7 Healthcast: When should kids get a CT scan?

A new study, done at Children’s Hospital in Boston, suggests observing kids for awhile first to see if their condition worsens.

Researchers said watching a child for several hours first is better than immediately exposing them to the potentially harmful radiation of a CT scan.

“They’re still growing and so their cells are dividing and as well they have a long life ahead of them so they have a longer time to develop malignancy,” said Dr. Lisa Nigrovic of Children’s Hospital Boston.

CT tests can expose young patients to ionizing radiation, potentially increasing their risk of developing cancer.

Signs your child does need to go to the emergency room after a head injury include vomiting, disorientation and loss of consciousness.

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