What is a CT scan (CAT scan)?

Computed tomography or CT scans have been with us for many years and are performed for many different disease entities. A CT scan is made up of ordinary X-rays (tomograms) that are fed into a computer (computed). They can be performed with a contrast medium (dye) that is injected into the patient’s veins. This contrast medium is usually iodine-based and circulates in the vascular system of the body. It is taken up in areas where there is increased blood flow such as areas of inflammation, infection or cancer. It is also used to examine patients’ arteries and veins.

A CT scan is the best test to evaluate the integrity, alignment and pathology of the vertebrae of your spine. It is, however, not as effective when evaluating the softer tissues such as discs, ligaments and nerves. MRI scans are the best for evaluating softer tissues.

When undergoing a CT scan, you are placed in a large machine that is shaped like a doughnut. The table you are lying on will move forward and backward as the scan is being performed. Older-generation CT scanners could do only one slice (exposure) at a time; modern scanners do many cuts at the same time and are much faster.