Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Head and Face

CAT Scan, Head and Face, CT (Computed Tomography), Head and Face

What To Think About

• Sometimes your CT test results may be different than those from other types of X-ray tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound scans because the CT scan provides a different view.
• Children who need a CT scan may need special instructions for the test. If the child is too young to hold still or is afraid, the doctor may give the child a medicine (sedative) to help him or her relax.
• If your child is scheduled for a CT scan, talk with your child's doctor about the need for the scan and the risk of radiation exposure to your child.
• Special CT scanners called spiral (helical) CT scanners and multislice (or multidetector) CT scanners are sometimes used for this test. They can find aneurysms or atherosclerosis. These special CT scanners can:
  • Take better pictures of blood vessels and organs.
  • Produce scans in less time.
• Perfusion CT is a method to look at blood flow in the brain. For this test, a dye (contrast material) is given intravenously (IV), and CT scans then follow the flow of the dye through the brain. This type of CT scan can show damaged areas of the brain. The scans also can show areas of the brain that are not getting any blood flow.
• CT results are often compared to positron emission tomography (PET) results to help find cancer. Some new scanners do both scans at the same time. Access to CT scanners is not available in all areas. If you need a CT scan, you may need to travel to a regional centre.
• A CT angiogram shows two- and three-dimensional pictures of blood vessels better than a standard CT scan. For more information, see the medical test Angiogram of the Head and Neck.
• MRI may give additional information after a CT scan of the head and face is done. Access to MRI scanners is not available in all areas. If you need an MRI scan, you may need to travel to a regional centre. For more information, see the medical test Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: September 3, 2007
Medical Review:	Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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