Cervical spine CT scan
Cervical spine CT scan is used to examine the bones of the spine; the specialist gets a picture of the cervical section.
The physician sees the joints between the vertebrae of the neck, the distances between the vertebrae, the condition and structure of the vertebral bodies, the zygapophysis, and any bone degenerations.
What kind of preparation is required?
It is always necessary to consult a doctor before the CT scan, because due to the radiation exposure, the CT scan can only be performed on the basis of a medical recommendation. The native test requires no special preparation. However, it is recommended that you do not consume food for 6 hours prior to the scan to allow for contrast administration, if necessary.
Prior to a CT scan with contrast agent, metformin medications for diabetes should be discontinued for 48 hours before the examination and resumed 48 hours afterwards.
Are there any side effects?
The examination has no side effects, the patient does not feel anything. A contrast agent can very rarely cause a reaction, but the scan is not performed on anyone who is allergic to the contrast agent.
How is a cervical spine CT scan performed?
A CT device is like a large, thick ring with a table moving at the bottom, you lie still on that table while the images are being taken. The table “slides” into the wide ring and then you must lie motionless for a short time when or colleague asks you to hold your breath as well.
The device makes a humming sound during operation, but there is no need to be afraid of this. During CT scans of the cervical spine, the patient is always lying on their back.
When can the scan not be performed?
This examination uses x-rays, therefore it is contraindicated during pregnancy because it can be dangerous to the unborn child. Very rarely, only with a doctor’s professional indication, but only after a certain week of pregnancy, we also examine pregnant women with CT.
When is the result expected?
The completed recording will be reviewed by the radiologist and the result will be available in our online system after 3 working days.
