CT (Computerized Tomography) and CTA (Computerized Tomography Angiogram) of the Brain - Outpatient
|
You are scheduled to have a CT on: __________________ at: ________ am/pm.
|
What is a Computerized Tomography Angiogram (CT) of the Brain?
A CT of the brain scan is a special test using a computer to take pictures of your brain, blood vessels and bones through the use of x-rays.
A CTAis a similar test that uses dye to help the pictures of arteries and blood vessels in your neck that travel to your brain show up better. Doctors can use CT angiogram of your brain to check blood flow through arteries and to find narrowing or blockages in your or neck or brain arteries.
How is a CT/CTAperformed?
If you are an outpatient: Once you have checked in at the reception area, a nurse or technologist from the CT area will come to get you. If you need an IV, you will be brought back to a private room where a nurse will ask you a few questions, answer any questions you might have, and start your IV.
For the scan you will lie on a table fully dressed. You will be placed on a table that can move in and out of the CT scanner. During the scan you will need to hold as still as possible. The machine will make a humming noise. You should not wear any jewelry around your neck. Most people do not feel claustrophobic while in the CT scanner.
Before you begin the scan, an intravenous line (IV) will be placed. During the CT scan, a liquid medicine will be given through your IV. This will go through your body to your neck and intothe vessels of the brain. The contrast dye can be seen in your neck and brain arteries on the images produced from the CT scan. During the scan you will not have any pain. Some people feel a warm sensation.
To get the best pictures, you must lie very still during the scanning periods.
What are the risks?
CT scans expose you to radiation. In ordering this test, your doctor has already considered that the risks to you from radiation are outweighed by the benefit of the information the test will provide.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have had an allergic or other bad reaction to contrast dye or shellfish. There are ways to decrease the risk of a reaction if your health care team knows about your history.
If you are pregnant or might be pregnant, tell your doctor before the scan. Your doctor will help you decide if you should have the scan or not.
If you have diabetes, tell your doctor right away. If you have diabetes and are taking any of the pills listed below you will need to hold these medicines for 48 hours (2 days) after your scan is done. Please talk with your doctor about other ways to control your blood sugar during this time. You may take these medicines before your scan but not after.
Avandamet® |
ActoPlus Met® |
Fortamet® |
metformin |
Glumetza® |
Glucophage® |
glyburide |
Glucovance® |
|
Janumet® |
Metaglip® |
|
It is best not to eat for 4 hours before your scan. You may be asked to drink six 8 oz glassess of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages within the 12-24 hours after your scan to assure the contrast is flushed from your body. This can decrease the risk of damage to your kidneys from the dye. The medical team may order IV fluid for this purpose.
What happens next?
Many doctors will review the images. Once they complete their reading the results will be available to the doctor who ordered the scan. This may take some time.
If you are an outpatient: Your doctor will make a plan for a follow up visit.. At this visit you will be able to discuss results and what the doctor recommends. If your doctor discussed another way to get the test results to you please follow his recommendation.
If you are an inpatient: Your doctor will talk with you about the results and what the results mean for your care. It may take as long as 24 hours for your scan to be evaluated and to hear what the doctor recommends.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 09/05/2012
Copyright © 09/05/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6949
Print Health Fact For You