CT CERIVICAL SPINE

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the cervical spine is a highly advanced imaging test that provides a detailed look at your neck region. Its primary purpose is to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the seven vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, and surrounding soft tissues and blood vessels in the neck. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to perform this fast, painless, and non-invasive diagnostic test, providing your doctor with the crucial information needed for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

What is a CT Scan of the Cervical Spine?

In simple terms, a CT Scan of the Cervical Spine uses a series of specialized X-ray beams taken from multiple angles around your neck. A powerful computer then processes these images to create detailed, 3D views of your cervical anatomy. This technology provides much more detail than a standard X-ray, particularly for bone structures, allowing radiologists to see fractures, alignment issues, and degenerative changes with exceptional clarity. Because of its speed and precision, it is an invaluable tool in both emergency settings, such as after trauma, and for diagnosing chronic conditions causing neck pain.

Types of CT Scan Cervical Spine

There are two primary ways a CT Scan of the Cervical Spine can be performed, and this section addresses the common question of CT cervical spine with and without contrast.

CT Scan Without Contrast

This is the standard and most common type of cervical spine CT. It does not require any injections. This scan is excellent for providing clear images of the bone structures and is highly effective for detecting fractures, assessing bone alignment, and identifying degenerative changes like arthritis.

CT Scan With Contrast

For this procedure, an iodine-based contrast material (dye) is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. This dye travels through your bloodstream and helps to highlight blood vessels and certain soft tissues more clearly. It is particularly useful for identifying inflammation, active infections, tumors, or abscesses within the neck region.

During the analysis of your scan, our expert radiologists meticulously evaluate several key parameters to form a comprehensive diagnostic report. They are looking for:

• Vertebral alignment and integrity: Checking that the bones of the neck are stacked correctly and are free from structural damage.
• Presence of fractures or dislocations: Identifying any breaks or misalignments, especially after trauma.
• Degenerative changes: Looking for signs of wear and tear, such as bone spurs (osteophytes) and arthritis.
• Spinal canal or foraminal narrowing (stenosis): Assessing whether the spaces for the spinal cord and nerves have become constricted.
• Disc herniation or bulging: Observing if the cushions between the vertebrae are out of place, especially if they are hardened (calcified).
• Post-operative changes: Evaluating the results of previous neck surgery, such as fusions or hardware placement.
• Abnormal masses or lesions: Searching for any signs of tumors, cysts, or infections.

Your physician may order this test to investigate a wide range of clinical conditions and symptoms. Common reasons include:

• Trauma Assessment: This is the most frequent reason, used to quickly evaluate neck injuries in emergency situations.
• Chronic Pain Investigation: To diagnose the underlying cause of persistent neck pain, stiffness, or a reduced range of motion.
• Neurological Symptoms: To find the source of radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that extends into the shoulders, arms, or hands (radiculopathy).
• Surgical Planning: To provide a detailed anatomical map for surgeons before performing a procedure on the cervical spine.
• Post-Surgical Evaluation: To assess the outcome and healing after neck surgery.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Scan of the Cervical Spine?

A doctor may recommend a CT Scan of the Cervical Spine for several reasons. It is commonly ordered after a significant injury, such as a car accident, a serious fall, or a sports-related impact, to quickly rule out or identify fractures and other critical damage.

Additionally, your doctor might order this scan if you are experiencing persistent symptoms such as:

• Chronic neck pain or stiffness
• Limited range of motion in your neck
• Headaches that originate from the neck
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into your shoulders, arms, or hands

This test is particularly useful as a CT scan for neck pain and numbness because it can effectively identify physical causes like bone spurs or disc issues that may be compressing the nerves exiting your spinal column.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Opting for a CT Scan of the Cervical Spine at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several key advantages:

• Speed: The scanning process is incredibly fast, often taking less than a minute. This makes it the ideal imaging choice in emergencies where time is critical.
• Accuracy: It provides exceptionally clear and detailed images of the bones in your neck, leading to highly accurate diagnoses of fractures and degenerative conditions.
• Guidance for Treatment: The precise results help your doctor determine the most appropriate course of action, whether it's surgery, physical therapy, medication, or another form of treatment.
• Painless and Non-invasive: Aside from a potential IV for contrast, the scan itself is completely painless and requires no recovery time.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Cervical Spine

A common question patients have is, "what does a neck CT scan show?" This powerful imaging test can help diagnose a variety of conditions, including:

• Vertebral fractures and dislocations
• Cervical spondylosis (age-related wear and tear or arthritis of the neck)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Herniated discs, particularly those that are calcified
• Bone tumors or infections like osteomyelitis
• Congenital abnormalities (birth defects) of the cervical spine
• Instability of the cervical spine

Preparation for your scan is simple and depends on whether contrast material will be used.

• If no contrast is used: There is typically no special preparation required. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as usual.
• If contrast is used:
  • You may be instructed to fast for 2-4 hours before your scheduled appointment.
  • It is vital that you inform our staff about any allergies, especially to iodine or previous contrast dyes, as well as any kidney problems, or if you are taking Metformin for diabetes.
• General Instructions: On the day of your scan, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will be asked to remove any metal objects from your head and neck area, including jewelry, piercings, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, as these can interfere with the images.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor's referral or prescription is generally required to undergo a CT scan.
• If you are having a scan with contrast, your doctor may request a recent blood test to check your kidney function (e.g., creatinine levels).

Best Time to Take the CT Scan Cervical Spine

A CT scan can be performed at any time. At Cadabams Diagnostics, our CT services are available 24/7 for emergency cases. For non-urgent, scheduled scans, you can book an appointment at your convenience during our regular operating hours.

Eligibility

Almost anyone can have a CT scan safely. However, it is essential that you tell your doctor and the CT technologist if you are or think you might be pregnant. We take every precaution to avoid exposing a developing fetus to radiation.

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan Cervical Spine

Understanding the cervical spine CT scan procedure can help ease any anxiety. Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect at Cadabams Diagnostics:

1. Positioning: You will be asked to lie down on a flat, padded table, usually on your back. A special headrest or cradle may be used to help position your head and neck correctly and help you remain still.
2. Entering the Scanner: The motorized table will then gently slide into the center of the large, doughnut-shaped CT scanner. Only your head and neck will be inside the machine.
3. Communication: The technologist will conduct the scan from an adjacent control room. They can see, hear, and speak to you at all times through an intercom system.
4. Scanning: You will hear whirring and clicking noises as the scanner's internal components rotate around you to capture the images. It is crucial to remain very still during this time to ensure the images are clear.
5. Duration: The entire appointment may take about 15-30 minutes, but the actual scanning time is very short, often lasting less than a minute.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety and the accuracy of the test, please remember to communicate the following crucial information to our staff before your scan begins:

• The possibility of pregnancy.
• Any known allergies to contrast dye, iodine, or medications.
• A history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or diabetes.
• Any recent illnesses or other significant medical conditions.