In addition, at the end of the scan, the child may awaken immediately after he is moved out of the magnet, refreshed after his nap, happy to see his mother or other family member and ready to go home. There is currently no technique that fills all of these requirements perfectly. Each technique has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. More important than which technique you choose, is that one learns to use the technique effectively. C hloral hydrate has been a mainstay in the sedation of children for many years.
Children usually awaken rapidly at the end of the scan, requiring minimal recovery time.
C hloral hydrate also has its share of disadvantages. Some centers have completely abandoned the use of chloral hydrate due to concerns about its possible mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. It is reported to have fewer sedation failures than chloral hydrate and minimal effects on respiration and blood pressure when compared to other agents. P ropofol has been used successfully for sedation of pediatric and adult patients. Due to its rapid action and rapid dissipation of effect it must be given by continuous infusion.