MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The MRI machine is like a big tunnel and creates a magnetic field to take images of the human body non invasively.

Yes! MRI is the safest imaging method because it does not use radiation, like what is done when taking x-rays or CT scans. There are no known health effects associated with the use of MRI. However, the MRI scanner can be quite loud. To minimize the noise, we will provide you with earplugs and headphones to protect your ears. Also note that in our studies, we do not use any sedation or contrast agent (i.e., no injections).

Before your visit, you will be contacted by one of our team members who will confirm the meeting point at the Montreal Children's Hospital a few days before your appointment.

The Montreal Children's Hospital is located at the Glen site of the MUHC in Montreal at 1001 Decarie Boulevard. If arriving by: Car - You can access the hospital’s public entrance on Decarie Boulevard from highways 15, 20 and the 720. A public parking lot is located underneath the main building. Parking is can be quite expensive. Metro/Train - get off at Vendôme station (Orange Line). A tunnel connects you directly to the Glen on foot within a few minutes. Bus - You have several options: The 77 (departing from Lionel-Groulx) can drop you directly at the front doors of the Glen. The 37, 90, 102, 104, 105 and 124 stop at Vendôme metro station. The 17, 78, 63, 371 and 420 stop near the Glen site.

To prepare for your visits, please bring anything from home that would help us reproduce your baby’s natural sleep and make your baby feel more comfortable (e.g., milk and bottle, usual blanket, pacifier, favorite toy). We ask that you bring something for your baby to wear that doesn’t have any metal zippers or snaps (e.g., sweater, leggings, and socks). Remove earrings prior to the visit if your baby is wearing any. Please dress your baby in such a way that we have an easy access to one foot (i.e., wearing socks), because we will put a pulse oximeter for the duration of the MRI to consistently monitor your baby's heart rate and oxygen saturation levels. With this information, we will be able to follow if your child is in deep sleep or if they start waking up during the MRI. If your baby wakes up, we will stop the scan right away.

During the MRI, your child will be given the opportunity to watch a movie if they would like. We have on site a list of age appropriate videos they can choose from. However, you may also prepare a list of songs on your phone/iPod for your child to listen to during the MRI If you prefer. Bring your child’s hospital card if you have one or let your study contact know if you need to make/renew one. Remove earrings and any jewelry prior to the visit if your child is wearing any. During the MRI, your child will be wearing a hospital gown, so make sure to bring socks and that they wear boxer/underwear for their comfort.

Before your visit, you can prepare a list of songs on your phone/iPod. If you'd like, we can arrange to have you listen to your music during the MRI. Bring your hospital card if you have one or let your study contact know if you need to make/renew one. During the MRI, you will be wearing a hospital gown, so make sure to bring socks and wear boxer/underwear for your comfort. Please arrive without make-up, metallic nail polish, or jewelry. If you forget, you will have to remove them before going into the MRI room. We also suggest to you bring/wear your glasses instead of your contacts, if you have any. We do not recommend wearing contact lenses during the MRI as you might feel eye dryness.

Since resuming our research activities in July 2020, we have adapted our study visit procedures to ensure the safety of participants and staff. These include (but are not limited to): Zero tolerance for illness. All of our research staff and participants are screened for symptoms of illness by our team as well as by MUHC staff upon entering the hospital. Physical distancing. When possible, our research staff will maintain a 2-meter distance from participants. Limiting people. Minimal research staff will be present during study visits. Appropriate PPE. All research staff and parents will wear masks throughout the study visits. Children under the age of three will not wear a mask. Limiting transfer of documents. We have transitioned most of our paper questionnaires to an online platform. Do not hesitate to contact our team if you have questions or concerns about your safety.