Cervical Spine CT

To view the structures of the cervical spine a diagnostic CT can be performed Cervical spine consists of are the first 7 vertebrae in the neck. 
The main reasons for a CT of the spine are:

• Investigate a cause of neck pain,
• Diagnoses arthritis,
• Diagnose spondylolisthesis (the dislocation or slipping of disks),
• Diagnose degeneration of the disks,
• Diagnose tumours,
• Diagnose abnormalities in the alignment of the spine (kyphosis or scoliosis),
• Trauma,
• Pre-operative assessment.
  

You will need to ring the department to enquire about your individual preparation requirements for your planned examination. A CT of the spine may or may not require the injection of intravenous contrast and this will depend on the reason for you having the scan.
                                                                                               
If intravenous contrast is required for your examination then follow the instructions below:

• You may be required to fast prior to your appointment time so ensure you check with the staff when making an appointment.

• Take all medications with sips of water (unless otherwise instructed), including blood pressure medications.

• A recent blood test will need to be completed to assess the function of your kidneys prior to your appointment. If your blood test was taken outside the hospital then you will need to obtain a copy of the results and bring it to your examination.

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken. If you suspect you could be pregnant then a pregnancy test will need to be performed prior to the commencement of the examination.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the scanning of a CT and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.

There will paperwork such as a questionnaire and consent form which you will be required to fill in upon arrival to the department. Children under the age of 16 will require consent from a guardian.

You will need to removal all jewellery and metal objects from around the area of interest (belts, necklaces, etc.) so as to not obscure the images.

If you require an interpreter, please inform the booking clerk at the time of booking.

If you require intravenous contrast then a cannula (needle) will need to be inserted in your arm by the nurses upon arrival. The contrast will highlight the blood vessels allowing us to see the blood flow.

If your examination does not require intravenous contrast then a cannula will not be inserted.

Depending on the area of interest the positioning may vary. You will be placed flat on your back on the CT scanner (donut)

The CT examination bed will move in and out of the CT scanner multiple times as the images are acquired. Once the images are obtained then the examination is complete.

If contrast was required for your examination then the cannula will be removed from your arm prior to leaving the radiology department.

If your examination did not require the injection of contrast then you will be helped off the table and able to go home straight away.

If you have had an examination with intravenous contrast then it is important to help flush the contrast out of your body by drinking plenty of fluids after the scan.

If you are currently taking oral hypoglycaemic such as Metformin, Diabex or Janumet for diabetes and have had the injection on contrast then it is advised to stop this medication for 48hrs after your scan. This is to prevent a build up of this medication in your system.

NOTE: this only applies if you have had an injection of contrast. If you are unsure if this applies to you then please bring a list of medications to your appointment so we can advise you.

A specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report to your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on their computer. If you are an out-patient then a disc of images can be made available to you within 5 working days after your CT scan.

• I need to fast for ..................... hours before my appointment (no food or drink).  You will need to confirm this requirement when you make your appointment.
  
  
• I have had a recent blood test.
  
  
• Removed all Jewellery and metal objects.
  
  

Don't forget to bring these along to your appointment

• Referral/request form from your doctor
  
  
• Medicare / Pension card
  
  
• Previous films and report
  
  
• A copy of my recent blood results (if done privately)