X-Rays

X-rays

• Sprained ankles, broken bones, chest problems - at some point your child may need an X-ray, but large amounts of exposure to the ionising radiation of X-rays can cause serious health problems over time. 
• If your child needs an X-ray, speak to your doctor about your concerns and ask whether the X-ray is absolutely necessary and, if so, how many of them will be taken. 
• In most instances, only two views are needed to evaluate damage properly. 
• It is seldom necessary to have comparative X-rays (of, for instance, the other unharmed arm or leg).
• It might be possible that imaging studies that dont require radiation - like MRI or ultrasound - could be used in some cases, so ask about the alternatives. 
• Remember though, the child may need general anaesthetic for an MRI scan, and you will have to weigh up the risks. 
• You can ask the technologist to make sure that shields are being used to protect areas of the body that are not being imaged. 
• Carefully explain to your child what will happen. 
• Tell her she must lie or sit very still when the technologist tells her to so that they can get a clear picture of her insides. 
• And promise her she'll get to see the images herself if she lies very still. 
• You want to avoid having to retake images because of movement.
• Also reassure your child that X-rays don't hurt.