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Medical Video: How to prepare for a CT scan
Definition
What is CT scan of the lumbosacral spine?
Computed tomography (CT) scan, often also referred to as a CAT scan, is a type of X-ray that produces cross-sectional images of certain parts of the body. CT scan of the lumbosacral spine is a CT scan of the lower spine and surrounding tissue.
When do I need to undergo a lumbosacral CT scan?
CT quickly displays detailed images of the body. CT of the lumbosacral spine can evaluate fractures and changes in the spine, such as those caused by arthritis. This test can also be used during or after the x-ray of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots (myelography) or x-ray disks (discography).
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing CT scan of the lumbosacral spine?
Sometimes your CT test results may differ from other types of X-ray tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or an ultrasonic scan, because a CT scan provides a different view. Children who need a CT scan may need special instructions to undergo the test. Children who are underage may find it difficult to be quiet and feel scared, doctors can give drugs (sedatives) to children to make them relax. If your child is scheduled to undergo a CT scan, discuss with your pediatrician about the need for a scan and the risk of radiation exposure for your child.
MRI can provide more information from CT scans about spinal discs and spinal cord. When a CT scan of the spine is done with a myelogram, it is commonly called a CT myelogram. MRI of the spine is often done where the myelogram CT is performed.
Process
What should I do before undergoing CT scan of the lumbosacral spine?
You should wear clothes that are loose and comfortable because you will be asked to lie on the table. You will also be asked to remove jewelry and other metal items from your body. Tell your doctor if you have a metal implant from the previous procedure.
Before entering a CT scan, notify your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- oral contrast allergy (barium)
- diabetes, fasting can reduce your blood sugar levels
- pregnancy
What is the lumbosacral CT scan process?
You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides to the CT scanner center. You need to lie on your back to undergo this test.
When you are inside the scanner, the x-ray machine will spin around you.
The small detector inside the scanner measures the amount of x-ray through the body part that is being studied. A computer will use this information to make a number of images, called iris. These images can be saved, viewed on a monitor, or printed on a film. Three-dimensional organ models can be created by stacking individual slices together.
You must remain silent during the test, because movement will cause blurry images. You may be asked to hold your breath for a short time.
In some cases, an iodine-based dye, called contrast, can be injected into your veins before taking pictures. Contrast can highlight certain areas in the body, which make the image look clearer.
In other cases, CT of the lumbosacral spine can be done after injecting a contrast dye into the spinal canal during a lumbar injection to check the pressure on the nerve.
The scan usually lasts for several minutes.
What should I do after undergoing a lumbosacral CT scan?
After this test, you can change clothes and carry out activities as usual
The results of a CT scan will usually be processed for one day. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss your scan results and tell you how the next handling process is based on the results of the test. Your doctor can order additional scan images, blood tests, or other diagnostic actions to help you get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal results
Results are considered normal if there are no problems seen in the lumbosacral region in the image.
Abnormal results
CT of the lumbosacral spine can reveal the following conditions or diseases:
- cyst
- hernia
- infection
- cancer that has spread to the spine
- osteoarthritis
- osteomalasia
- nerves clamped
- tumor
- vertebral fracture
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
