Definition

• Radiology is defined as the use of radiation and imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease. CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, and bone scans all fall into the category of radiology. Radiation therapy is also used to treat cancer. A link exists between tissue and nerve damage and one's exposure to radiation. Radiation exposure close to nerves can increase risk of nerve damage.
  
  

Medical Imaging

• Radiological imaging uses beams of radiation---aimed at a particular part of your body---to produce an image on film or computer. Advances in medical imaging---like computerized tomography (CT)---have allowed physicians to view high resolution images of your internal body. Compared to conventional X-ray exams, CT scans expose you to higher levels of radiation but offer much more detailed images. According to the Mayo Clinic, a very small amount of radiation is used during these scans--not enough, in their opinion, to cause cancer. According to a 2007 report in the New England Journal of Medicine, in their opinion, exposure to this small amount of radiation could increase cancer rates in the coming years. Many in the medical and scientific community remain divided over this topic.
  
  Nerve damage being caused from radiology---or the small amount of radiation your exposed to during medical imaging---is very unlikely. Radiology is used to find damaged nerves in order to help doctors prescribe the rite treatment. Using imaging to find damaged nerves will not make the nerve damage worse or cause additional nerve damage.
  
  However, if there's an increased risk of developing cancer after X-ray or CT scan, and the radiation imaging is being aimed at your nerves---one could argue that--exposing your nerves to cancer causing radiation could eventually cause nerve damage. If you side with half of the medical community and believe radiation imaging is risky, Mayo Clinic suggests asking your doctor to explain why he or she feels a CT scan is necessary. A CT scan or any radiation imaging study should only be done if you have symptoms that require one.
  
  

Cancer Treatment

• Radiation therapy---used to treat cancer---uses beams of X-ray (radiation) to kill cancer cells. Similar to medical imaging---radiation therapy also aims beams of radiation at precise points on your body. The difference is during radiation therapy the machine is using high-energy beams and your body is exposed to high levels of radiation. These high levels of radiation damage cells eventually destroying them---unfortunately---both healthy and cancerous cells get destroyed. According to the Mayo Clinic, half of all people with cancer receive radiation therapy. Side effects of radiation depend on which part of your body was exposed and how much radiation was used. If cancer is on or near major nerves, like your spinal cord, neck, wrist, or ankle, your risk of developing nerve damage from radiation are higher. Nerve damage can cause facial drooping, loss of hearing, erectile dysfunction, infertility, pain and mobility issues. If nerve endings are damaged you could experience a permanent burning sensation---after radiation therapy. Radiation also leaves behind painful scars and can cause numbness in the area where you have scarring.
  
  Your physician can tell you how much radiation is being prescribed, and what area the radiation will be aimed at. Discuss the risks of nerve damage related to radiation therapy with your doctor, as well as other possible treatment options.