CT Mastoid Test

The CT scan uses the advanced computer analysis and X-ray technology to provide the complete details of your body. When your doctor has requested you to take a CT scan of Mastoid bones, then it indicates that your doctor wants to diagnose the bone ridge behind your ear. Though it is called the bone, the mastoid does not have any structure with any other bones associated in the body. The mastoid is made up of air sacs and it looks like a sponge.

To function properly, the mastoid bone should get the air though other parts of the ear, which also includes Eustachian tube. If any block or infection occurs in the Eustachian tube, then it results in infection in the mastoid bone. The infection in the mastoid bone is called the mastoiditis or the mastoid bone infection in the skull.

Make sure you do not wear any ornaments or jewelry and wear a comfortable attire. Since the scan is going to happen on the skull, you need to make a note that any ornaments, hairpin, or earrings may affect the quality of the scan. If the doctor has given any order, then make sure you present it to the lab technician.

After the scan, you can resume with your normal activities as usual. You can continue with your normal diet. If in case you received the contrast dye, then you may need to drink approximately eight glasses of water to drain out it from your body.

You can collect your report from the lab or it will be sent to your doctor directly. The doctor analyzes the report and explains to you regarding the condition.

• The lab technician explains you all the procedure, when you are positioned on the table. If the contrast dye is used, then it will be injected in IV.
• During the injection, you may feel a metal taste on your mouth and you may get a warm sensation in your body. These symptoms are normal.
• Make sure you inform the technician if you feel itching, sneezing, swelling at the face, itchy throat, or nasal congestion.
• Your head is positioned in a holder and the procedure happens in two positions. For the first position,
• you need to lie-down at your back, with your arms resting on the sides.
• For the second position, you need to lie-down on your stomach, with your hands resting on your chin.
• The scanner covers your head and it is open in front as well as back, allowing you to see out.