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 CT (Computed Tomography) » Head General Info | Abdomen & Pelvis | Angiography | Cardiac Calcium Scoring | Chest | Colonography | Head | Pediatric | Sinuses | Spine | View Full Exam List 
What is a CT exam of the head?CT (computed tomography) of the head is a highly specialized x-ray examination performed by a CT scanner and computer. The images generated by the computer can be printed out or examined on a monitor. The scanner provides more highly detailed images of the body's tissues and vessels than conventional x-rays. CT scanning of the head is especially useful for providing detailed information on head injuries, sinus disorders, stroke, brain tumors and diseases of the brain. It can also visualize bone, soft tissues and blood vessels in a single image. CT of the head and brain is a patient-friendly exam that involves relatively low radiation exposure. Depending upon the reason for your exam, it may be necessary to highlight the tissues of the brain and blood vessels with the use of contrast material or "dye." Intravenous (IV) contrast is injected into a vein while the CT scanner captures hundreds of cross-sectional images of your brain tissue and blood vessels. Afterward, a powerful computer reconstructs a highly detailed three-dimensional image for your physician or surgeon to view. What is IV (Intravenous) Contrast? IV contrast is a solution that is injected into your veins and appears very bright white on a CT image. This material allows for enhanced visualization of the blood vessels in your brain. When the IV contrast is injected into a vein you may experience a sensation of being warm or flushed throughout your throat, chest, abdomen and pelvis. This is normal and may last 1-2 minutes. IV contrast is filtered from your blood by your kidneys and will be passed, unnoticed, from your body in your urine. You may safely drive home after having IV contrast. How should I prepare for a CT of the head?
 If your exam requires IV contrast, it is important that you inform the Radiologic Technologist before your exam if:
What Will the Exam Be Like? You will lie on a firm table that slowly moves inside the donut-shaped CT scanner. The table will move into the open center of the donut as the x-rays are being taken. In order to obtain the best images possible, you will be asked to lie very still during the scanning and you may have to hold your breath for brief periods. You will be alone in the room during the scan, however, the Radiologic Technologist can see, hear and speak with you at all times. How Long Does The Exam Take? The entire procedure lasts approximately 10 minutes from the time you enter the room. The scan itself takes only 10-15 seconds.  Who interprets the results and how do I get them? A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report. Will my insurance cover the exam? It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered. Who do I call if I have questions? Contact us at (563) 359-3931 Links CT patient brochure (PDF) www.radiologyinfo.com |
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