CT Scans on babies

[jg's mom]

How old in anyone's experince does a child need to be to not be sedated for a CT scan? Jill is almost 1. Has anyone ever had a child this young not need to be sedated? We'll do what we need to do. But it makes me uncomfortable.

[F-Litz]

Is she is a heavy sleeper? Once she is asleep can you move her from her carriage to her crib without waking her up? If you can do this, then if you plan the scan at naptime you should be ok.

If not, then you can ask them for a light sedative (maybe a small dose of versed?) and that might be enough for the few minutes it takes.

MRI is different - those are long.

best of luck,
francine

[bensmom]

Our son had to have a CT scan of his head when he was 13 months old and he did have to be sedated. We weren't thrilled with the idea, but after seeing the procedure, he NEVER would have made it without the sedation. But, he is a very light sleeper and his stranger anxiety was starting to amp up at that point. I think that some children might be able to nap through it though. If you do end up having to go the sedation route, I would be happy to share our experience and some of the things we would have done differently to make the process easier. Good luck.

[jg's mom]

Thanks everyone. That is good advice. I may contact you if we go the sedation route for some tips.

[F-Litz]

one thing I want to add is that some children have reactions to the sedation medication.... it looks like they are angry and freaked out...but it subsides in time and then they are ok. I really thought Maia was being traumatized, but then shortly after I needed to take my cat in to the vet to have some surgery and the cat had the same meds and had the same exact reaction.... so be aware. It's just a reaction.