HomeAnswersRadiologyradiation exposureI was indirectly exposed to radiation four times during a CT scan. Should I be worried?

What are the risks of indirect radiation exposure during a CT scan?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 13, 2022
Reviewed AtNovember 9, 2022

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

A couple of days back, I had to take my aunt for a brain CT scan. The CT scan operator asked me to be in the room. They gave me an apron, but my arm and head got exposed. They asked me to hold her head steady, so I held her chin while she slid into the CT scanner. During this, my hands went inside along with her head. They had to repeat this four times as she was moving her head. I am worried about radiation exposure. The main concern was my body parts were exposed. Secondly, it was done four times. Please let me know if I have to worry. Also, that day I had slight warmth on the exposed skin. Today I have slight ankle pain. Not sure if this is related. Could you please tell me whether I am at risk of getting some disease in the future due to this exposure?

Answered by Dr. Varun Chaudhry

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

CT (computed tomography) scan of the head has low radiation exposure. Although your head and hands were exposed, the lead apron would have reduced the total body dose. You said it was done four times, but I am unsure if the whole scan was done four times or just the planning CT sequence. If it was just the planning sequences, the radiation is similar to an x-ray, which is comparatively low. Even otherwise, the lead apron protects from most radiation, and there is a very low chance of this causing problems later on.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Regarding follow up

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

default Img
Dr. Varun Chaudhry

Radiodiagnosis

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

radiation exposurect scan

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Radiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy