CT Scan

[DEN53]

I am taking my Mum for a CT Scan this Saturday - it is actually a brain scan as she has dementia.

I am just wondering if she will have to have an injection - as I know sometimes you do to show up various organs etc.

Any one know ?

[Sqad]

It won't be a CT scan.

It will be an MRI scan.

Almost certainly it will involve an injection.

Good morning DEN.

[DEN53]

Morning Sqad - No its a CT Scan Head X-Ray examination on the letter - the doctor who ordered the scan did say about an MRI but because that would involve going into the tunnel type machine, I know my Mum could not cope with this, so thats why he changed it.

[LazyGun]

The majority of CT scans require the use of a " contrast medium" to aid imaging. In your mothers case, the CT scanning would be looking at 2 areas;
1. Structural imaging, reflecting the brain anatomy, and is recommended as a routine procedure to exclude reversible causes of dementia
2. Functional imaging - assessing cerebral blood flow and cell metabolism., again to exclude reversible causes of dementia.

In neither of these specific circumstances is contrast medium required, so I think it less likely that your mum would need an injection. Can't absolutely rule it out though, siince i don't know the exact health circumstances of your mum.

Quite a nice general article on the procedure for a CT scan is on the Cancer UK website - I have included a link;
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=148

[Sqad]

DEn....very odd, but if it is to shoe up the brain, then an injection will be necessary.

[DEN53]

Thanks Lazygun and Sqad - I think I will give the hospital a call and ask their advice about whats involved for her. Her anxiety levels are extremely high and I don't want to put her under any unnecessary stress.

Cheers xx

[DEN53]

I have just rung the hospital - there is no injection involved and it is literally in the machine and out again.

[Sqad]

DEN...that is good news.

[DEN53]

That is good news Sqad - now all I have to do is get her there - not as easy as it sounds, believe me.