Concerns About Excess Amounts of Radiation from Recent CTs and X-Rays
I had a bunch of medical imaging done in the last month–CTs with contrast, CTs without contrast and a bunch of x-rays–as I was being evaluated for possible stroke. So now I am worried that I might have had too much radiation. I still have a bit of weakness in my legs, but it is improving. Now I am worried about radiation poisoning. Should I be worried?
6 days ago
The amount of radiation you may have received from diagnostic imaging with X-rays and CT scans–even if you had several in a tightly packed period–is unlikely to be at a level where you would need to be concerned about radiation poisoning. Even if the total dose were on the order of several of these procedures, it would not be toxic. You would likely only start to develop symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or skin burns at a much higher level of radiation exposure than what you likely received. This would have included the X-ray talks with the radiation dose as well. Contrast reactions and possible effects on the kidneys, with delayed effects, are likely, but that usually would come on over time, rather than in the immediate time frame. If you are feeling unwell or think you have other concerns related to imaging, I would recommend following up with your primary care provider for further investigation.