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A CT scan is an x-ray that uses a computer to make cross-sectional images of the head.
A CT scan is done to study the skull, brain, jaw, sinuses, and facial bones for signs of injuries, tumors, or other disease.
Your doctor may recommend a head CT if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Seizures
- Head injury or injury to the face or eyes
- Dizziness or problems with balance
- Pain
- Confusion
- Behavior or personality change
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Cough
- Swelling in the face, head, or neck
-
May be used as guidance for procedures (eg, brain
biopsy
)
Many conditions and diseases can be diagnosed with a head CT. These include:
If you are given a contrast dye and have kidney problems, the dye can lead to the worsening of your renal or kidney function. Another complication is if you have had previous allergic or anaphylactic response to contrast dye. If you are pregnant your doctor may choose a different radiological study to limit the exposure to x-rays.
Depending 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.
If 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.
The 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.
If you've received contrast dye, drink extra fluids to more quickly flush it out of your body.
It may take 10-60 minutes, depending on how much area must be scanned and how much detail is required.
The scan itself will not hurt, although you may feel restless.
Allergic or anaphylactic response to contrast dye
Your doctor should be able to spot any abnormalities in your brain, skull, or facial bones.
You had contrast dye and notice:
-
Hives
- Itching
- Nausea
- Swollen, itchy eyes
- Tightness of throat
- Difficulty breathing
Last reviewed October 2007 by
Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please 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. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
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