LEGO MRI: Decreasing the Need for Sedation, and Improving Patient Anxiety.

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Diagnostic imaging is frequently utilized in modern medical practice, and various imaging modalities are routinely utilized in the care of pediatric patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging modality that is utilized to evaluate many conditions in pediatric patients. MRI is f...

Diagnostic imaging is frequently utilized in modern medical practice, and various imaging modalities are routinely utilized in the care of pediatric patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging modality that is utilized to evaluate many conditions in pediatric patients. MRI is frequently favored over other imaging modalities in pediatrics since it allows for high-quality cross sectional imaging without the use of potentially harmful ionizing radiation, to which children are more sensitive than adults. However, MRI quality is highly dependent on patients' ability to hold still and follow instructions, which is often challenging in pediatric patients. Young and uncooperative children often require anesthesia to successfully complete MRI. Anesthesia can often be avoided with the assistance of Certified Child Life Specialists, who use techniques to reduce patient anxiety and improve children's ability to follow instructions during MRI. For example, children may visit the MRI unit or a simulator prior to the examination to contextualize the procedure1-3. Preparation, in the form of play, has been proven to reduce anxiety in children prior to scans and invasive medical procedures. Children who are prepared for medical procedures experience less fear and anxiety and will have better long term adjustment to medical challenges (Koller, 2008).

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