Cervical spine CT scan

You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the exam without stopping. A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored,…

Some exams use a special dye, called contrast that is put into your body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays. Contrast can be given in different ways: It may be given through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. It may be given as an injection into the space around the…

Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table. Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning feeling, a metal taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These feelings are normal and go away in a few seconds.

CT makes detailed pictures of the body very quickly. The test may help look for: Birth defects of the cervical spine in children Spine problems, when a spine MRI cannot be used Injury to the upper spine Bone tumors or cancers Fracture of a spine bone Disk herniations and compression of the spinal cord Healing problems…

Results are considered normal if the cervical spine looks OK.

Abnormal results may be due to: Degenerative changes due to age Birth defects of the cervical spine Bone problems Fracture Osteoarthritis Disk herniation Healing problems or growth of scar tissue after surgery Deformity from previous surgery or injuries

Risks of CT scans include: Being exposed to radiation Allergic reaction to contrast dye Birth defect if done during pregnancy CT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may raise your risk for cancer, but the risk from any one scan is small. Talk to your…

Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38. Shimer AL, Aghdasi B. Traumatic injuries of the cervical spine in the athlete. In: Miller…