As your child grows and develops, there may come a time when they need medical imaging. Whether it’s an injury, routine check-up or a specific health concern, these procedures are important for diagnosing conditions and ensuring your child receives the best care.
However, it’s normal for both parents and children to feel anxious about medical imaging. What will happen? Will it hurt? How can you help your child feel comfortable?
Understanding medical imaging can make this experience easier for you and your child. With the help of Kelly Pintarich, a certified child life specialist with Banner Children’s, we share common types of medical imaging and tips for helping your child prepare and cope with these procedures.
What is medical imaging?
Medical imaging allows health care providers to see inside the body. It helps them diagnose conditions, plan treatments and monitor progress. For children, these procedures can provide valuable information without surgery.
Common types of pediatric medical imaging include:
- X-rays: X-rays use a small amount of radiation to capture images of bones and certain tissues. “Many times, X-rays can be done bedside in the emergency department and are most useful at detecting bone fractures,” Pintarich said.
- CT scans: Computed tomography (CT) scans take detailed pictures from different angles using X-rays and computer processing. It’s more detailed than a regular X-ray but uses more radiation. CT scans are often used in emergencies to locate blood clots, organ injuries and issues with the lungs, blood or bowel.
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and soft tissues. It’s radiation-free but can take longer than other imaging tests. MRIs are useful for studying sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, nerve issues, spinal problems and inflammation (swelling).
- Ultrasound: This imaging uses sound waves to create pictures of soft tissues and organs. It’s commonly used to evaluate stomach pain or check for developmental issues.
Other procedures may include fluoroscopy imaging and nuclear medicine.
Safety of medical imaging
Medical imaging is safe but one of the biggest concerns you may have as a parent is the radiation a child may receive from a scans like X-rays and CT scans. Although X-rays and CT scans do expose children to a small amount of radiation, they are a non-surgical and painless way to diagnose disease and monitor treatment.
Medical professionals take many precautions to minimize the amount of your child’s radiation exposure. They use lead aprons to shield other body parts and only recommend imaging tests when necessary. Be reassured that providers won’t recommend a scan if the risks outweigh the benefits.
Preparing for medical imaging
Preparing your child for an imaging procedure is like preparing them for anything new or unfamiliar. Your child will follow your lead in how they feel about things and how they will react.
Here’s how you can help:
- Explain what to expect: Talk to them about the procedure in simple, age-appropriate terms they can understand. “Explain that the procedure is a way for providers to see inside their bodies and take pictures to help them understand what steps to take to get their bodies feeling better,” Pintarich said.
- Answer questions honestly: Children may have lots of questions. Answer them truthfully but in a way that’s easy to understand. Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous.
- Show visuals: Consider showing your child pictures of an MRI or CT scanner to help them know what to expect. Using child-friendly terminology, such as describing the scanner as a donut, tunnel or cave, can also be helpful. “Many children’s hospitals have videos of other kids going through imaging procedures that are available on YouTube,” Pintarich said. “Watching these can help alleviate fears.”
- Practice being still: Many imaging tests require children to stay very still. At home, play a “freeze game” where they stay in one position for a short time.
- Provide reassurance: Reassure them that they are strong and brave and will be okay. You can also assure them that you will be close the entire time.
- Use guided imagery: Ask your child to think of a special place they enjoy, such as the beach or a park. Practice imagining this place. Encourage them to think of this special place during their scan.
- Bring comfort items: If allowed, let your child pick out a favorite toy, blanket or stuffed animal to keep your child occupied and comforted before and after the imaging.
What to expect during the procedure
While the process may vary depending on the facility and the type of scan being done, here’s what you can expect:
- Check-in: You will check in at the front desk when you arrive. The staff will gather information about your child and the procedure. It’s a good idea to arrive early to allow time for this process.
- Preparation: Depending on the type of imaging, your child may need to wear a hospital gown. The staff will explain specific instructions, such as the need to remain still during the scan. They will answer any questions and help your child feel at ease.
- Protective gear: Your child may wear protective gear for some imaging tests, like a lead apron during an X-ray. Explain that this is to keep them safe and is nothing to worry about.
- Friendly technicians: The imaging staff are trained to work with children. They’ll explain what they’re doing in a child-friendly way and may even show your child the equipment to make them more comfortable.
- Comfort measures: For infants and toddlers, imaging specialists may wrap them in a blanket for comfort and to help them stay still. Some facilities will play soothing music or videos during the procedure to distract and calm your child. A child life specialist may also assist during the procedure. They can explain the process in a way that’s easy for your child to understand, offer comforting items like a stress ball and provide other distractions to keep your child calm.
- The imaging procedure: Your child will be positioned on the imaging table, and the procedure will begin. If it’s an MRI or CT scan, your child may be inside a machine that looks like a donut. “Your child may hear loud clicking sounds during the MRI, but that is just the machine acting like a camera as it takes the necessary pictures,” Pintarich said.
The technologist will communicate constantly with your child, reassuring them and reminding them to stay still. You may be allowed to stay in the room during the scan.
When to talk to the provider
If your child is anxious about the imaging, talk to their provider beforehand. They may suggest ways to help manage the anxiety, such as using calming techniques or, in some cases, mild sedation.
Post-imaging care
Most imaging procedures are quick. Your child can usually go back to normal activities immediately. If they were put to sleep (sedated), your child may need time to recover before going home. If your child seems anxious or has questions afterward, take the time to talk it through. Sometimes, the experience can bring up worries, and talking about them is important.
“After the procedure, tell your child how proud you are for holding still and working through their fears,” Pintarich said. “Acknowledge their bravery for going through something that was unfamiliar for them.”
Results will be sent to your child’s doctor, who will discuss them with you. This may take a few days.
Takeaway
Medical imaging is an important tool for diagnosing and treating many different conditions in children. By preparing your child and knowing what to expect, you can make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you have questions or concerns about medical imaging, talk to your child’s provider or a Banner Health specialist.
