Cat Scan Question

Today I saw neurologist for my weird tingling and pain behind the eye problem which started about the sometime when my T started. I am mostly concern with the pain behind the eye and I can say it bugs me more then tinnitus which I try to ignore. My neurologist ordered two ct scans:
Ct Angiography, neck
Ct Angiography, brain
to rule out dissection (not sure what this means)
Both are to be done with and without contrast.

How big is the risk of these scans when general health is concerned?
Also, will I need any earplugs during the scans?

 

Hi @bwspot -

There is a small risk of allergic reaction to the contrast used in CT scans, but in the case of angiography you really do need to use the contrast. Regarding earplugs - they are necessary in MRI studies, but not in CT scans.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Stephen Nagler

 

Thx again for the answer. It is so cool to be able to speak to real doctor.
I called the doctor and ask for less intrusive scan.
They ordered MRA which I think will require protection?
What do i have to do? Just use the foam ear-plugs?

 

@bwspot -

I don't know why you asked for a "less intrusive" scan - but be that as it may, MRI and MRA represent a much greater potential for noise damage and tinnitus exacerbation than CT. So you definitely do need earplugs. The type of earplug is less important than the fit, which should be snug but comfortable. So stop by your local pharmacy and pick out a few different styles and materials to try out ahead of time.

Dr. Stephen Nagler

 

I will just reply last time as I don't want to use this section for conversations.
(I wish we could but this probably would not be wise to do here)
I asked for MRA as there is no radiation compared to CT.
CT seems to be a higher radiation although MRA uses gadolinium contrast and according to:

It seems that contrast like that is not approved by FDA.
So that's the reason I am confused with all those scans.
I am just trying to find the safest method.
So MRA is supposed to be much safe but it makes high freq sounds.
Its like you cannot win when making decisions.

 

@bwspot -

For some lesions CT is better; for some MR. Sometimes it is far better to do a study with and without contrast; sometimes without contrast will suffice. My feeling is that you should undergo the type of study that will give the highest yield in terms of what it is that your doctor is looking for provided that the risks associated with that study are not unreasonable. Moreover, if the risks were indeed unreasonable, it is unlikely that your doctor would have ordered the study in the first place - but it is always good to ask about his or her thinking in that regard.

I agree with you that the Dr. Corner forums are not suited to back and forth discussions. So let's just leave it at that.

Dr. Stephen Nagler