What is a CT cervical spine?
The part of spine that passes through the neck is called cervical spine. A CT cervical spine is an advanced imaging procedure that is performed for detailed inspection of the cervical spine. The CT cervical spine involves the use of radiation beams to create cross-sectional images of the cervical spine.
What can be detected using a CT cervical spine?
- A CT cervical spine can detect herniated disc, which is known as one of the most common reasons for back pain.
- It can also be used for detecting tumors in the spine.
- CT cervical spine tests are also suggested to diagnose defects of cervical spine in children that may be present by birth.
- Infections involving the cervical spine can be detected through a CT cervical spine.
What is the purpose of performing a CT cervical spine?
- Diagnosis of conditions: A CT cervical spine can diagnose a various range of conditions including tumors, fractures, infections, herniated disc, spinal stenosis etc.
- Evaluation of injuries: A CT cervical spine can also be performed to assess the severity of injuries, mostly after an accident or trauma.
- Inspection of treatment response: Evaluating effects of treatment for cervical spine conditions is also a major purpose of performing this test.
How to prepare for a CT cervical spine?
- You should avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 6 hours before the scanning process starts.
- If the process involves the use of a contrast dye, then you must inform the healthcare providers if you have any kind of allergies, kidney conditions or diabetes.
- You must remove all kinds of metallic objects from your body before the scanning process starts.
What to expect during the test?
- If any contrast element is used with the test, then the contrast dye will be injected in your body. You may have to wait for an hour after you receive the injection.
- You will be asked to lie down on a narrow examination table. The table will slide into the scanning machine along with your body.
- When the scanning process is ongoing, you will hear noises coming from the scanner.
- You will be asked to avoid all kinds of body movements as your movements may impact the image clarity.
- Once the scanning process is complete, you may leave the table as well as the laboratory.
Fortunately, you can easily book a CT cervical spine scan in Ahmedabad because there are multiple CT cervical spine scan centres in Ahmedabad. So you don’t need to worry about its availability. The CT cervical spine scan cost in Ahmedabad may vary depending on the type of scan you opt for. Generally, CT cervical spine scan prices in Ahmedabad start from rupees 2500 only.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CT cervical spine?
CT scan is a medical imaging technique, in which, a scanner and x-ray radiations are used. The CT cervical spine is the scanning process of the cervical spine, which helps healthcare providers evaluate underlying internal issues.
Why is a CT cervical spine performed?
A CT cervical spine is performed to diagnose conditions like tumors, infections or fractures and also to assess the severity of a cervical spine injury.
How does the test work?
A scanning machine is used to perform the test. The patient is asked to lie down on a table, which slides into the machine along with the patient’s body. The scanner starts creating cross-sectional images from multiple angles using X-rays. Once the images are collected, they are inspected by healthcare professionals and technicians to diagnose internal problems.
Can contrast materials be used with CT cervical spine?
Yes. Sometimes the use of a contrast dye is incorporated with the test procedure for more accurate results.
How long does it take to perform a CT cervical spine?
If the use of contrast material is involved, then the entire process will take approximately 1 hour including the preparation time.