When your child's doctor orders an MRI, the first questions are usually about your child, not the scan. Will it hurt? Will they need to be put to sleep? Can I stay with them? How long will we wait for an appointment?
At Evolution Imaging in Edmond, Oklahoma, pediatric imaging is built around those questions. Our goal is a fast, calm, kid-friendly visit that avoids sedation whenever possible, keeps parents close, and gets your doctor clear images quickly.
This guide explains how pediatric MRI works at Evolution Imaging, when sedation may be needed, and how to help your child feel ready on scan day.
Pediatric Imaging Services at Evolution Imaging
Evolution Imaging offers outpatient imaging for children and teens referred by their physician, including:
Pediatric MRI without sedation — for children who can stay still for about 15–20 minutes, often starting around ages 5–6.
Sedation MRI — for patients ages 2–17 (and adults) who need help staying still, with anesthesia provided in partnership with Oklahoma Anesthesia Specialists.
Ultrasound — a radiation-free, no-sedation option for many exams.
MRI uses magnets and radio waves rather than X-ray radiation, which makes it a common choice for imaging children's brains, spines, joints, and soft tissue.
Why Families Choose Evolution Imaging for Kids
A roomier, larger-bore MRI
Our Siemens 1.5T MAGNETOM Aera MRI has a larger bore and a more spacious exam area than many traditional scanners. For a child, more space can mean less of a closed-in feeling and an easier time lying still.
Sedation only when it's truly needed
We aim to avoid sedation unless it's absolutely necessary. Skipping sedation means no anesthesia recovery time, fewer restrictions on scan day, and avoiding anesthesia costs, which can run into the thousands of dollars.
Fast scans
Most of our MRI scans take about 15 minutes. Shorter scans are easier for kids to get through, and they help avoid repeat images caused by movement.
Parents stay in the room
Parents are encouraged to stay in the exam room during the scan. A familiar voice or a hand to hold can make all the difference for a nervous child.
Appointments within 48 hours
Waiting is hard on families. Evolution Imaging offers appointments within 48 hours, so you get answers sooner.
Lower costs than hospital imaging
We're in network with most major insurance providers. For families paying out of pocket, our cash rates are considerably lower than hospital-based facilities. See our transparent pricing.
How to Prepare Your Child for an MRI
A little preparation goes a long way. These tips can help your child feel calm and confident:
Explain it simply. Tell your child the MRI takes pictures of the inside of their body, and it doesn't hurt.
Talk about the noise. MRI machines make loud knocking and buzzing sounds. Calling them "the machine's music" can make them less scary.
Practice holding still. Play a "statue" game at home and time it, building up toward 15 minutes.
Dress for comfort. Choose clothes with no metal zippers, snaps, or buttons, and leave jewelry at home.
Bring a comfort item. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can help in the waiting area (our team will let you know what can go into the scan room).
Remember you can stay. Let your child know you'll be right there in the room with them.
If your child is scheduled for a sedation MRI, follow the fasting and arrival instructions from our team closely, return paperwork at least 24 hours ahead, and plan to keep your child home from school or daycare that day. Details are on our Sedation MRI page.
Pediatric MRI FAQs
At what age can a child have an MRI without sedation?
Most children can have a non-sedation MRI starting around ages 5–6. It depends on whether your child can lie still for 15–20 minutes and which body part is scanned. For example, a 5-year-old may do well with a knee or ankle scan but may need sedation for a brain MRI with contrast.
Do children under 10 need sedation for an MRI?
Some do, but not all. Children under 10 may need sedation, and our team works with you and your child's doctor to decide what's best.
Can I stay in the room during my child's MRI?
Yes. Parents are encouraged to stay in the exam room to comfort their child.
How long does a pediatric MRI take?
Most MRI scans at Evolution Imaging take about 15 minutes.
Do you accept insurance?
We're in network with most major insurance providers. Uninsured families can choose our cash rates, which are considerably lower than hospital-based facilities.
How soon can my child be scanned?
We offer appointments within 48 hours of scheduling.
Schedule Your Child's Imaging in Edmond
Whether your child needs a quick knee MRI or a sedation brain MRI, Evolution Imaging makes the visit as easy as possible for kids and parents. Families from Edmond, Oklahoma City, and across the metro choose us for fast scheduling, short scans, and a team that puts children first.
Ready to book? Request an appointment online, call 405.652.0445, or text 405.766.7422.
Evolution Imaging 817 W Covell Road, Edmond, OK 73003
