Radiation Exposure from Pediatric CT Scans

Radiation Concerns in Pediatric Brain CT Scans

Hello Dr.
Wang, about six years ago, my child underwent a brain CT scan at a medical center when he was just over a month old.
I am unsure how much radiation dose was absorbed based on the technology at that time.
Could this have any future impact on brain development? Thank you.

Mr. Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/06

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

The assessment of radiation dose and risk is primarily based on average values for adults.
An adult receives approximately 2 millisieverts of radiation from a single brain CT scan, with more than 99% of individuals not experiencing an increased risk of additional cancer.
The calculation of X-ray radiation risk for adults may not accurately reflect the risk for children; however, there is currently no clear evidence that a single brain CT scan adversely affects brain development in children.
Due to the higher sensitivity of children to radiation compared to adults, it is recommended that parents keep a record of their child's medical imaging history.
This can serve as a part of the discussion with the physician when considering X-ray examinations for children.
Efforts should be made to minimize unnecessary exposure to radiation to reduce risks as much as possible.

Reply Date: 2018/02/06

More Info

Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for your question regarding the radiation exposure from pediatric CT scans, particularly concerning your child's brain CT scan performed at a very young age. Understanding the implications of radiation exposure in children is crucial, as their developing bodies are more sensitive to radiation than adults.

Firstly, the amount of radiation exposure from a CT scan can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of scan, the specific protocols used by the medical facility, and the age and size of the child. For a typical pediatric brain CT scan, the effective dose is generally in the range of 0.5 to 2 mSv (millisieverts). To put this into perspective, this dose is comparable to the amount of natural background radiation a person receives over a few months.
It is important to note that while any exposure to ionizing radiation carries some risk, the actual risk from a single CT scan is relatively low. The primary concern with repeated exposure to radiation is the cumulative effect, which can slightly increase the lifetime risk of developing cancer. According to studies, the risk of developing a fatal cancer from a single CT scan in children is estimated to be very low, around 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000, depending on various factors including age and sex.

Regarding your concern about potential impacts on brain development, research indicates that the risk of adverse effects from a single CT scan is minimal. The human body, including the brain, has a remarkable ability to repair itself from radiation damage. However, the developing brain is indeed more sensitive to radiation than an adult brain, which is why medical professionals are cautious about recommending CT scans for children unless absolutely necessary.

In your case, since the scan was performed six years ago when your child was just over a month old, it is unlikely that this single exposure would have any significant long-term effects on brain development. Pediatric radiologists and medical professionals are trained to weigh the risks and benefits of imaging studies, and they typically recommend CT scans only when the diagnostic information cannot be obtained through other means, such as ultrasound or MRI, which do not involve ionizing radiation.

If you have ongoing concerns about your child's health or development, it is always a good idea to discuss these with your pediatrician or a specialist. They can provide personalized advice and reassurance based on your child's medical history and current health status.

In summary, while it is understandable to be concerned about radiation exposure from medical imaging, the risks associated with a single pediatric CT scan, especially one performed several years ago, are generally considered low. Continuous advancements in imaging technology and protocols also aim to minimize radiation exposure while maximizing diagnostic efficacy.

Best wishes for your child's health and well-being.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Is CT Scan Radiation Safe for Young Children? Understanding Risks

Hello doctor, my son turned four today. He went to the hospital for an arrangement due to pectus excavatum, and he had an X-ray and a chest CT scan. I only found out afterward that the radiation exposure was quite high. Could this excessive radiation exposure have any effects? I&...

Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Xiaoqi's Mom, Thank you for your inquiry. Medical imaging examinations assist clinicians in precise diagnosis and treatment. The amount of ionizing radiation exposure from these diagnostic tests is approximately equivalent to two years of natural background radiation. ...

Are X-Rays Safe for Kids? Understanding Radiation Risks in Pediatrics

A 1.5-year-old child bumped their temple against a chair, resulting in a swelling. They were taken to the emergency room, where the doctor arranged for two head X-rays, but the neck was not protected with a lead apron. Later, a 3-year-old child experienced abdominal pain, and the...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello! The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends using the Sievert (Sv) to quantify the potential harm of radiation to the human body. The average background radiation dose in Taiwan is approximately 1 to 2 millisieverts (mSv) per year. The dose fr...

Concerns About Repeated CT Scans in Young Children: Risks and Recommendations

Hello, my son is currently one year and four months old. He slipped and hit the back of his head in the hotel bathroom. An hour later, he vomited twice, and we immediately took him to the emergency room. The emergency physician said that because he is still very young, there are ...

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
Hello, performing imaging examinations on young children who are restless and unable to cooperate poses a significant challenge for the personnel conducting the tests. The radiation dose for an adult undergoing a single head computed tomography (CT) scan is approximately 2 millis...

Impact of Repeated CT Scans on Toddler's Brain Development and Health Risks

My 2-year-and-7-month-old daughter had a car accident in mid-May, where her head hit the ground. She vomited once in the emergency room, and the doctor arranged for a CT scan of her head. She struggled a lot, so she ended up having the scan done twice. Doctor, will this have an i...

Dr. Zhang Fudi reply Radiology
Computed tomography (CT) can provide clearer and more accurate imaging diagnoses compared to traditional X-ray imaging. However, the downside is the higher radiation dose. In the case of your child, obtaining brain imaging requires the use of CT, which can differentiate soft tiss...