Why It's Done
A neck CAT scan can detect signs of disease in the throat and surrounding areas. Doctors may order a neck CAT scan to look for signs of an infection (such as an abscess), a birth defect, cysts, or tumors.
Preparation
Your child may be asked to remove all clothing and accessories and change into a hospital gown because buttons, zippers, clasps, or jewelry might interfere with the image.
Your child may have to avoid eating and drinking anything for a few hours before the scan so his or her stomach is empty. Fasting is required if your child has to be sedated or needs to receive a contrast solution, which highlights certain parts of the body so doctors can see more detail in specific areas of the CAT scan.
If your daughter is pregnant, it's important to tell the technician or doctor because there's a small chance that the radiation from the CAT scan may harm the developing baby. But if the CAT scan is necessary, precautions can be taken to protect the fetus.
Procedure
The scan itself can usually be completed in about 10 minutes. The total time depends on the age of the patient, whether contrast solution is given, and whether sedation is needed. Actual exposure to radiation is much shorter.
Your child will enter a special room and lie down on his or her back on a narrow table. A pillow and sometimes a soft brace holds the head and neck in place to prevent movement that would result in a blurry image.
If contrast solution is required, it may be given in the radiology area through an intravenous line (IV) that will be placed in your child's hand or arm. Placing the IV will feel like a quick pinprick, and the solution is painless as it goes into the vein. Otherwise, your child may be given an oral contrast, which is a special fluid to drink before the procedure. Some kids don't like the taste, but it can be flavored to make it more appealing.
The technician will position your child, then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine, viewing your child through a window. The technician will speak to your child through an intercom. You'll be able to stay in the CAT scan room with your child until the test begins and possibly during the test. If you leave the room, you'll join the technician in the outer room or you might be asked to sit in a waiting room. If you stay with the technician, you'll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body.
Sedation may be required if a child can't lie still for the scan, which is common among infants and young kids. Sedation medicines are given through an IV line to help keep patients comfortable during the CAT scan.
When the procedure begins, the table moves through the hole in the center of the CAT scan machine. Older kids may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds at a time to prevent the images from being blurred.