For many patients, the anxiety is due to the uncertainty of diagnosis while others are claustrophobic in an enclosed space.ĬT scans to track the recurrence of previously detected medical issues also cause anxiety.

Making sure your IV is also hydrating to prevent any kidney damageĬT scan side effect: anxiety is a CT scan side effect that impacts many patientsĪnxiety is one of the most common CT scan side effects that impacts people of all ages.

Discontinuing the use of certain kidney medications prior to the scan.

Adding the minimum amount of contrast material possible for the imaging.

Using a preventative medication prior to the contrast for patients with an increased risk.

Noting any risk factors for a reaction like allergies and asthma.

Some of the measures you can verify your doctor is taking could include: If you are sensitive or allergic to iodine, a reaction could involve everything from a rash to anaphylaxis, reports the University of California, San Francisco. There are two commonly used dyes for CT scans: barium and iodine-based dye.

The most common CT scan side effect is a specific form of allergic reaction to the contrast dye. The most common CT scan side effects are:ĬT scan side effect: allergic reactions to the contrast dye A second culprit for causing side effects is the contrast dye used in certain scan types. One of the primary reasons for the effects is the exposure to radiation. There are a few potential CT scan side effects that you should consider. What are the most common CT scan side effects? The potential for diagnosis and life-saving intervention that is possible after a CT scan does outweigh the side effects. Medical imaging exams are also generally less expensive and safer than invasive procedures, such as exploratory surgery,” reports Mayo Clinic. Medical scans and imaging are “directly linked to greater life expectancy and declining cancer death rates. A physician can see cross-sections of your body with a CT scan as the imaging solution. In comparison, a CT scan can give a view of organs, blood vessels, and bones. An x-ray is only able to detect bones with the brief outline of some organs, bones, and other tissues in the body. What is a CT scan?ĬT stands for “ computed tomography,” and it uses a specific type of x-ray equipment that combines with computer imaging to get a cross-sectional look at your body. Learn more about CT scan side effects so you can prepare for your upcoming medical procedure. For some people, the likelihood of side effects occurring from a CT scan increases if they are allergic to the contrast dye used in some types of scans. Knowing what to look for before, during, and after your CT scan, especially if you have an adverse reaction, can be lifesaving.

It’s important to know that, for some patients, there are side effects of undergoing a CT scan. In the United States there are over 70 million CT scans performed annually, reports the National Institute of Health.

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