BRAIN CT SCAN
Your doctor has requested that you undergo a test in the CT SCAN department called a Brain CT Scan. The information gained from this examination will be important in the diagnosis and treatment of the medical condition you may have.
What Is A CT Scan?
The word CT is an abbreviation for the words Computed Tomography, and the word Tomography is a combination of two words: tomo - to cut; and graphy - pictures - as in photography. So this study or scan is a series of pictures in thin sections put together with the assistance of a very sophisticated computer.
Is There Any Preparation For The Brain CT Scan?
NO. However, you may need to have an injection of IV contrast during the scan. In this case, if you are over the age of sixty, or are a diabetic, or have a history of renal (kidney) obstructive disease you will need to have a blood test prior to the scan.
Why Do Some Patients Need A Blood Test Prior To The CT Scan?
Since the contrast is injected into your body, we need to be sure that your body will be able to safely process and excrete the injected material. The blood test that is done is called a Creatinine level, and this test will tell us that your kidneys are functioning at an acceptable rate to filter the contrast from your bloodstream.
Are All Brain CT Scans The Same?
No, depending on your diagnosis and the information that your physician has requested, there are 3 different ways that we can do your Brain CT Scan. We can do a Brain CT Scan without the use of intravenous (IV) contrast; this will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. A second method is to do a Brain CT Scan without and with the use of intravenous (IV) contrast; this usually takes about 30 minutes. A third method is to do the Brain CT Scan with intravenous (IV) contrast only, and that will take about 15 minutes to perform.
What Is The Test Like?
Once you are called back to the scan area, one of our employees will interview you. This interview takes about 5 minutes and these questions will help the Radiologist to interpret your scan. After the interview we will ask you to sign a consent form that allows us to inject the IV contrast material. This consent form tells you about possible risks and side effects of contrast injection. As with any solution or medicine that is put into your body there is a possibility that you may have a reaction to it. Although the majority of patients never have a reaction and the reactions that do occur are very mild, we feel that you need to be informed about all possibilities. You will be put on the scan table and have your IV started so that we can administer the contrast material. The actual scan takes about 10 minutes. Once the technologist is satisfied that enough information has been obtained then you will have your IV removed and helped off of the scan table. The entire process should take less than half an hour. The Radiologist may want to look at the images before you leave. If this occurs will be asked to have a seat in the waiting area until the Radiologist is satisfied with the quality of the scan. This usually only takes a few minutes and it can be very helpful to your doctor. If the Radiologist has any questions about your medical condition, they may speak with you briefly before you leave.
Do I Need To Do Anything Special After My Scan?
If you had IV contrast injected, we request you to increase your fluid intake SLIGHTLY after the scan. Have a glass or two of water, tea, coffee, soda, etc. This will help the contrast to flush through your system. You do not have to drink excessive amounts of fluid. Any patients that have been put on FLUID RESTRICTIONS by their doctors should always follow their doctor's orders. Once you leave the department you are free to resume your normal daily activities. Take your medications normally and continue your daily eating routine.
When Will I Get The Results Of My CT Scan?
The scan will be read by the Radiologist shortly after your test has been completed. The results will then be typed by our transcriptionist and mailed to your doctor. This usually takes 2 to 3 days. We can provide faxed reports if requested. If you have any special needs (such as an immediate phone by our Radiologist to your doctor) please let one of the CT Scan staff know and we will be happy to arrange this for you.
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