What Is This Scan?

A Head & Neck CT uses X-rays and advanced computer processing to produce detailed images of the structures of the head and neck.

Depending on your symptoms and your doctor's request, the scan may examine the:

• Brain and skull
• Facial bones
• Sinuses and nasal cavity
• Temporal bones and structures around the ears
• Jaw and teeth
• Soft tissues of the neck
• Throat (pharynx and larynx)
• Salivary glands
• Lymph nodes
• Blood vessels supplying the brain and neck

At IMPACT Radiology, the CT examination can be tailored to the specific area and clinical question your doctor would like assessed.

Conditions We Commonly Assess

• Stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Brain haemorrhage
• Head injury
• Skull and facial fractures
• Brain tumours and other intracranial abnormalities
• Hydrocephalus
• Sinus disease and sinus infections
• Nasal and facial pathology
• Hearing and balance disorders
• Temporal bone and middle ear abnormalities
• Jaw and dental pathology
• Dental infections and abscesses
• Neck masses and enlarged lymph nodes
• Head and neck cancers
• Pharyngeal and laryngeal abnormalities
• Salivary gland inflammation, infection or stones
• Deep neck infections and abscesses
• Thyroid and surrounding neck abnormalities
• Blood vessel abnormalities involving the head and neck
• Post-operative or post-treatment assessment
• And many more.

Why Might My Doctor Request This Scan?

• Persistent or severe headaches
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Stroke or TIA symptoms
• Neurological symptoms
• Head injury
• Facial trauma
• Facial pain or swelling
• Persistent sinus symptoms
• Hearing problems
• Visual issues
• Jaw or dental pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent sore throat or voice changes
• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Salivary gland pain or swelling
• Suspected infection or abscess
• Suspected tumour or cancer
• And many more

CT may also be performed to monitor a previously diagnosed condition or assess your response to treatment.

Preparation

Most non-contrast Head CT scans require no special preparation.

CT of the neck will often require intravenous contrast to better assess soft tissues, blood vessels, lymph nodes and areas of inflammation or infection.

Some specialised Head & Neck CT examinations may also require intravenous contrast.

Please inform our staff if you have previously had a reaction to CT contrast.

Please let us know if you have significant kidney disease or impaired kidney function.

If contrast is required, our staff will explain the process before your scan.

What Happens During the Scan?

You will lie comfortably on the CT table, usually on your back.

The table moves through the CT scanner while detailed images are obtained.

If intravenous contrast is required, a small cannula will be placed into a vein, usually in your arm. When contrast is injected, you may briefly experience a warm sensation or a metallic taste. This is common and usually passes quickly.

Most Head & Neck CT examinations are completed within 5–10 minutes.