Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced diagnostic technique that uses a computer and x-rays to produce clear cross-sectional images of the body. These detailed images, displayed on films, help physicians diagnose many neurological disorders and determine appropriate treatment. CT can be used to scan any part of the body, including your head and spine.

How to Prepare

Please arrive for this outpatient procedure at the time and location given to you.

Prior to undergoing this procedure, your CINN Outpatient Center nurse may arrange for you to have a blood test.

This test requires no special preparation. You may eat and drink as usual and remain active right up until the time of your test.

Tell your CINN physician if you are pregnant or if you have any allergies, such as those to any medications, shellfish, or iodine or other contrast solutions.

What to Expect

Before your test, you will be asked to disrobe and put on a hospital gown. Do not bring any jewelry or other valuables to the hospital the day of your test.

You will be taken to the CT examination room. There, a technologist will help you onto a narrow table, which is padded but may be slightly uncomfortable. You will be asked to lie on your back with your arms at your sides and your head in a headrest. If you are having a spine CT, you may be asked to put your arms over your head.

Next the radiology technologist might inject a contrast solution (a water-soluble dye) into your body. This dye makes the soft tissues in your brain and spinal cord more visible on the CT films. As it enters your body, you may experience a warm sensation all over your body and an unusual taste in your mouth.

The technologist might place five small markers across your forehead, using a glue-like adhesive to keep them in place.

Any movement during the CT scan will make the images blurry. Therefore, the technologist might place bands across your head and body to help you keep still. When you are positioned correctly, the CT table will move automatically into a large, doughnut-shaped ring. If you are having a head CT, only your head will be moved inside the device. If you are having a spine CT, your whole body, either head first or feet first, will enter the device.

While the procedure is underway, the scanner will rotate around you. A great number of x-ray beams, each of a low dosage and lasting only a fraction of a second, will pass through your body at different angles. You will hear the sound of gears moving and a motor running during this procedure.

Head and spine CTs are painless and take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Additional Instructions

If you have dye injected for your CT scan, drink plenty of fluids for the remainder of the day to flush the dye from your body, unless otherwise instructed.