Ct scan of the neck

A CT (computed tomography) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of the inside of your child's body. A CT scan of the neck can give the doctor information about your child's neck, throat, tonsils, and other parts near the neck.

During the test, your child will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner. The CT scanner is a large doughnut-shaped machine.

A CT scan of the neck can help find problems such as a fracture, an infection, or a tumor.

• You may have to take off jewelry.
• You will take off all or most of your clothes and change into a gown. If you do leave some clothes on, make sure you take everything out of your pockets.
• You may have contrast material (dye) put into your arm through a tube called an I.V.
• You will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner.
• The table slides into the round opening of the scanner. The table will move during the scan. The scanner moves inside the doughnut-shaped casing around your body.
• You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
• You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch you through a window and talk with you during the test.

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home.