CT Scan of Head (Brain)

• Nothing to eat 3 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, except medication. You may drink
• Most studies require IV injection of contrast. This contrast highlights all your blood vessels and organs on the scan. Patients with a history of allergy to the IV contrast, renal insuffiencey or are diabetic should inform the scheduling department when making their appointment.
• Some patients may be required to have a lab test (BUN/creatinine) to check their kidney function.
• The patient will lie on a narrow table that moves in and out of the scanner. A typical scan will take 15-30 minutes.

Please notify your doctor's office before scheduling if:

• You might be pregnant
• You are allergic to IV contrast (x-ray dye, IVP dye or heart catherization dye are all the same kind of contrast (dye)
• You have any kidney problems
• You have sickle cell disease
• You have multiple myeloma
• You are diabetic and taking any of these medications: Advandamet, Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucovance, Metaglip, Metformin, or Actoplus Met
• You take anti-inflammatory drugs (nonsteroidal) over the counter or prescription such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aleve, these need to be stopped the day before the exam and 2 days after. Aspirin can be taken.
• You are diabetic, have high blood pressure, or kidney problems and/or are over 65 years old. You will need a blood test to check the creatinine level prior to getting the IV contrast