b'What tests are used to monitor a child?There are several tests that you child may have, below is an explanation of the most common.What is the test? Whats it like? Whats it for?MAGNETIC RESONANCEThe MRI machine is tunnel shaped. Its designed for a person to lie inside it while being scanned. It can take a while, andMRI is useful for diagnostic and monitoring purposes IMAGING (MRI) the person being scanned needs to keep still. because it can find small changes in your childs The machine makes quite a lot of noise too, so your child may be given some medication to keep them calm, or even acondition.general anaesthetic, if they are very young, so they keep still during the scan. Some hospitals allow a film or music be played to help your child. Childhood Tumour Trust have a recording of an MRI which is useful to play when reading a story in the weeks leading up to a scan so they can get used to the noise. The MRI scanner uses magnetic waves to create a map of the inside of your childs body. It doesnt use any radiation so shouldnt cause any harm.ULTRASOUND SCANS Ultrasound is commonly used for monitoring pregnancies. It uses soundwaves to define the edges of structures insideUltrasound can be used as an alternative non-the body. invasive scan.Special gel is rubbed over the part of the body being scanned to conduct the sound waves more easily, then the ultrasound technician will move the probe around over the skin to build a map of the inside of your childs body.Ultrasound doesnt use any radiation, and there are no known risks from the procedure.OPHTHALMOLOGY There are a lot of different tests that an ophthalmologist will perform to check your childs eyesight. If your ophthalmologist detects signs of vision loss, Basic vision tests:they should recommend an MRI of your childs head These are the type of tests that you might have at a normal check-up at the opticians. These check for blind spots, blurry(see above for more about MRIs).vision, colour vision, how the pupils react to light, etc.After these tests, your childs sight might be quite blurry for a bit and they need to wait until it goes back to normal before, for example, returning to school. ANNUAL PAEDIATRIC VISIT As per the assessments to diagnose NF1, your child will have an annual check-up with a paediatrician to review theirThis is to monitor your child, to see what, if anything, symptoms. has changed over the course of 12 months. The paediatrician can refer your child to a specialist or prescribe treatment, depending on whether they notice any changes that need addressing.Your healthcare team should avoid X-rays or computer tomography (CT) scans wherever possible, as these involve radiation. Neurofibromas are particularly sensitive to radiation and exposure could trigger more growth. However, there are times when they are necessary and should be used. CHTT2204 CTT Booklet A5_v5.indd 12 20/09/2022 16:19'