Painless, detailed brain and spine imaging for children in Bangalore. Shishuka Children's Hospital offers MRI, CT and sedated scans to diagnose neurological conditions in a child-friendly setting.
Detailed, safe imaging of your child's brain — helping our pediatric neurologists identify structural, developmental and injury-related causes behind their symptoms, using techniques suited to a growing brain.
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed, layered images of the brain's soft tissue, without any radiation. A CT (Computed Tomography) scan uses low-dose X-rays to quickly produce cross-sectional images, and is especially useful for viewing bone or detecting bleeding. Together, these scans give pediatric neurologists a clear picture of your child's brain structure — something symptoms and a physical exam alone cannot reveal.
At Shishuka Children's Hospital, every scan is performed with child-sized protocols and radiation-conscious settings, with our team trained to make the experience as calm and quick as possible — whether that means a favourite show playing during the scan, or gentle sedation for a younger child who cannot stay still.
Your pediatric neurologist may recommend an MRI or CT scan if your child is experiencing any of the following:
Frequent or severe headaches, especially if worsening or waking your child at night
A recent head injury or fall with concerning symptoms
New or worsening seizures needing a structural cause ruled out
Developmental delay or regression in motor, speech or cognitive milestones
An abnormal neurological exam, such as unusual reflexes, weakness or coordination issues
An unusually large or small head size for your child's age
Not every child needs the same scan. Our pediatric neurologists select the right imaging approach based on your child's symptoms.
A detailed, radiation-free scan of brain structure, typically taking 20–45 minutes. This is usually the first choice when a clear, high-resolution view of soft tissue is needed.
A fast scan, often used in urgent situations such as head injury, to quickly check for bleeding, fractures or swelling when speed matters more than fine detail.
Uses a safe contrast dye to highlight blood vessels, inflammation or abnormal tissue more clearly, useful when a routine scan needs closer follow-up.
For younger children who cannot stay still for the scan's duration, gentle sedation is used under close monitoring to capture clear, motion-free images.
Several imaging options can be used to investigate neurological symptoms in children. Here's how they compare.
| Investigation | Radiation | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain MRI | None | Detailed structural causes (tumours, malformations, injury) | Takes longer; may need sedation for young children |
| CT Scan | Low-dose | Urgent head injury, bleeding or fractures | Less detail on soft tissue than MRI |
| EEG | None | Real-time electrical activity & seizures | Doesn't show brain structure |
| Neurological Exam | None | Initial screening & developmental assessment | Cannot confirm a structural cause on its own |
Every scan follows a structured, child-friendly process designed to keep your child comfortable.
Your neurologist reviews your child's history and symptoms, decides between MRI and CT, and explains exactly what to expect. If sedation is needed, you'll get clear fasting instructions beforehand.
Any metal objects are removed, and if sedation is needed, it's given under close monitoring. Younger children can bring a comfort object, and a parent can usually stay close by throughout.
Your child lies still on the scanner table while images are captured — a CT takes just a few minutes, while an MRI typically takes 20–45 minutes depending on the areas being imaged.
The images are reviewed by a pediatric neurologist, and results are typically discussed at a follow-up visit, along with a clear explanation of findings and next steps.
A calm, precise and child-first approach to scans that can feel unfamiliar for young patients.
Scans read and interpreted by specialists trained specifically in childhood neurological conditions.
A calm, comforting environment designed to reduce anxiety before and during the scan.
Child-sized settings and MRI preferred wherever possible to keep radiation exposure to a minimum.
Findings and next steps explained in plain language, with no confusion left for parents to untangle alone.
Available at Kalyan Nagar, RT Nagar, Malleswaram and New BEL Road for convenient access.
A brain MRI or CT scan is not a treatment, so in most cases your child can resume normal activities immediately afterward. If sedation was used, your child will be observed until fully awake, and may feel a little drowsy for the rest of the day.
If sedation was given, plan for a quiet rest of the day and avoid activities that need full alertness, such as swimming or cycling. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to go over the results and, if needed, plan the next steps in your child's care.
Our pediatric neurology team is here to guide you through every step, from your first consultation to a clear explanation of results.
“If you can't find the answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to contact our support team for assistance.”
Yes. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation, making it one of the safest imaging tests available. CT scans use a low dose of radiation, so your neurologist will only recommend one when the speed or specific detail it provides is genuinely needed.
It depends on age and ability to stay still. Older children and cooperative younger ones often manage without sedation, especially with preparation beforehand. Infants and very young or anxious children may need light sedation to complete the 20–45 minute scan safely.
Explain the process simply and honestly — that it's a "camera for the brain" that takes pictures while they lie still. If sedation is planned, follow the fasting instructions given at your pre-scan consultation exactly.
Yes, MRI machines make loud clicking and knocking sounds during scanning. Ear protection is provided, and children are prepared for this beforehand so it isn't a surprise.
5AC 938, Ring Road, Service Road, Kalyan nagar, HRBR Layout, Banaswadi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
