If you’re dealing with frequent dizziness, a lingering migraine after a head injury, or severe head trauma, your doctor might suggest a head CT scan to get a detailed look at what’s going on inside your brain. It’s normal to feel a bit nervous, curious, or even intimidated when you hear about the procedure.
Naturally, the first question that comes to mind is, “How long does a head CT scan take?”
But there’s no need to worry. A head CT scan is an essential imaging tool that helps identify any issues that need attention. It allows your healthcare team to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care tailored to your needs.
How Do You Prepare for a Head CT Scan?
Most of the time spent on a CT scan is on preparation. Your doctor, along with other healthcare professionals, will typically provide clear instructions and important reminders to guide you through the process effectively.
Before a head CT scan, you will usually be asked to:
- Wear comfortable, loose clothes
- Take off any metal you wear (jewelry, glasses, hairpins, belts, etc.)
- Avoid food or beverage intake (to prepare for the contrast dye)
- Declare recent/current illness, allergies, current pregnancy, and current medications
Reasons Why a Head CT Scan is Done
Head CT scans are usually done to obtain accurate information on what could be causing problems in your head using detailed imaging of your brain and skull.
With the high cost of medical procedures, it’s natural to question the necessity and purpose of a head CT scan. You might even find yourself wondering if it’s something you could skip. However, getting a clear look inside your head is crucial in certain situations, such as:
- Head injury from trauma, whether there is bleeding or not
- Suspected skull fracture
- Fatal bleeding caused by a ruptured or leaking aneurysm
- Presence of blood clots
- Undergoing a stroke
- Presence of brain tumors
- Investigating bone and soft tissue damage for patients with facial trauma
- Investigate the cause of hearing problems, i.e., damaged temporal bone of the skull
- Detect inflamed paranasal sinuses
- Assess aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and blood vessels using CT angiography.
So, How Long Does a Head CT Scan Take?
A CT scan of the head usually lasts for 5-10 minutes. Throughout this duration, you will be asked to remain still on a platform that will slide you into the CT machine.
It is important to communicate with your healthcare provider if staying still is uncomfortable due to chronic pain, current injuries, or claustrophobia so that measures can be taken to keep you comfortable.
While you will mostly be alone during the CT scan procedure, the radio technologist can still see, hear, and talk to you through the machine’s intercom system, providing instructions or feedback and guiding you through the process.
What Will a CT Scan of My Head Show?
The two-dimensional cross-sectional images taken by a CT scan of your head will produce a CT image that is high in detail and accuracy, making it possible to see your internal organs, bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels and the issues that could be affecting them.
Through the rendered image, your physician may point attention toward brain injuries, blocked/bleeding blood vessels, tumors, infections, fluid buildup (hydrocephalus), or deformities. What your head CT scan will show will be crucial in your health intervention/treatment, should it be warranted.
Do You Get the Results of a CT Scan Immediately?
While the actual scan is quick, receiving the results may take a bit longer. In most cases, the images are reviewed by a radiologist, who analyzes them and prepares a report for your doctor. Depending on the urgency, results can be delivered within hours for critical cases, but routine scans might take a day or more.
If your scan is part of an emergency evaluation, your healthcare provider may give you a preliminary result immediately after the scan. For less urgent cases, your doctor will contact you once the full report is ready, often scheduling a follow-up to discuss the findings and next steps.
The timeline can vary, but staying in touch with your physician ensures you receive your results promptly, giving you peace of mind and clarity on your health situation.
How Safe is a CT Scan of the Brain?
While a CT scan of the brain is generally quick, safe, and non-invasive, there are still risks brought about by radiation exposure. However, this risk remains marginal as radiation is carefully controlled, and the benefits of diagnostic accuracy and peace of mind brought about by a successful CT scan outweigh any risk.
Unless you are pregnant, recently or presently ill with certain diseases, or have allergies to the contrast dye used in the CT scan, there is no need to worry about significant risks. Just make sure you are well prepared for the procedure, or if applicable, you’ve addressed your questions and concerns to your healthcare provider.
What are the Side Effects of a CT Scan of the Head?
Although the dangers of a CT scan of the head are little to none, there can still be minor side effects when CT scans are repeated over time. Some people may also experience nausea, a warm sensation, rashes, swelling, itching, or a metallic taste in their mouth. For any untoward allergic reactions, discomfort, or pain, communicate with the attending radio technologist or your physician so your comfort and safety can be prioritized.
Conclusion
The brain, the origin of every thought, movement, impulse, and feeling, should be a top priority. A head CT scan offers a remarkable view into your brain’s health, enabling early detection of potential issues and allowing physicians to plan accurate treatments and interventions.
Reiterating the answer how long does a head CT scan take, the procedure is typically quick, making it an efficient step toward safeguarding your well-being.
Regular screenings and consultations are essential to maintaining your brain’s health, offering protection that allows you to fully engage with life and your loved ones. In addition to seeking timely imaging, nurturing your brain involves a healthy lifestyle, staying mentally active, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support cognitive function.
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If you’re ready to take proactive steps with a committed healthcare team, Craft Concierge is here to empower you.
We provide personalized care through a direct primary care model, ensuring you have access to essential medical procedures like CT scans for your brain without the worry of hidden fees or unexpected costs. Quality care means prioritizing what truly matters: your health and happiness. Begin your journey with Craft Concierge today and take charge of your brain health!
