Yes, CT scan can cause hair loss if the radiation dose is too high. To get an idea, hair can fall if the person receives a radiation amount of 750 mSv (miliSievert). However, on an abdominal tomography, for example, the body absorbs "only" 8.0 mSv.
Although 8 mSv is considered a considerable dose of radiation, it is not enough to make hair fall. However, successive CT scans can have a cumulative effect on the body and pose health risks, and may even increase the chances of developing certain types of cancer.
In the case of hair loss, it may occur after 2 to 3 weeks tomography. However, such cases are rare and isolated.
In addition to hair loss, an overdose of radiation can cause the following Side effects immediate:
- Skin burns;
- Decreased white blood cells;
- Anemia;
- Cataract.
However, as long as radiation doses are well controlled and examinations are not done unnecessarily, the benefits of CT scans outweigh their risks.
For further clarification on the possible effects of CT scan on the body, talk to the radiologist who is responsible for the examination.
You may also be interested in: Skull tomography: how is it made and what is it for?
