Things That Hurt
Although we do our best to make you as comfortable as possible during any radiological procedure, there are, unfortunately, certain things we have to do that may be uncomfortable or even painful. First, the CT scan and MRI require that you be put into a small space in a special machine, which may be difficult for folks who tend to be claustrophobic; very rarely, patients who receive a contrast agent (a dye that makes the radiological images easier to read) may suffer complications, such as an allergic reaction; the use of a contrast agent requires that the dye be injected into the body, and depending on what kind of needle is used, this can hurt; and finally, there is always the risk of developing cancer from too much x-ray exposure, though it is rare that a patient is exposed to so much radiation that they need to worry about this radiation.
Small Spaces
CT Scans
In order to have a CT scan you will have to slide in and out the donut hole. In this case, the donut hole is pretty large, and the donut itself isn't too thick, so the whole thing seems more open. Although it may be a hassle to feed all the IV, monitor, and other lines through, it still is a pretty open affair. There are intensely claustrophobic patients who cannot get through a CT scan. In the vast majority of cases, professional care will eliminate patient fear. Some departments use the additional benefits of sedation.
What is scary about having a CT scan is watching the doctors huddled over pictures of your insides not knowing what they are seeing or what is going on. Doctors sometimes get carried away with their science, so speak up and ask your doctor questions about what is going on.
MRI
You have to have an MRI to believe it! It may seem impossible to tolerate. (Don’t forget, you are often there for some pain you are having in your neck or back.) They want you to squeeze yourself into a skintight steel tube with no give. You cannot move an inch and you can barely breathe. Then they turn on the machine and someone starts to pound the metal capsule that surrounds you. In reality, it is not nearly as unpleasant as it sounds. But it is definitely an "out of this world" experience.
All sorts of things are done to mitigate this experience, including the availability of earphones with music. Professional care always helps. But what helps the most is enlarging the tunnel, that is exactly what is happening. The tunnels (gantries) are much wider, shorter, and open, not unlike CT. Eventually, the old tunnels will no longer be used, but it is still a long way off.
If you are worried about the procedure, ask your physician about having your scan done in a so-called open gantry or "pen magnet." But remember, some are more open than others.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 May 2000
Reviewed by: Under Construction
Last Reviewed:
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