What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

MRI is a technique for viewing the brain's structure and functions. Two main forms exist: structural MRI is concerned with the brain's shape and size. Functional MRI is concerned with mapping the parts of the brain used to perform everyday tasks, such as reading and calculation.

Is MRI Safe?

MRI scanners have been used safely and successfully on thousands of children and adults. As a participant, you are protected by strict laws that govern our research. Under no circumstances do we compromise your safety.

Here are some facts about MRI scanning:

• There are No Injections.
  
  
• It is Safe.
  
  
• It is Not Painful.
  
  
• You will get to play simple Games and watch your Favorate Cartoons.

Click here to obtain the kids poster (52Kb Adobe PDF)

The only danger in the MRI scanner is metal - Metal and Magnets don't Mix! (Otherwise known as the MMM rule). We go to extraordinary lengths to stick to this rule. These precautions range from meticulous screening for objects the magnet won't like, to following a very strict set of procedures while scanning the participant. All MR technologists are trained in safety.

How does it work?

The MRI machine is, in essence, a big magnet. As you lie in its magnetic field, radio waves are released. This will result in harmless radio waves bouncing off the different substances that make up your brain. These radio waves are then detected by a computer, which transforms the data into images of the brain's structure and activity. More information on how MRI works

What will my scan be like?

You will be asked to lie on a padded table that will slide inside a tunnel-like tube. The scan will last about one hour. During this time, you will be asked to be very still, pay attention to the instructions displayed on the screen, respond to the questions asked, and perform simple tasks. While in the scanner, you will hear loud noises; however, earplugs will be provided to soften the sound. The MR technologists will be constantly observing you, so don't worry, you will not be alone. If you start to feel uncomfortable, the scan can be quickly stopped at any time.

What will you do with the information from my scan?

You or your child's name and other personal information will never be used. The data from your scan will be processed and combined with data from other scans. With further analysis we can group, for example, boys and girls and study the differences and similarities between these groups. Such analysis provides important information about brain development, memory, language, and other processes.

To find out more, you can read the leaflet provided (335Kb Adobe PDF).