunnel for the examination. During an MRI or brain scan, the head is held in a small helmet. a contrast medium injectable or ingestible is sometimes administered, in order to improve visualization of the organs explored.
How long does an MRI and CT scan take?
“MRI is not painful, but on the other hand makes a lot of noise”, explains Professor Catherine Adamsbaum. Sounds that will have to be explained to the child beforehand to reassure him. Both exams require a perfect stillness over a fairly long time: up to 10 minutes for a scanner and enter 20 minutes et one o’clock for an MRI. A real challenge for toddlers!
CT scan or MRI in a baby
Before the age of 6 months, the examination is performed without drug sedation. A bottle is then given to the baby before the examination. “The baby dives into what you could almost call a like milk, explains Catherine Adamsbaum. He then sleeps so soundly that even the noise of the machines during the MRI does not wake him up. Once swaddled with crepe bands as a restraint system to keep him from moving, the baby is placed on the sliding bed for the examination.
MRI or CT scan in young children
After 6-8 months of age, and before the age of 3, if the techniques used in the baby do not work, a sedative can be given to the child to soothe him and make it easier to fall asleep. A device that medical teams try to avoid in order to respect the child’s natural rhythm as much as possible.
Julien’s son, Gabriel, did not need this medication. “He was 2 years old when he had his MRI,” says the 37-year-old dad. The medical team was very careful to avoid the administration of a sedative as much as possible. Under their guidance, we had prevented him from taking a nap before the exam. I laid him down on the movable bed under a blanket, as if preparing him for a nap, with his pacifier, his blanket and a story playing in his ears. I was able to lie down with him and remain present during the entire MRI to reassure him. I believe that in the end, I was the most impressed of the two of us with the exam. ”
Un cartoon can also be diffused to the child during the MRI, “thanks to a game of mirror”, specifies Pr Adamsbaum. The noise can be impressive, the manipulator warns the child when the machine emits a sound, in order to reassure him.
MRI or CT scan in a teenager
The stress of the examination and the result is generally more present in adolescents than in young children. “We realize that it is ultimately the adolescents who have almost the most difficulty in staying still,” says the specialist. In the same way as for a small child, the medical team can offer him the distribution of a film, An audio story or music of his choice to help him calm down.
MRI explained to children: a simulator to prepare the child for the exam
To reassure young children and reduce sedation as much as possible, some departments are equipped with a rocket-shaped MRI simulator, in order to understand the examination of the patient. playful way, in the form of a game. “The child can climb alone in the device which reproduces the same noises as during the real examination,” explains the specialist. We explain to him that, like when a photo is taken, he must not move. “
Can the parent stay in the examination room with their child during an MRI or CT scan?
As part of an MRI, the parent is invited to accompany his child to the examination room to reassure him. “He can talk to him next to the machine or even lie down next to him to help him relax,” explains Prof. Adamsbaum.
For a scanner, the maneuver requires more precautions because of the X-rays sent by the machine. The parent will need to wear a special protective clothing if he wishes to accompany his child. The examination room is not allowed for pregnant women. Contact is always maintained behind the protective glass with the child, speaking through a microphone during the entire examination.
After the MRI or CT scan, we talk about it with your child
Even if the exam went smoothly, it is advisable to discuss it with your child. The goal: to collect his feelings, allay his fears and answer his questions. This is what Julien did with his 3-year-old son Gabriel: “I didn’t want him to keep traumatic memories of that day. He didn’t answer my questions yet, but when we got home he asked me to “play MRI”With him, which I did with humor. “
Congratulate your child – even if the exam was difficult – verbalizing and encouraging them to express themselves through play will bring to light a question or a negative emotion that you might not have perceived on the moment.