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Alternative names
Head CT; CT scan - skull; CT scan - head; CT scan - orbits; CT scan - sinusesDefinition Return to top
A cranial CT scan involves computed tomography of the head, including the skull, brain, orbits (eyes), and sinuses.How the test is performed Return to top
A head CT will produce an image from the upper neck to the top of the head. If the patient cannot keep his/her head still, immobilization may be necessary. All jewelry, glasses, dentures, and other metal should be removed from the head and neck to prevent artifacts.
A contrast dye may be injected into a vein to further evaluate a mass. (The mass becomes brighter with contrast dye if it has a lot of blood vessels). Contrast dye is also used to produce an image of the blood vessels of the head and brain.
The total amount of time in the CT scanner is usually a few minutes.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
Generally, there is no preparation necessary.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel Return to top
As with any intravenous iodinated contrast injection, there may be a slight temporary burning sensation in the arm, metallic taste in the mouth, or whole body warmth. This is a normal occurrence and will subside in a few seconds.
Otherwise, the CT scan is painless.
Why the test is performed Return to top
A CT scan is recommended to help:What abnormal results mean Return to top
There may be signs of:What the risks are Return to top
Iodine is the usual contrast dye. Some patients are allergic to iodine and may experience a reaction that may include hives, itching, nausea, breathing difficulty, or other symptoms.
As with any x-ray examination, radiation is potentially harmful. Consult your health care provider about the risks if multiple CT scans are needed over a period of time.
Special considerations Return to top
A CT scan can decrease or eliminate the need for invasive procedures to diagnose problems in the skull. This is one of the safest means of studying the head and neck. Update Date: 4/22/2003 Updated by: Benjamin Taragin, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |