Spine CT Scan

What to Expect

When the time comes for your spine CT scan, a technologist will help you onto a narrow CT table, which is padded but may be slightly uncomfortable. You will lie on your back with your arms at your sides or over your head. Your head will be positioned in a headrest.

Any movement during the spine CT will make the images blurry. Therefore, the technologist might place bands around 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. Your whole body, either head first or feet first, will enter the device.

When 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. A spine CT scan is painless and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products including Alka Seltzer, Anacin, Bufferin, and Empirin for one week prior to your appointment. Also, do not take Darvon, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Indocin, or any products containing ibuprofen, including Advil and Motrin, for one week prior to your appointment. Ask your CINN physician when you can resume taking these medications. You may take Tylenol and acetaminophen.

If you regularly take a blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin or Coumadin, notify your CINN physician. Your dosage may be adjusted in preparation for the myelogram-spine CT.

Also, 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.

If you develop a cold, fever, or flu symptoms before your scheduled appointment, contact your CINN physician.

After the Myelogram-Spine CT

Afterward, a hospital transporter will take you back to your room, and help you into bed. You will need to remain on bed rest with your head elevated for at least six hours from when the myelogram was completed. When you must empty your bladder, your nurse will assist you with a urinal or bedpan.

If you are undergoing the myelogram-spine CT as an outpatient, have a family member or friend drive you home, and be sure to recline in the car as much as possible. After you return home, please go on bed rest for 24 hours. While on bed rest, you may use the bathroom and sit up to a 30 degree angle for meals.

If you remain in the hospital overnight, you may drive yourself home after you are discharged. Although you do not have to go on bed rest after returning home, please take it easy for the next day or so.

You may experience side effects caused by the removal of some of your cerebrospinal fluid. The most common side effect of the myelogram procedure is a headache that lasts several hours or up to several days. If you develop a headache, it may be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or tightness in the shoulders, base of the neck, or lower back.

Unless otherwise instructed, drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours after your exam. This will help flush the dye from your system and may help you avoid a headache. Drinking caffeinated beverages may be especially helpful in relieving a headache, as may lying down. You may take Tylenol; do not, however, take any aspirin-containing medications.

You will probably be able to resume your normal activities after 24 to 48 hours. If after this time you are still experiencing a headache or other symptoms, please call your CINN physician.