Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center

The Pediatric Mood, Imaging and Neurodevelopment Program

Frequently Asked Questions

brain
MRI brain image

MRI
Practice MRI scanner

MRI
Actual MRI scanner

The Pedi-MIND Program uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—"brain scans"—to understand the structure (size/shape) and function of children's brains.

What is an MRI?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI uses a large magnet to make pictures of the brain. These pictures can tell us about the structure, function, or chemicals within your brain.

Does an MRI use radiation?
No, MRIs do not use radiation.

What will I do in a MRI?
During the MRI, you need to lie very still so our pictures are not blurry. Sometimes we have children play special games during the MRI.

Can anyone have an MRI?
Since the "M" in MRI stands for "magnetic," children cannot have an MRI if they have metal in their bodies that can not be removed, such as braces or implanted medical devices (cochlear implants). You can have an MRI if you wear glasses.

What else should I know about MRIs?
It's a small space, so we have children practice staying still before they have MRIs. Also, unlike MRIs used in other hospitals, we do not give medications or dyes to children for our MRI studies.
Learn more about MRI

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