We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Side Effects of CT Scans?

By Susan Abe
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Views: 27,073
References
Share

A computerized tomography scan (CT) — formally known as computerized axial tomography or (CAT) — is a type of radiographic imaging procedure that takes many pictures of a given area for optimal evaluation of body structures. The many images generated from a CT scan can be manipulated on the computer to create different axial views of the body. In other words, the body's interior can be viewed along different axes, or planes, for comparison. Side effects mayb be long-term or short-term, depending upon when they might arise. Long-term side effects of CT scans are mostly conjecture, while short-term side effects may include anxiety or untoward reactions to the contrast dyes sometimes used for optimal visualization.

All documented side effects of CT scans are considered short term. The vast majority are secondary to the administration of fluorescent, or contrast, dyes used to increase visibility of certain details in the CT image. Contrast dyes — usually made of iodine — can cause allergic reactions in some patients, particularly individuals with a preexisting allergy to seafood. Fluorescent dye allergies are apparent more quickly when the contrast material is administered intravenously (IV) than by mouth, as intravenous administration of the medication distributes the dye more quickly throughout the body. Allergic reactions to contrast dyes can include the development of hives, rashes, itching or wheezing.

Other reactions to the procedure might be broadly considered side effects of CT scans. A common reaction to IV administration of an iodine-based contrast dye is an abrupt systemic flushing that is also described as a feeling of heat spreading throughout the body. This is a known reaction to the dye and is not reported to cause permanent difficulties. Many patients — already anxious about possible health problems and the unfamiliar procedure — report claustrophobia while within the cylindrical CT scanner. These patients are often sedated with anti-anxiety medication prior to the procedure and may thus experience drowsiness and sedation as a side effect of CT scans.

A CT scan uses a slightly higher amount of radiation than a usual x-ray to obtain its multiple images and exposure to radiation has been identified as increasing an individual's chance of developing cancer. Thus, potential long-term side effects of CT scans may include greater chances of developing a malignancy. These risks are reportedly less dangerous than failing to diagnose or monitor a current medical condition in an adult.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By nanalady97 — On Feb 11, 2016

I had a CT scan with no during the afternoon yesterday and by the early evening I felt like I had mild flu symptoms and a slight fever (100.7) This morning I feel fine, with no fever. Is this a normal side effect?

By anon983701 — On Jan 01, 2015

A head and neck CT scan for a superficial cheek injury was the worst thing that ever happened to me by far. For the past 10 weeks I've been in tremendous distress. I've had headaches, speech difficulties, sleep problems, skin problems, a sensation in my spine between my shoulder blades, balance issues, ringing in my ears, etc., etc., are all a direct result of a CT scan I was coerced into having.

Something went wrong because I felt a sensation in my head from the scan itself. One is not supposed to feel a CT scan, but nobody explained anything to me about radiation exposure or anything else. I'm still trying to recover. Never take a CT scan if possible.

By ddljohn — On Jun 28, 2013

I feel terrible for about a day after a CT scan. I get the typical feeling of warmth and bad taste in my mouth from the contrast dyes. But when I get home, I feel exhausted and sick, like I have the flu.

By donasmrs — On Jun 27, 2013

@MikeMason-- CT scans are not that bad. I've had two of them and it was much easier than I expected.

It's true that iodine can be dangerous for people who are allergic to it. But you won't be given a CT scan without checking if you're allergic to iodine first. You can even do an allergy test yourself at home by putting a few drops of iodine on your arm.

The only side effects I've had from CT scans are the heat sensation during the scan and then thirst afterward. I tend to drink a ton of water afterward, I guess to flush the dyes out of my system.

CT scans are very valuable diagnostic tools in my opinion. Some things can't be diagnosed without it. So the side effects are worth it.

By stoneMason — On Jun 27, 2013

My doctor wants me to get a CT scan to try and figure out the cause of my chronic migraines, but I refuse to get it. I know that we should avoid radiation as much as possible because of the risks of cancer.

The dyes used in CT scans also sound scary. Iodine is something found in some illegal drugs and has terrible side effects on the body. There is no way I'm letting anyone inject iodine into me.

Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-side-effects-of-ct-scans.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.