The spinal cord is a vital component of the central nervous system. It is found in the spinal canal. It extends from the base of the skull to the top of the lower back. It is surrounded by spine bones and a sac filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
CT (Computed Tomography) of the spine with contrast media is a type of imaging scan used to diagnose and detect spinal column damage in injured patients. Contrast media is given to the patient for this scan in order to make the specific organ or tissue under study more visible. It is a quick procedure that provides more detailed information about the vertebrae, or spine bones, tissues, other spinal structures, injuries, and diseases.
A CT scan spine with contrast is recommended by doctors to evaluate the spine for a herniated disc, spinal tumours, the extent of spinal injuries, spinal structural anomalies such as spina bifida, blood vessel malformations, and a variety of other conditions. It is also used to assess the effects of spinal treatment.
In the case of pregnancy, CT Spine with contrast is not done. So, female patients must inform the doctor/radiology nurse if they are pregnant or if there is a chance of pregnancy.
During the test, you will be asked to lie on your back. The technologist may use pillows or straps to keep you in the proper position long enough to obtain a high-quality image. During brief individual scans, you may also be required to hold your breath.
The CT technologist will move the table into the CT machine using a remote control from another room. You can run the machine several times.
You may be hooked up to an IV depending on the reason for your scan so that contrast dye can be injected into your veins during the test. This dye aids the machine's ability to produce clear images of your blood vessels and organs.
Following a series of scans, you may be asked to wait while the technologist reviews the images to ensure they are clear enough for your doctor to read.
A typical CT scan lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
After the test, you can change back into your clothes and go about your day.
A CT scan Spine with Contrast Test is typically performed in a hospital's radiology department or an outpatient imaging facility. So, for the best services and reliable results, schedule your test at Ganesh Diagnostic in Yamuna Vihar.