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What is a computed tomography (CT) scan of the cervical spine?
A CT (computed tomography) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of your body and structures inside your body. A CT scan of the cervical spine can give your doctor information about the spine and vertebrae in your neck (cervical spine).
Why is a CT scan of the cervical spine done?
A CT scan of the cervical spine can help find problems such as infection, tumors, and breaks in the cervical spine. It also can help diagnose narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) and a herniated disc in the cervical spine.
How do you prepare for a CT scan of the spine?
Before the CT scan, tell your doctor if you:
- Are or might be pregnant.
- Are allergic to any medicines, including iodine dyes.
- Have a heart condition, such as heart failure.
- Have diabetes.
- Take metformin. You may have to adjust your medicine for a day before and after the test.
- Have had kidney problems.
- Have asthma.
- Have had multiple myeloma.
- Have had an X-ray test using barium contrast material (such as a barium enema) in the past 4 days. Barium shows up on X-ray films and makes it hard to see the picture clearly.
- Become very nervous in small spaces. You need to lie still inside the CT scanner, so you may need a sedative to help you relax.
Arrange for someone to take you home in case you get a sedative for the test.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, or how it will be done.
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