Myths and Facts about X-rays and other Scans
More people visit
their specialist's office to request a 'scan'. Here are a few myths and facts
about the different types of scans available, when they are helpful and why you
don't generally require one!
Myth: All scans are x-rays
Plain X-rays
and CT scans use X-beam radiation while different scans don't. An X-ray gives
you one picture, for example of your chest or a limb. A CT scan then again
takes many X-rays which are prepared by a PC to give different photos of the
body. CT scan give far more detailed views, yet they also expose you to much
more radiation. This radiation portion relies upon which portion of the body is
being scanned. For example, a CT scan of the chest exposes you to 70 times more
radiation than normal chest X-ray.
Other kinds
of scans, such as ultrasound and MRI scans, don’t use X-rays. Ultrasound scans make
use of sound waves and MRI scans use magnets.
Fact: Different kind of scans are needed to
image different parts of the body
Because
scans work in different ways they are good at looking at various parts of the
human body.
X-rays are mainly
useful for looking at bones, so they are commonly used if you have a fracture. Abdominal
X-rays are only needed if your doctor suspects a few rare conditions – most of
the times your bowels will not show up as the structures are so similar.
Myth: A scan will always detect what is
wrong with you
There are so
many conditions that will not show up on any scan. But doctors have other
investigations such as blood tests and other instruments and equipment to
diagnose these conditions. Some conditions are diagnosed depending on your
symptoms alone, for example migraine. So remember, you need not to take scan
always
Fact: Scans should be interpreted by a
specialist
Although all
doctors are trained to explain basic X-rays, they may miss some finer details
which a specialist, known as a radiologist, would pick up on. Radiologists also
have high level of expertise in explaining complex scans like MRI or CT scans.
They will generally write a report about your scan, so it is important to keep
this safe and show it to your doctor.
Myth: Scans can have serious side effects
The
radiation used during X-rays and CT scans won’t make you grow extra limbs or
turn green, but can have some worrying and less clear side effects! People can
also be allergic to certain dyes used during MRI and CT scans. And may X-rays,CT and MRI scans are all unsafe during pregnancy as they can cause deformities
and developmental abnormalities.
Fact : I would know right away if i was
experiencing side effects from a scan
The
radiations side effects tend to develop over long periods of time, particularly
if you are exposed to radiation on multiple occasions. You won’t feel the
radiation or get any obvious symptoms such as pain or skin rashes.
At Ebisu Diagnostics we care about your comfort. If you need any other diagnostic scan an X-ray Center in Bangalore, we are here to help, Call 080 2258 5555 / 080 2258 7777 today, or go online to make an appointment today.
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