Computed Tomography of Head
- What is a CT of the head?
- Why might my doctor recommend a CT of my head?
- How should I prepare for my CT scan
- What type of equipment is used for a CT of the head?
- How does a CT of the head work?
- Will I experience pain during a CT of my head?
- How will I get the test results for a CT of my head?
What is a CT of the head?
A CT scan of the head is a type of scan that uses special X-ray equipment to obtain images from all angles of the head. It then joins the images together to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs. The scan provides detailed information on head injuries, stroke, brain tumors, and other brain diseases.
Why might my doctor recommend a CT of my head?
A CT of the head may be recommended for many different reasons. Your doctor may recommend a CT of the head if you experience severe headaches or if he or she is questioning your risk of stroke, a mass or tumor, or other neurological symptoms. A CT of the head can detect a variety of problems within the brain, including: bleeding, blood clots, brain damage, skull fractures, brain tumors, and diseases or malformations of the skull. The procedure also is used in planning radiation therapy for cancer of the brain or other tissues.
How should I prepare for a CT of my head?
To prepare for a CT scan, we recommend you dress comfortably. Also, avoid anything with metal, including earrings, eyeglasses, dentures, dental implants, or hair implants that can affect the CT image. You will not be asked to wear a gown unless the technician feels your clothing could affect the results of the scan.
Depending on your individual scan, you may receive a contrast injection. Contrast material is a dye that makes your organs and blood vessels more visible when you are scanned. If contrast is used, you will b e asked not to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the procedure. After the scan you should drink plenty of liquids to help flush the contrast out of your system.
What type of equipment is used for a CT of the head?
The CT scanner is a specialized machine that looks like a large doughnut. You will lay on a movable table that goes in and out of the center of the machine. Most CT studies use an advanced unit called a spiral CT that records a large number of pictures in a short time.
How does a CT of the head work?
A CT of the head requires that you lie flat on your back. A rotating device spins around your body creating a beam of X-rays. A detector takes snapshots of the beam after it passes through your body and a powerful computer program then processes the images and displays them in different ways for examination. The technician will communicate with you throughout the procedure, but will need to leave the room briefly to run the computer. A radiologist then reviews the images to look at the area in question. The scan will take about 5-10 minutes and the entire experience should last no more than 30 minutes.
Will I experience pain during a CT of my head?
No, CT scanning is a painless procedure. If contrast material is used, you may feel flushed or get a metallic taste in your mouth, usually lasting no more than a minute or two. In rare cases, you may experience other side effects. Contact the CT technologist or your doctor if these occur or if you have questions about the use of contrast.
How will I get the test results for a CT of my head?
When your CT exam is complete, you may return to work or other normal activity immediately. Our board-certified radiologists will read your exam, and the results will be reported to your referring physician within 24 hours.
