CT SCAN OF FACE

CT, or computed tomography, scan of the face is a sophisticated imaging test that captures X-ray pictures of the facial bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels. It is particularly useful for assessing facial injuries, sinusitis, and even in preparing patients for specific surgical interventions.  

What is a CT scan of the Face? 

Like almost all the CT scans, a CT scan of the face is accomplished by rotating an X-ray tube around the patient, capturing several images the computer will compile into cross-sectional or 3-D renderings. The patient is positioned on a sliding table that leads into a doughnut-shaped scanner. A CT scan does not entail any surgical procedures or invasiveness. 

Types of CT scans of Face 

A face might be evaluated with the following types of CT scans: 

• Non-contrast CT scan: This test does not administer a contrast dye and is often used to check bony structures or vascular abnormalities. 
• Contrast-enhanced CT scan: This test highlights soft tissues and blood vessels by using contrast dye. 
• High-resolution CT scan: This test applies certain additional imaging techniques to depict detailed images of the facial structures. 

While performing facial CT scans, the following parameters are checked: 

• Bony structures: The facial bones such as orbits, maxilla, and mandible. 
• Soft tissues: The skin along with muscles and fat pads of the face. 
• Sinuses: Also includes paranasal sinuses such as frontal, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. 
• Blood vessels: The carotid and vertebral arteries along with the veins of the face. 

The following conditions may require a CT scan of the face:  

• Facial pain or numbness. 
• Sinus pressure or congestion. 
• Abnormal facial swelling or bruising. 
• Suspected fractures or injuries to the face. 
• Tumours or cysts located within the face or sinus. 

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Scan of Face? 

Patients may need to undergo a CT face scan if they have: 

• A history of facial trauma or serious injury 
• Symptoms related to sinusitis such as chronic sinus infections or nasal congestion 
• Facial bones and soft tissues as well as face structure changes 
• Tumours or cysts located on the face or within the sinuses 
• Blood vessels abnormalities such as aneurisms and blood clots. 
• Abnormal skeletal conditions such as Osteoporosis or Paget’s disease. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

A CT scan of the face has the following advantages: 

• CT scans provide precise diagnosis regarding facial injuries or conditions. 
• Detailed images of the facial structures are obtainable. 
• Facial surgeries can be planned with ease and precision. 
• The effectiveness of treatment can be monitored. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with A CT scan of The Face

Some of the illnesses that can be diagnosed using a CT scan of the face include: 

• Tumours or cysts found in the face or sinus region. 
• Inflammation of sinus cavities. 
• Along with facial fractures and impacts. 
• Blood vessel irregularities like aneurysms or blood clots. 
• Diseases affecting the facial bones like osteoporosis or Paget's disease. 

Before conducting a CT scan of the face, the patient is required to: 

• Take off glasses and jewellery to eliminate metal objects.  
• Refrain from eating and drinking several hours before the test. 
• Notify the technologist about any allergies and \or medical history illnesses. 
• Dress in a comfortable and relaxed manner. 

Pre-requisites 

No specific prerequisites are required for a CT scan of the face; however, patients may need to: 

• Abstain from eating for a few hours prior to the test if contrast dye is planned to be used. 
• Stop taking specific drugs, like metformin, days prior to the test. 

Best Time to Take the CT scan of Face 

There are no restrictions to the time of doing a CT scan of the face, but it is best done when the patient is calm. 

Eligibility 

A CT scan of the face is often considered essential imaging for evaluating patients with medical conditions or symptoms needing further workup. Patients who are pregnant or lactating may need to explore other options with their provider before undergoing this procedure. 

Procedure for Taking a CT scan of Face 

The instructions for performing a CT scan of the face usually include the following steps:  

1. Preparation: The patient is placed supine on the scanning table and instructed to minimize movement. 
2. Scanning: The face is motioned into the CT scanner, and the machine takes X-ray photos of the face from various perspectives. 
3. Reconstruction: The X-ray images are converted into detailed images of slices of the body using advanced computers. 
4. Interpretation: A doctor responsible for interpreting medical images, known as a radiologist, analyses the images and sends a report to the patient's doctor. 

Caution Before Taking the Test  

Inform the technologist of any medical conditions that may hinder moving or talking during the test.