Usually any preparations are done just prior to the scan, such as removal of jewelry and the injection of a contrast dye. There is no restriction of food or fluids. You must sign a consent form. The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. Normal Values Intracranial structures are symmetrical and have a specific density, position, size, and shape.
Bone appears white, brain matter appears gray, and cerebral fluid appears black.
Special Considerations A CT scan can decrease or eliminate the need for invasive procedures to diagnose problems in the skull. This is one of the safest means of studying the head and neck. Some patients are allergic to iodine and may experience a reaction that may include hives , itching , nausea , breathing difficulty , or other symptoms. There may be some concern regarding X-rays. Consult your health care provider about the risks if multiple CT scans are needed over a period of time.