Are there any side-effects to having a CT scan?

There are no side effects from the CT scan itself, although it does use several times more radiation than a typical X-ray; equivalent to what you might be exposed to naturally over a three-to-four-year period.

If you have an injection of contrast, you may have some side effects which might include a skin rash, dizziness, a headache and nausea. The CT team will discuss this with you and will answer any questions you may have before the injection.