How do the staff of the MRI center conduct research on young children who cannot lie still?

Attention! MRI is always the observance of a fixed mode by any patient, small or large - any. Parents should agree with small children 7-9 years old. Maybe tell them a story that they will go to play a game of "astronaut training" with them, for example. You can practice at home to keep track of the time and lie still, for example, for examining the brain, 13 minutes for a 1.5 Tesla tunnel tomograph or 20 minutes for an open 0.32 Tesla tomograph.

If nothing works out and the parents understand for sure that their child this time does not stand still, and the parents are sure that the child needs an MRI, then the MRI should be done only in hospitals where there is intensive care, under anesthesia. Under anesthesia, any patient can stop breathing, and it is necessary that in a matter of seconds a resuscitator with an artificial respiration apparatus is next to the child. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

If an MRI examination is not an urgent need and the child cannot lie motionless on his own, then it is better to try not to put the child at risk of being under anesthesia and generally refuse an MRI examination until the child reaches a more conscious age.

Narcosis. For the compassionate I will explain, the slightest movement smears the "picture", which is enough, for example, to skip, for example, an aneurysm of the brain. Consequences I think everyone understands ..

the child will be injected with a hypnotic truth serum, tied hand and foot, and while he blurts out all the secrets up to the lock code at the father's safe he will have a picture of the liver or kidneys to sell to the recipient.

Those who are negative about the use of anesthesia for MRI obviously do not understand that even movements performed by an adult lying calmly have a great effect on an MRI (let alone a child), and anyone who fears about the harm of anesthesia clearly does not take into account that that as long as there are indications for an MRI, not performing it (or screwing it up, which is the same) can be much more dangerous

I consider the above answers to be absolutely not competent. I declare as a pediatric anesthesiologist. An MRI study takes a long time (at least 15 minutes, without IV contrast, maximum - Over a very long time). It is impossible to "come to an agreement" with the child to lie still for this time. And sleeping with headphones on is very very funny (if the child is somatically healthy), because the study is accompanied by a very loud and unpleasant soundtrack. It is the immobility of the patient that is important for doctors - radiologists. even the smallest movement will nullify research. Children can lie without anesthesia, as a rule, from 5-6 years old, i.e. from a conscious age. Therefore, the study of MRI in pediatrics is carried out in the vast majority of cases only with the reconciliation of general anesthesia. (Yes, I have experience in this area)

It all depends on the child and the parents, as well as the area of ​​study. In our diagnostic center, a 1-month-old baby was examined, he just slept in headphones. A study of the pelvic organs was carried out (30 minutes of living time is difficult even for adults).
The child can be prepared for the study emotionally. Don't scare him, tell him that this is a medical procedure, that angry aunts and uncles in white coats will examine him. Say that this is a spaceship, and the doctors from NASA (they are also in lab coats) show the photographs of the tomograph, it looks scary, but if it is presented correctly, it will look magical in the eyes of a child.

Parents will be nearby (mom and dad), the procedure is ABSOLUTELY harmless! No radiation exposure! In the diagnostic centers of our network, you can even lie next to your child. Yes, I was not sealed and I was not mistaken). We also turn on cartoons or space music for children to create the illusion of flying on a spaceship.
If you yourself are afraid for your child's health, you can come to the center, where they will give you a small excursion, how the research will take place.
When the question is serious and the technique is an urgent method of examination, the child is examined under anesthesia. BUT for this there must be serious and well-grounded goals!
With a successful completion of the research, the little hero receives a certificate! This is also a plus)
For a more precise answer, please indicate the age of the child and the area of ​​study (brain, etc.), I will gladly tell you everything in detail.
The emotional mood of the child and the success of the study at 99 % depends on the mood.

The child can simply be fastened so that it does not move.
Age up to 12 months, or insurmountable fears / anxiety / mental illness or convulsive readiness are indications for conducting research under anesthesia (from birth, imagine).
Responsibility for acceptance the decision on the possibility of conducting an MRI study under anesthesia lies with the pediatric anesthesiologist, who prepares the child for the procedure and oversees the conduct. If the estimated diagnostic benefit is significantly higher than the possible risk of anesthesia, or in situations where MRI is performed for health reasons and there is no alternative, the anesthetist gives the go-ahead.