Infection of the cervical spine x ray4/13/2024 Contrasts help the doctor see the images much more clearly. If the doctor has ordered a CT scan with contrast, it can take longer. In general, a CT scan takes between 10 to 20 minutes. The computer creates slices of the interpreted information, which are then combined to make a 3-D image of the cervical spine. When the body is shifted into the scanner, various X-ray beams spiral around the upper half of the body, and neck while the X-ray detectors measure the amount of radiation the body absorbs. CT Scans, unlike X-rays, aren’t flat images, they consist of many X-rays taken in a spiral which lends the image more depth, detail, and accuracy. A basic X-ray directs a minuscule amount of radiation towards the body, and since bones and soft tissues absorb radiation differently, they appear on the film differently. The Procedure of a Cervical Spine CT ScanĬT scans work in a similar fashion to X-rays. Sometimes, the CT Scan is done with other imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. It can also highlight any weakened areas that should be protected from fractures.įurthermore, if the doctor is doing a biopsy or removing some fluid from an infected area in the cervical spine, they may order a CT scan of the neck so that they can use it as a guide during the procedure. The scan measures bone density which can help the doctor identify how severe the condition is. Infections in the cervical spine or infections that involve itĪdditionally, a scan of the cervical spine can provide crucial information if the patient has conditions involving the bone, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Tumors that originate from the spine or that have occurred in other places in the body Herniated disks which are the most common cause of back pain The CT scan can help the doctor diagnose any potential injuries to your cervical spine.Īpart from assessing damage after an accident, the scan can also be ordered to investigate:īirth defects of the cervical spine in children In general, the most common reason for ordering a CT scan of the cervical spine is to check for injuries after an accident. The doctor may order a CT scan of the cervical spine if the patient has recently been in an accident or has been suffering from neck pain. What does the CT Scan of the Cervical Spine Show? The scan can be of two types, the CT cervical spine without contrast and one with contrast. A CT scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses specialized X-ray equipment and computer imaging to create an extremely detailed visual model of the cervical spine. The cervical spine CT scan is also known as a neck CT scan. The vertebrae support the skull, protect the spinal cord and move the spine. It consists of the seven smallest vertebrae, which are located in the uppermost section of the spinal column. It is not a reason to avoid these tests for most people.The cervical spine is the part of the spine that runs through the neck. But in most cases, the risk of getting cancer from being exposed to small amounts of radiation is low. Over time, exposure to radiation may cause cancer and other health problems. There is a risk of damage to cells or tissue from being exposed to radiation, including the small amounts used in CTs, X-rays, and other medical tests. There is a small chance of an infection at the needle site on your spine or bleeding into the space around the spinal cord.Don't use the breast milk you pump in the 24 hours after the test. During this time, you can give your baby breast milk that you stored before the test. But if you are concerned, you can stop breastfeeding for up to 24 hours after the test. Most experts believe that very little dye passes into breast milk and even less is passed on to the baby. If you breastfeed and are concerned about whether the contrast material used in this test is safe, talk to your doctor.There is a chance of an allergic reaction to the contrast material.The chance of a CT scan causing a problem is small. What are the risks of a CT scan of the spine?
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