Head CT
Key points
- A cranial CT scan involves computed tomography of the head, including the skull, brain, orbits (eyes), and sinuses.
- A head CT will produce an image from the upper neck to the top of the head.
- 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.
- 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.
Alternative names
Cranial CT scan; CT scan - skull; CT scan - head; CT scan - orbits; CT scan - sinuses
Definition
A cranial CT scan involves computed tomography of the head, including the skull, brain, orbits (eyes), and sinuses.
How the test is performed
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
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:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
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
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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