THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
C.T. SCAN OF THE SPINE

WHAT IS IT?
A CAT Scan or CT Scan stands for Computed Axial Tomography. CT combines an x-ray machine and a computer to produce and image on a computer screen. The x-ray tube rotates in a circle around your body taking pictures as it moves. The machine looks like a large donut standing up on its side with a table going through the center of it. The image shows the physician a picture of your body one slice at a time, much like a slice from a loaf of bread.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
You may be instructed to change into a gown for the procedure. Patients should lie still and relax during a CT study. Patients may hear the scanner rotating during the study. The table will move very slowly during the picture. You may be required to take a deep breath and hold it during the exam. This will stop your body from moving during the exam. The technologist will take pictures from a room next to the scanner. The technologist will be able to see you and talk to you from the room. Sometimes the technologist will come into the room during the exam to give you an injection in your arm. Generally, you will not have to change your daily activities following the exam.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
The scan takes about 20-30 minutes to complete depending on how much of the spine your doctor wants scanned and so that other scan preparations can be completed.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
You will need to lie still once you are placed into the CT scanner so that the best pictures can be made. You will not see the x-ray equipment rotate around you during the scan but you will hear the movement of the x-ray tube as it travels on its circular track inside the CT scanner.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
The CT pictures show a unique view of your spine including the various bones, discs, nerve channels and spinal canal. Sections of spine can be viewed without the interference of overlying structures. If there are any abnormal area caused by injury, tumors or unusual spine and disc space patterns they can be seen on the CT images.

HOW DO I GET READY?
You may need to wear a short sleeved hospital gown to avoid any interference from buttons, snaps, zippers, etc. on your clothes. You may eat as you normally do. You should continue to take any medications as prescribed by your doctor. You may want to empty your bladder before going to the CT Department so you are as comfortable as possible during the scan.

Reviewed: March 2005