Cranial CT scan

Alternative names:

CT scan of the head; CT scan of the skull; head CT

What the risks are:

Iodine is the usual contrast media (dye). 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. There is no direct link between an X-ray and any disease or condition; however, radiation is potentially harmful. Consult your health care provider about the risks if multiple CT scans are needed over a period of time.

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.