“Can you be sedated for a CT scan?”
I need to have a CT scan. I am afraid. Can you be sedated for a CT scan?
10 Answers
AnesthesiologistAnesthesiologist
You can. It may not be necessary but it is becoming more common to have MRI or CT with sedation because of anxiety. It may mean extra time in scheduling the exam. Good luck!
Yes, but CT scan is very short, usually only a few minutes. Some centers have virtual reality-type goggles to watch a movie while getting scanned.
yes
Yes.
Hi there,
CT scan is usually a rapid imaging modality. Still, yes, you could be sedated with a small dose of anxiolytic-like benzodiazepines if you have severe anxiety or claustrophobia and don't have any contraindication for sedation. Talk to the radiology team or your doctor who ordered the CT Scan to see if mild sedation; we call it conscious sedation is an option. In summary, is it possible? The answer is yes. Is it preferred and needed? The answer is no.
Hopefully, you find this answer helpful; take care and stay safe, and Happy New Year.
CT scan is usually a rapid imaging modality. Still, yes, you could be sedated with a small dose of anxiolytic-like benzodiazepines if you have severe anxiety or claustrophobia and don't have any contraindication for sedation. Talk to the radiology team or your doctor who ordered the CT Scan to see if mild sedation; we call it conscious sedation is an option. In summary, is it possible? The answer is yes. Is it preferred and needed? The answer is no.
Hopefully, you find this answer helpful; take care and stay safe, and Happy New Year.
Usually a CT scan is very rapid (ie less than 5 minutes), as opposed to an MRI which can take a while depending on the area imaged. If you need sedation, the radiology nurse working in the CT store can give you a little anxiolytic to take off the edge.
Yes you can. But first I would try without anesthesia. Perhaps your primary md could give you a small dose of ativan to take just before the CT. CT's are not very frightening or claustraphobic like an MRI. Your insurance may not cover anesthesia unless you first try it without. Remember if you go the anesthesia route it's the same as the OR--nothing to eat or drink.
Yes, you can have light, moderate or deep sedation for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Yes, but how sedated depends on the facility.
Yes, but CT scans are so fast nowadays that with headphones, music, and movies, one can get the scan done quickly.
