Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Head and Face

Before the CT scan, tell your doctor if you:

• Are or might be pregnant.
• Are breast-feeding. You will need to use formula for 1 to 2 days if you are given dye so that you will not pass the dye to your baby. You should throw out any breast milk you collect during this time.
• Are allergic to any medicines, including iodine dyes.
• Have a heart condition, such as heart failure.
• Have diabetes or take metformin (Glucophage) for your diabetes.
• Have had kidney problems.
• Have asthma.
• Have had thyroid problems.
• Have had multiple myeloma.
• Become very nervous in small spaces. You need to lie still inside the CT scanner, so you may need a medicine (sedative) to help you relax.

Arrange for someone to take you home in case you get a medicine to help you relax (sedative) for the test.

Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, or how it will be done. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?).