WHAT TO EXPECT

CT scans are painless and the whole procedure typically takes about 30 minutes. CT scanners are shaped like a large doughnut standing on its side. You lie on a narrow, motorized table that slides through the opening into a tunnel. Straps and pillows may be used to help you stay in position. During a head scan, the table may be fitted with a special cradle that holds your head still. While the table moves you into the scanner, detectors and the X-ray tube rotate around you. Each rotation yields several images of thin slices of your body. You may hear buzzing and whirring noises. A Radiographer in a separate room can see and hear you. You will be able to communicate with the Radiographer via intercom. You may be asked to hold your breath at certain points to avoid blurring the images.