Neonatal Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become increasingly available to clinicians for the evaluation of the newborn. However, with the exception of MRI in term infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), there are no formal guidelines that address the clinical indications for and the practical aspects of MRI of the brain in this patient group within the NHS.

The purpose of this Framework for Practice is to:

• Provide recommendations on clinical indications and timing for neonatal brain MRI.
• Promote best practice for acquiring and reporting of neonatal brain MR images.