What is a Head CT Scan?

A head CT is an imaging procedure that examines the brain and its surrounding anatomy.

Preparation

Please do not eat solid foods for at least three hours before your test.  You may, however drink clear liquids during this time as well as take your usual medications.

For your exam you may be required to receive IV contrast (dye).  IV contrast is an iodine based solution that is injected into your veins and appears very bright (white) on a CT image.  This contrast allows for enhanced visualization of the blood vessels in your body.  IV contrast is filtered from your blood by your kidneys and will be passed, unnoticed, from your body in your urine.

It is important that you inform the technologist before your exam if:

How long will it take?

This is different for everyone, however, on average, it should take 10-20 minutes from the time you enter the room.

During the Exam

When you are taken into the CT room you will be asked to lye on a CT table.  Depending on the area of your body being scanned you may need to lye on your back or stomach.  Like all CT exams it is very important that you hold very still for the duration of the study.  This table will move in and out of the CT scanner (a large donut-shaped machine that is open on both ends) while acquiring images.

After the exam

You may resume your normal daily routine after your exam.  If you were given IV contrast for your exam, be sure to increase your fluid intake to help clear the material from your system.