Claustrophobia – an extreme fear of enclosed spaces – is a common concern for people needing medical imaging scans. According to an estimate, approximately 7 to 10% of people live with this form of anxiety.
Medical imaging scans are crucial for diagnosing and deciding on treatments. And claustrophobia can keep its sufferer from receiving the much-needed medical imaging scan.
If you have claustrophobia and have a bone scan on the calendar, you may wonder whether you will be in an enclosed space for the procedure.
Let’s learn more about this and where you can find the best diagnostic facility in the Bronx, NY.
Bone Scan Do Not Cause Claustrophobia
There are several types of medical imaging exams out there. Some medical imaging exams, such as MRI, can trigger claustrophobia, while others do not. An example of one such medical imaging exam is a bone scan.
With a bone scan, there should be no fear of enclosed spaces because the exam is done while you comfortably lie on an examination table. Also, there is no noise during the exam, so it is very unlikely for a bone scan to trigger your claustrophobia.
Nonetheless, you may have anxiety about the exam,which your radiologist can address easily. They can explain what you can expect during the procedure, which can help alleviate your fear. They may also make the experience comfortable for you.
What To Expect When Undergoing Bone Scan?
The machine that will scan your bones is called the DEXA bone scanner. It consists of an exam table, an X-ray generator, and a padded box.
Before the test, a small amount of radioactive material (also called a tracer) will be injected into your vein to highlight the areas of the diseased or damaged bone. All the cells that are undergoing repair will take the tracer.
The actual bone scan procedure is done about three hours after the injection of the tracer. During the waiting period, you will need to drink 4-6 glasses of water to flush the excess tracer that is not absorbed by your cells.
For the test, you will be positioned on the scanning table. After that, the technologist will advise you to stay still as the series of scans are taken from your head to the toe. Using a remote control, the technologist will move the cameras above and below the examination table. To get a clearer image, your position may be altered.
After the technician tells you that the scanned images of your bone are acceptable, you are ready to go home. The entire scan takes anywhere between 3-4 hours.
Bone Scan in The Bronx, NY
If you are looking for a reputable diagnostic facility and primary care center, visit us at Starling Diagnostics. We have a team of primary care providers who are highly attuned to our patients’ needs and ensure that our patients stay at the top of their health. Our radiologists at the diagnostic facility also ensure you are comfortable during your medical imaging procedures.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our primary care doctors or would like to have an exam, call us today at (718) 319-1610 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
