Alternate Names: CT scan - orbital

How Performed: A contrast dye may be injected into a vein before the test.

You lie on the table (gantry) which can be moved by the technician operating the scanner. Only the head is positioned inside the CT scanner.

During the 15 to 30 minute test, you will be instructed to remain still (this will make the scans clearer). The head may be positioned on a pillow or otherwise made more comfortable before the test, but this must be done before the scan begins.

When the scanner is operating, there will be an audible sound. This is the machinery moving within the scanner.

How To Prepare: You must sign an informed consent form.
Remove your dentures, jewelry and other metals.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How It Feels: The most discomfort arises from the need to lie still on the table during the scan. The scan itself is painless.

Risks: The amount of radiation in a CT scan is minimal; however, there may be some concern for nursing or pregnant women because fetuses and breast-fed infants are more susceptible to the effects of radiation directed upon the mother. Most often, the benefits of the scan outweigh the risk to the fetus.

Why Performed: This test is helpful in diagnosing a lesion or other disease which affects the sinuses, optic nerve, or eye muscles (for example, one that may cause walleyes appearance).

Normal Values: The eye muscles should appear normal thickness.
There should be no signs of tumors, lesions, or hemorrhage.

Abnormal Results:

• Graves’ disease
• lesion(s)
• tumor
• hemorrhage

Cost:

Special Considerations: The contrast dye may cause adverse reactions in some patients. These reactions may include headache, nausea, and vomiting.