Head CT Scan Care
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Head CT Scan Details
Alternate Names for Head CT Scan:
CT scan, head
Your doctor may instruct you to:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything for four hours before the test if contrast will be used.
- Remove any metal objects (eg, jewelry, hearing aids, dentures).
In some cases, contrast is needed. It helps make certain organs and tissues more visible on the images. It will be injected into a vein.
You will be positioned on a special moving table. The table will advance slowly through the CT scanner. You will need to be still during the entire test. If you have a hard time with this, the technician may need to use a device to keep your head still. As the scanner takes pictures, you will hear humming and clicking. You will be able to talk to the technician via an intercom.
After TestIf you had contrast, you may be told to drink extra fluid. This will flush the contrast from your body.
How Long Will It Take?About 10-60 minutes
Will It Hurt?You may feel flushed if you received contrast. You may notice a salty or metallic taste in your mouth. You may also feel nauseous.
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
