Knocking down fears of scanner – brick by brick

ABOUT 150,000 children in the UK need to have an MRI scan every year.

The machine takes detailed pictures inside the body which are used for everything from diagnosing the cause of headaches and joint pain to monitoring cancer.

But children are often illprepared for the experience, and frequently get a shock when they see the huge machine looming over them. MRI scanners comprise a bed for the patient which slides into a tube containing the scanning technology. It also makes loud banging noises so patients have to wear ear protectors – but scanning can take up to 90 minutes, which can overwhelm youngsters.

In an effort to ease their

fears, toy giant Lego has developed a miniature model of an MRI scanner, pictured above. Last month, 600 of them – which come with figures of doctors and a patient – were donated to children’s hospitals around the world.

The model helps children familiarise themselves with the scanner, with doctors able to explain how it works.

Tracey Martin, a child health specialist at Leeds Children’s Hospital, says: ‘It’s difficult to explain to children what’s going to happen in an MRI appointment. But they can play with the Lego scanner and pretend they are the patient. Then, when it comes to the real thing, it’s less scary.’

She adds: ‘Play can be crucial in helping children understand complex ideas. It’s also useful to see how they interact with the toy after the procedure. If they seem angry, or try to break it, it might indicate they found the experience traumatic.’