need advice about MRI for seizure disorder

Tiffany - posted on 03/02/2011

Our son started having seizures at 2 yrs 3 mnths and his first MRI not long after. We were blessed the first time because he fell asleep right b4 they wouldve put the IV in and they said they wuld rush him bak an do it right then instead of waiting! The nxt few times we had to have anesthesia. He did wonderfully. He has also had surgery for his feet and that was under longer than the MRI! He did great! He is 10 now, but still needs anesthesia bcuz he freaks out with all the loud sounds that thing makes! The nurse let me stay with him in the MRI rm since he was awake. It bothered me! I would not put him thru another unless he was sedated or had anesthesia. I hope that helped. I know how scared you are. I was and still get scared and we have been thru this for almost 9 yrs. I will keep you in my prayers.

Libby - posted on 03/02/2011

My son started having seizures at 9 months and had his first MRI around a year old, I think. He ultimately had three MRIs, all under anesthesia. He has had hyperactive reactions to benadryl, so that's why they told me he couldn't merely be sedated (the sedation drug they used worked similar to benadryl). My son recovered wonderfully each time and there were no problems.

That being said, it's definitely a very scary time, and as parents, you will feel concerned. Make sure you trust your doctors, and make sure you find out what you can about the anesthesiologists at the hospital. Hopefully you will be working with someone in pediatric anesthesiology, so they will be used to working with small children. It can be scary, but it truly is amazing what medical care we do have in this age. MRIs and anesthesia are routine procedures as this point--amazing!!

Elizabeth - posted on 03/02/2011

My daughter was around the same age when her seizures began and yes she had to have an MRI with anesthesia, she was fine through it but was not completely under before they took her back and she freaked out, wanting me. I know this is hard for you all to go through but it gave me a little piece of mind to know that they were able to really check with the MRI. She is now gonna be 6 in April and still have seizures from time to time. She is on Tripletal two times a day and they have increased her meds. When she had her MRI I was right there as she began to wake up so I was the first thing she saw when she awoke, it was quick and she had no side affects from it. I wish you and your daughter good luck and will say a prayer for her.

Liza - posted on 03/02/2011

My 4yr. old daughter had her first MRI at 9 months. She was diagnosed with PVL, a few months later with CP. She was also diagnosed w/Epilepsy when she was 2yrs old. She's also had three surgeries (strabismus, adenoidectomy and feeding tube/Niseen procedure) and she came through just fine. I understand your hesitancy by having to go through such procedures. I've learned that our kids are more resilient than you think.

Ann - posted on 03/01/2011

Hi! Veronica, My son has the same issues. Although my son is now 9 year's old. My son started having seizure's. When he was 2 in a half year's old. Before his 3rd. Birthday. And he had to undergo Anesthesia. The doctor's and nurses are very nice. And the MRI will show. What is going on. I do understand what you are feeling. My son had many MRI'S. And what is nice. They let you stay with your child. Until they go in for it. I know it's hard. I always say I want to change places. If I was able too. No one likes to see their child go through that. I've had problem's from my pregnancy. Right up until now. Although my son is disabled. He can't talk or walk on his own. I am very, very blessed to have him in my life. He's my Angel. :) My husband and I are very proud of him. Good Luck! And my thoughts are with you and your family. Ann Barrows

MacGregor - posted on 02/28/2011

Hi Veronica
Well where do I start. Our daughter is also 2 and a half and has had many health issues since an unexpected mystery illness at 2 wks. She has been on a number of diffenert anti convulsants as she to has a seizure disorder and is under CDU and peads still.
I hear you worry, our daughter has now gone through 3 full MRIs aswell as EEGs and CTs for the first few tests I broke down as I was so scared for her and wondering if we as parents were making the right choices consenting to all the tests. But the Drs know what they are doing and they would not put your daughter into any situation where they deemed it to risky.
Our lass is going for another at the end of this month and yes it is still hard watching them put her under and then walking away but you know she is safe and that it is beneficial to her that the Drs get all the info/ images/results they can.

Stay strong and good luck
:)

Beth - posted on 02/28/2011

my son had his first MRI at 4 months old. not sure if it was sedation or anestisia though. and he has had 3 since then. never any problems with it, though we were told it could trigger a seizure, but didnt. he is also a little underweight. he is 1 and half now. has only been seizure free for a few months. good luck. hope u get some answers and i pray for good news.

Veronica - posted on 02/28/2011

I'm glad to hear that your daughter has been doing better. I'm also glad to know she had weight issues as well and that she did well with the MRI's. That is one of our biggest concerns. Thanks again & good luck also.

Angela - posted on 02/28/2011

My daughter has had 4 MRI's all under anesthesia. Her first was at 10 months. She is now 5 & 1/2. She has always been under weight and we were concerned as she was so little. She has been fine after them, although has had a few minor seizures soon after. They aren't out for long and it is very common. Good luck and hope you get some more answers from it xo

Veronica - posted on 02/27/2011

Thanks Michelle. That makes me feel better. My family is just having a difficult time understanding all that is going on with Emily. Her seizures are coming closer together and they are lasting longer.But in any case thanks for you advice.

Michelle - posted on 02/26/2011

My son has had the MRI under anesthesia, he did great. He was about a year and a half I think, (hes had so many test and stuff its hard to keep them all straight when it happened) The test dont last all that long, and they use the anesthesia to make sure they dont move. Any movement could throw the test off, and they would have to start over. I hope it goes great for your daughter and you get the answers you need! I know its hard, but if they thought it was to risky, they wouldnt do it. Good Luck! :)