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CAT scan question...

mrsrabideaumrsrabideau
in 2nd Trimester

Hi. Most of you don't know me as I usually post on GP or lurk here but I have a question and thought this was the place to ask..

 I have been having severe migraines with this pg and they are getting worse as time passes. My ob is sending me for a CAT scan to make sure that there is no underlying issue. I have always heard you don't want to get a ct durring pregnancy since it is a good but more radiation than a normal xray. He also mentioned an MRI as an option. My question is.. should I be concerned about the cat scan? and push for an mri instead or what? I have done some research and everything I find says to only get one (CT) when it is really necessary.

Thanks for your input.  Smile

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Re: CAT scan question...

  • Mrs.CarlybellaMrs.Carlybella member

    hmm,  well i would maybe ask another doctor their opinion- b/c they know best.

     

    when i got in my car accident i hit my head very hard, and the hospital wouldn't do a cat scan.   at my followup appt with the OB- my ob was upset they didnt do one saying they should treat me as they would treat me if i wasn't pregnant.

    so then i was worried about not getting one, but he continued on to say that the risk is pediatric leukemia and that is only if you were to have a few, at which point even though he said one would have been ok, i was happier not to have had it done

    EDD with #4  01-20-14
    Proud mama to a boys-  6/17/09 - a girl 2/23/11- and a boy 8/20/12

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  • kassannkassann
    Do what you need for your health. If the doc says it's ok I'd go for it. Make sure your head's ok!
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  • kittykatloverkittykatlover
    Well, I work for a MRI office, and we do scans of PG women. Not a lot, but we do. We don't do them in 1st tri, and then we only do them after that when knowing what's wrong with the mom is very necessary. That being said, there is no research done that shows ANY negative effects on a fetus in ANY trimester. They just avoid it if possible to be on the safe side. Your insurance should pay for an MRI with a prior authorization if your doctor writes an order and has a good reason (your migraines.)  You can also ask your doctor for the order for a MRA/MRV along with the MRI. That's when they analyze blood flow into and out of the brain during the MRI. I know lots of migranes are caused by blood flow issues. Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon.
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  • mrsljwmrsljw
    I work in an xray department. The general rule for if you're pregnant, is they don't order or want you to have it done unless they think the benefits of having the exam outweigh the risks.   In our department, they made us have the patient and doctor sign a paper saying they understood the risk of the test and everything before the exam. It was kind of a "permission to do the exam" paper. They might consult a radiologist before they do the exam, but I'm not sure. Also, if you have it done make sure they shield you, front and back. You should have one lead apron under you and one over you.  I hope this helps you! Good luck with everything.
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  • mrs_rodneymrs_rodney
    As a CT tech (your getting opinions from every branch of radiology!) I would def. ask about the MRI.  Our protocol is to do a CT scan, if that is negative, the radiologist who reads the scan will frequently suggest an MRI follow-up with headaches and migraines.  Granted they will shield you for the CT scan, but it is radiation, whereas the MRI is not.  Def. ask some questions about your options. They wouldn't order the CT if they weren't concerned, and as pp said, they feel the benefit of the scan outweighs the risk of any radiation the baby may get or they wouldn't ordered it. GL!
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  • kirplnkkirplnk member

    So I'm an MRI tech :o)

    We generally scan pregnant ladies as long as they are outside of their first trimester.  Under no circumstances should you let them give you MRI contrast unless it is life threatening and you talk to your MD about the pros and cons of contrast while you are pregnant.  If you can avoid the CAT scan I recommend that.  MRI does not use any radiation while CAT scan does.  If your MD pushes for you to have a CAT scan then go with it.  He knows you best.  If you have the CAT scan make sure they place a lead apron under AND on top of your belly.  CAT scan gives radiation in 360 degrees.  So you need to be covered from all sides.  I hope everything turns out ok you for.

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