Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safe?

MRI machines use strong magnets and radio waves which are considered safe for infants. There are no known harmful effects associated with MRI, as it doesn't involve radiation. During the MRI scan, infants will be scanned during their natural sleep, and no form of sedatives or anesthesia will be used during the MRI scan. Our MRI techs and baby whispers will monitor and ensure that your baby remains asleep and is comfortable during the scan. 

Why do we use MRI?

We study the neural and behavioral development in infants with developmental disabilities. We use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to understand more about the neural development of infants with developmental disabilities starting as early as 6 months of age. 

Who can participate in an MRI scan? 

As the MRI machine operates using a magnetic field, it's necessary to complete a screening form for your baby before the scheduled scan. This form asks about past medical history, such as surgeries, injuries, and dental work, ensuring your baby’s safety around the machine's magnetic field. All information collected is confidential, and accessible only to essential research team members and imaging technicians concerned with safety. While you can review the form beforehand, we request completing it a day ahead of your first visit to ensure the most current and accurate information. If past surgeries or events suggest the presence of metal in your child's body, additional questions might be needed to confirm safety. Our staff, including our research team and Imaging Institute technicians, will review this information for safety considerations.

What will happen during the scan? 

Because we scan during natural sleep, we typically schedule the scan to be as close to their usual bedtime as possible. On the day of the scan, we would greet you and your baby at the imaging facility (125 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514) 30 minutes before the scheduled scan time and give you a parking permit. After our staff checks in with the MRI tech, we will take you and your baby to the MRI room. There is a family room near the MRI environment where we will take measurements of your baby’s head circumferences, weight, and height to prepare for the scan. We also will have MRI-safe and metal-free pajamas for your baby. Also, our staff will put earplugs in your baby’s ears before trying to put them to sleep. The MRI tech will come and do a standard screening to ensure you and your baby do not have any contradictions for MRI before we can enter the scanner room. 

Depending on your comfort level and how your baby best falls asleep, we will discuss how we can proceed from there. For example, we can give the baby a bottle of milk before putting them to bed in the scanner room as it will be dark; or, we can try to have them fall asleep in the family room, and then transfer them into the scanner room. Once your baby is in deep sleep, our MRI tech will come in to adjust your baby’s head position and put on noise-canceling headphones as well as ear padding around the baby’s head. Once the scan starts, if your baby sleeps through the whole session, it will take about 35 minutes to finish the scan. We will prioritize your baby’s comfort so if they wake up during the scan, we will immediately pull them out and comfort them. If your baby falls back to sleep and we have enough time left, we will attempt to scan again. 

How does the MRI scan feel?

The MRI scan will not hurt. It does not feel too different from laying on a table with a cushion. 

What should I wear?

We will have pajamas for your little one. If you plan on coming into the scanner room, please dress in comfortable attire. Since the MRI employs a powerful magnet, be mindful of the amount of metal in your clothing. Pants with snaps and zippers are acceptable, but ensure that shirts and sweaters are free of metal and, in some cases, glitter (as certain types may contain metal). Avoid clothing with hoods, jewelry, or metal barrettes in your hair. It's recommended to remove earrings and any body piercings if feasible.

Tips and suggestions for scanning 

Playing MRI Sound: We highly recommend that you play the MRI sound that we created when your baby sleeps/naps at home. This way your baby is more likely to sleep through an MRI session since it will help desensitize your baby to the sound of the MRI scanner. We recommend starting this practice 2 weeks before the scan time if possible. You are welcome to start first with a low volume of the sound and make it louder as your baby gets more comfortable sleeping with it. 

Skipping naps: Additionally, we typically schedule the scan at night because most infants sleep better at night than at naptime during the day. Thus, if your baby naps during the day, we recommend that if possible please feel free to skip a nap or two, so your baby will be more tired during their usual bedtime. 

Our baby whispers will work with you to ensure the scan goes smoothly and comfortably for you and your baby:

1. We would inquire about your baby’s usual bedtime routine so we can simulate that as much as possible. 

2. During the scan, we have weighted blankets and sandbags to use. This will be helpful if your baby is a belly sleeper because the weighted blankets and sandbags can be placed on their body. 

3. When the baby falls asleep on the MRI bed, we usually wait 5-10 more minutes to make sure that they are in deep sleep.