info on CT Scan..especially on children (long)

[jacksonsmom]

Originally posted by MScott1851
I'm pretty positive that a sinus CT will not require any fasting, nor will it require the IV contrast... Those are primarily for abdominal or pelvis CTs.

I usually try two or three approaches with my little patients... I either use the "Oh, look, it's like a spaceship ride!! The ramp slides back and forth and the lights light up! How COOL!" or "WOW! It's a Donut Slide!"

Thanks I just called the hospital & they did say no fasting required for a sinus CT.

I love the spaceship idea. My son is very into spaceships so that might be a good one to use!!! :space:

 

[TEENEE]

My dd has had at least 8 CT's, you loose track after awhile. I recommend having the CT done at a childrens hospital. The room will be decorated with kids in mind. If your son wants to listen to music they will let him pick something. My dd has had CT's from the time she was a newborn until she was 5 yo. She described the machine as a giant donut. Your son will lay on a narrow table, not so narrow that he will fall off, and have blankets and a big velcro strap over him to keep him from moving. You will be able to stand next to him and touch him or read to him, whatever will make him comfortable. If he is too scared and can't keep still they can sedate him. Fortunately we have never had to go that route. Tell him the room will be dark and cold. Tell him the machine will make noise while it takes the special pictures of him. Bring a book that he really enjoys. My dd can be a royal PITA when it comes to things like this. I hope your son is not. Be prepared to entertain him. When my dd was about 9 months old my dad went with us for the CT. The tech let both of us stay in the room with her. My poor dad had to hold a jack in the box on top of his head and wind it constantly the entire time the ct was being done. Poor guys arms hurt by the time it was done. It was really funny but it got her through it. Good luck. If you have anymore questions feel free to pm me.

 

[DStar4cup]

My daughter had to have a Cat Scan on her head 2 weeks ago. The machine they used was the 1 machine that is in the link Dan posted. Only her head went in. She had to be very still and it only took about 10 minutes. Not a bad experience at all. Best wishes to your son!

 

[ZebraStripes]

jacksonsmom--My DD8 had a head CT scan about 3 years ago. We like to prepare her beforehand too as she gets really anxious. We went the donut route, table moving up and down, etc. I was able to stand next to her and talk to her. She was also able to hold on to her favorite stuffed animal. The worst part for her was probably the head immobilization.

MScott1851--I wish we could clone you! Every hospital needs someone like you to work with the children.

 

[robs6799]

A sinus CT is a very simple and quick procedure. I am a CT tech and the worst part is the position he will be in. Most facilities will scan him laying on his stomach with his neck extended out. There is a chance he will be on his back with his head extended back but this is not done very often anymore. He will not require contrast and it will be over in 10 minutes max prep time included. Hopefully you will have a CT tech who will encourage and reassure him. They will hopefully allow you to stay in the room.If you do try to stand at the back of the scanner so he is facing you. This way he can see you and won't be tempted to look for you. Just keep reminding him to hold very still. The actual scanning time is about 2-3 minutes. He will do fine and sedation probably won't even be offered. I will agree if benadryl makes him sleepy you could try that if he is agitated. the key will be the tech and how they are with children. Every tech is different and being comfortable with children makes all the difference. I'll wish you good luck but he's going to do fine!!

 

[floridafam]

Our DS 7 also has constant sinus infections and asthma.

The Dr. called last week and said that his IgA number is low and this makes for chronic infections.

I don't know if this will help but you could at least find out what his IgA level is.

Most of the other blood work is not back yet. He has to go in tomorrow for a sweat chloride test to rule out Cystic Fibrosis-the Dr. noticed a mucus plug on his chest x-ray.

Good luck. Let us know what you find out.

 

[Octoberbride03]

I had a CT scan last year for ear surgery, and i had to fast for it. I'm glad your DS won't have to. I didn't mind the procedure, way easier than an MRI, I don't remember how long mine took, but it was longer than 5 minutes, I needed a lot of angles done b4 i was through. GL wth the scan. You may find out that your DS likes the experience, He'll be able to see the cameras switch positions for shots if he's not sedated. Its kind of a cool experience.