Contrast Ct Scan

[EcclesCake]

Why is it that you experience the sensation of wetting yourself when the contrast is injected?

[Sqad]

No idea as I have never heard of that before

[Bazile]

Is a CTC scan one where a higher dose of xrays is used , compared to a standard xray ?

[Peter Pedant]

you are meant to feel flushed and hot

I have to say I had more on my mind than these wee problems,
and it didnt upset me

[ethandron]

It's an interesting question Eccles, I'd be interested to know why too. It really does feel as if you're wetting yourself doesn't it, and you're warned by the scan person that it'll happen. Must be some physiological explanation but I can't find one.

[EcclesCake]

The radiographers have never been able to give me an adequate answer and I am curious, if I ever find out I will let you know Eth.

[Mamyalynne]

I know random links are frowned on and you've likely looked anyway, but some comments here and a few references to possible reasons too.

http://ask.metafilter.com/249099/Why-did-this-weird-sensation-happen

[ethandron]

Who frowns on random links mamy? I didn't know that.
I'd seen the thing about mucous membranes but it doesn't explain why really, nice of you to try though :)

[EcclesCake]

Thank you Mamya for the link. It seems to raise as many questions as it answers!

I will get to the bottom of this as I'm intrigued.

[Mamyalynne]

From what I have read it's the response by the kidneys to the iodine based compounds in the injection and is very common.

[Togo]

I think it is the agent that is fed into you just prior to the scan running. The dye is designed to be readily receptive to the x rays generated by the machine and therefor "blocks" them compared to the tissue areas that do not contain the dye. The Xrays are very high energy indeed, and the dye is slightly warmed by the rays as they block them(excited molecules). Hence that warm feeling in the areas where the dye readily gathers. Throat and groin. I have had about a dozen ct scans and trying to get the reason out of the technicians is like drawing hen's teeth.