• Are CT scans claustrophobic?

I am a 30 year old female. I want to know if CT scans are claustrophobic?

4 Answers

  • Radiologist
  • Southlake, TX

A CT scan for the most part is not claustrophobic for the majority of patients. This phenomenon is more likely in patients undergoing MRI.

  • Radiologist
  • Amarillo, TX

They usually aren’t. The tubes are shorter than MRI, and the time you need to be inside the tube is much shorter.

  • Radiologist
  • Houston, TX

CT scans are wide open. Rarely to no patients complain of claustrophobia. Few complaints include back or neck pain in those patients with spine issues.

  • Radiologist
  • Oviedo, FL

CT scans generally don't have to put a whole person in a hole at the same time, so people with claustrophobia generally do well with CT scans - which is different than MRI, which has a much greater problem with claustrophobia. Also, since CT scans can be done in 30 seconds, most people can tolerate going through the CT scanner, since it is less than a minute. I have seen people with such severe claustrophobia that they could not go through the CT scanner, but this is extremely rare. I have only seen in twice in my 30 year career, but certainly it can happen.

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