A medical scan is a procedure where a medical professional will scan your child’s body to diagnose any health problem. The process can be performed by a physician or an experienced medical radiologist trained in this area. Medical professionals use various scans, including X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and Ultrasound.
Doctors may suggest a scan for various reasons; usually, it is to get to know about your child’s overall health and determine what kind of problems they might be facing. Scans can help check for numerous diseases and conditions in the heart, blood vessels, and bones. It is also used to evaluate the growth of the child as well as their physical capabilities.
Ultrasound and MRI scans are two of the medical scans you can prepare a child to undergo. These medical scans are relatively safe and come with minimal risks. Knowing what to expect will help you and your child feel more prepared before undergoing the procedure.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan is one of the most critical medical devices used to diagnose a wide range of diseases. Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses sound waves to create images in the body’s tissues.
Ultrasound is used to detect cancerous tissue, vascular abnormalities, and lesions such as blood clots. It is also used to diagnose fetal blood problems such as heart conditions and anemia.
MRI Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique used to create three-dimensional pictures of the body. MRI can be used to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions. It is also used in neuroscience and brain research, such as scientific studies on mental and physical disorders.
Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the ability of MRI to provide accurate information about the brain, including volume measurements, blood flow, and regional differences in normal structures. This technology helps diagnose a wide range of diseases and illnesses such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and many others.
Help Your Child Go Through a Medical Scan
1. Be aware and Prepare for a Safe Procedure
Parents who want to prepare their children for a medical scan should be adequately informed about the procedure.
On the day of the medical scan, your child should dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing. Clinics may also provide a gown for children to wear. Metal objects, such as jewelry, belts, eyeglasses, hearing aids, retainers, and hairpins, might interfere with the scanner and must be removed before the procedure.
Talk to your doctor if your child is taking any medications and the presence of allergies, particularly intravenous (IV) iodinated contrast. Let your doctor know if your child has had any recent medical concerns.
2.Talk to Your Child About the Upcoming Procedure
It is essential to prepare the child for a medical scan mentally. As a parent, you have to make sure that you don’t give any unnecessary information. Instead, provide easy-to-understand and concise information.
Children can be frightened, especially in unknown situations, so it is crucial to understand how they perceive this situation while providing them with as much information as possible. You can use animated infographics or videos for them to have a fun learning experience. This will make it easier for your children to cope with this situation.
Explain to them what happens during the procedure, which room they will go to, what’s in the room, and who will be there to help them. It also helps to let the children know that having their pictures taken will not hurt and harm them.
3. Bring Your Child’s Favorite Toy
Your child’s favorite teddy and the cuddly toy could help them relax and be comfortable during the procedure. Just make sure the little plaything does not contain metals that could interfere with the scanner.
Conclusion
Parents must help their children prepare and go through a medical scan. To help your children understand the procedure, you should explain it to them in easy-to-understand language and provide detailed instructions. You can help your children with their medical appointments by introducing them to the technology and helping them understand what the medical professionals are doing.
