CT Scan of the Head (Head CT)

What to Expect Prior to ProcedureDepending on which tissue your doctor wants to examine, you may be given a contrast dye. If this is the case, do not eat or drink anything for four hours before your exam.You'll remove anything containing metal from your head and neck, including jewelry, false teeth, glasses, and hair barrettes. During ProcedureIf a contrast dye is needed, it is injected into a vein. You'll be positioned on a special movable table, called a gantry, with your head inside the CT scanner, which is usually donut-shaped. AnesthesiaNone Description of the ProcedureThe gantry advances you very slowly through the CT scanner. You'll need to be very still during the entire test. If you have difficulty keeping your head perfectly still, the technician may choose to immobilize your head. As the scanner takes pictures, you'll hear some humming and clicking. You are able to talk to the technician and/or doctor during the exam, so if you are in pain, frightened, or concerned in any way, you can communicate this immediately. After ProcedureIf you've received contrast dye, drink extra fluids to more quickly flush it out of your body. How Long Will It Take?It may take 10-60 minutes, depending on how much area must be scanned and how much detail is required.

Will It Hurt?The scan itself will not hurt, although you may feel restless. Possible ComplicationsAllergic or anaphylactic response to contrast dye Average Hospital StayNone Postoperative CareNone OutcomeYour doctor should be able to spot any abnormalities in your brain, skull, or facial bones. Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs You had contrast dye and notice: HivesItchingNauseaSwollen, itchy eyesTightness of throatDifficulty breathing RESOURCES: American College of Radiologyhttp://www.acr.org Radiological Society of North Americahttp://www.radiologyinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologistshttp://www.camrt.ca BC Health Guide, British Columbia Ministry of Healthhttp://www.bchealthguide.org/ References: Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ct-scan/FL00065 . Accessed on October 20, 2007. Medical encyclopedia: cranial CT scan. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003786.htm . Accessed October 14, 2005. Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests . Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin; 1997. Last reviewed October 2007 by Marcin Chwistek, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.