CT Cervical Spine Scan: Cost, Purpose & Result [2024]
A CT scan of the cervical spine is a medical imaging procedure that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the cervical spine. It is the upper portion of the spine that runs through the neck. CT stands for computed tomography, and it is a non-invasive and painless procedure. It uses rotating X-ray beams to produce cross-sectional images of the cervical spine in a short time. It helps diagnose problems related to the upper spine like neck injuries, spinal fractures, herniated discs, tumors, etc. The price of CT Cervical spine varies from Rs 2500 to Rs 5500.
CT Cervical Spine Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | CT Cervical Spine, Computed Tomography of Cervical Spine, C-spine CT scan, NCCT Cervical spine |
| Purpose | To create detailed images of the bones and soft tissues in the neck and to diagnose conditions such as tumours, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or fractures. |
| Preparation | No special preparation is required. |
| Fasting | 4-6 Hours of fasting are required for CECT Cervical Spine |
| Machine Used | CT Scanner (Preferably minimum 8 slices) |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Cost | Rs. 2500 to Rs. 5500 |
Price of CT Cervical Spine
A range for CT scan prices is given above. However, the actual price would depend on the levels of the spine to be scanned, CT scan machine quality (Number of slices), diagnostic centre and city.
Cost at Popular diagnostic centres
Given below are the lists of costs of the CT Cervical Spine in various diagnostic labs or different cities in India. You can get discounted prices for CT Cervical Spine.
| Diagnostic Centres | Price |
|---|---|
| Janta X-Ray Clinic | Rs. 3500 |
| Ganesh Diagnostic | Rs. 4050 |
| Mahajan Imaging | Rs. 5400 |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs. 2925 – Rs. 3150 |
| Sarvodya Imaging Centre | Rs. 1725 |
| Health Quest Imaging and Diagnostics | Rs. 3150 |
| Healthmap Gurugram | Rs. 2282 |
| Indigo Diagnostic Centre | Rs. 4000 |
| Pulse Imaging | Rs. 3150 |
| Magnum Diagnostic Centre | Rs. 3150 |
| NM Medical | Rs. 5525 |
| Aloka Medicare Pvt Ltd | Rs. 3210 |
Cost in Different Cities
The cost of CT Cervical spine depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the city.
| Cities | Price |
|---|---|
| CT Cervical Spine Price in Delhi | ₹ 2080 – ₹ 5400 |
| CT Cervical Spine Price in Gurugram | ₹ 2282 – ₹ 4000 |
| CT Cervical Spine Price in Noida | ₹ 3200 – ₹ 4000 |
| CT Cervical Spine Price in Mumbai | ₹ 1811 – ₹ 5525 |
| CT Cervical Spine Price in Bangalore | ₹ 2080 – ₹ 5400 |
| CT Cervical Spine Price in Kolkata | ₹ 2925 – ₹ 3610 |
| CT Cervical Spine Price in Chennai | ₹ 2925 – ₹ 3150 |
Structure and function of the Cervical Spine
The cervical spine has several important structures, such as the spinal cord, the cervical nerves, and the vertebral arteries. The spinal cord is the main structure that carries nerve impulses to and from the brain, and the cervical nerves are the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and innervate the neck and upper limbs.
The cervical spine vertebrae are labelled C1 to C7, starting from the top of the spine. These vertebrae are situated on top of one another, separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow for movement.
The cervical spine connects the skull to the thoracic spine and supports the weight of the head.
CT Cervical Spine Purpose
- The main purpose of a CT scan of the cervical spine is to help diagnose and evaluate conditions or injuries that affect the bones, discs, and other structures of the cervical spine, such as:
- Fractures or dislocations of the cervical vertebrae
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Tumors or cysts
- Degenerative changes due to arthritis or other conditions
- To evaluate patients who have suffered trauma to the neck or head, such as in a car accident, to check for possible injuries to the cervical spine
- To guide the doctor in a surgery or a biopsy
Preparation before the scan
Some of the specific steps involved in preparing for a CT scan of the cervical spine may include the following:
- Notify the doctor of any allergies or medical conditions
- Removing any metal objects from your body before the CT scan, such as jewellery, watches, and piercings, is important.
- Change into a hospital gown.
- Fill out medical forms.
- Follow any special instructions suggested by your doctor, such as avoiding eating or drinking for a certain period of time or taking certain medications. It is important to follow these instructions carefully.
Procedure
During a CT scan of the cervical spine, the patient can expect to lie on a table and be moved into the CT machine. Once the patient is lying on the table, the CT technologist will place a strap or cushion around the patient’s head to keep it still during the CT scan. The technologist may also place a small pillow or cushion under the patient’s shoulders to help support the neck and upper spine. Next, the CT technologist will move the table into the CT machine. The CT scan typically takes only a few minutes to complete, and the patient will not feel any discomfort or pain during the CT scan.
- Use of Contrast: The use of contrast in a CT scan of the cervical spine is used to improve the clarity of the images and to help identify any abnormalities. Contrast is a substance injected into the body that helps make the images on a CT scan more visible.
- Flexion and extension: In a CT scan of the cervical spine, flexion and extension are used to help assess the range of motion in the cervical spine and to look for any abnormalities.
Different types of CT Scan of the Cervical Spine
- Plain CT scan: This is the most basic type of CT scan and is used to create images of the bones in the neck and upper spine. It is also called an NCCT Cervical spine.
- Contrast-enhanced CT scan: A contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream to help highlight certain structures in the images. This can make it easier to see abnormalities or other problems in the cervical spine.
- CT myelogram: In this type of CT scan, a contrast dye is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord) to help visualize the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- CT angiogram: In this type of CT scan, a contrast dye is injected into the arteries of the neck to create detailed images of the blood vessels in the cervical spine.
- CT venogram: In this type of CT scan, a contrast dye is injected into the veins of the neck to create detailed images of the veins in the cervical spine.
- 3D CT of the Cervical spine: A 3D CT scan of the cervical spine is a type of medical imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed three-dimensional images of the neck and upper spine.
Different Views in a CT Scan
Some of the different views that can be obtained from a CT scan of the cervical spine include the following:
- Axial views: A view obtained perpendicular to the long axis of the spine. They can provide detailed information about the structure and function of the cervical spine’s vertebrae, discs, and spinal cord.
- Coronal views: It is taken along the plane of the body’s coronal suture (the line that separates the front and back of the skull). Coronal views can be useful for imaging the cervical spine and its surrounding structures, such as the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels.
- Sagittal views: The view taken along the plane of the body’s sagittal suture (the line that separates the left and right sides of the skull). Sagittal views can be useful for imaging the cervical spine and its alignment with the rest of the spine, spinal cord, and surrounding structures.
- Oblique views: Taken at an angle to the spine’s long axis. Oblique views can be useful for imaging structures that are not well visualized in axial, coronal, or sagittal views, such as the facet joints or the nerve roots of the cervical spine.
Results and Interpretation For CT Cervical Spine Scan
The interpretation of a CT scan of the cervical spine will depend on the reason for the scan and the specific findings on the images. In general, a radiologist will look for abnormalities in the neck and upper spine bones and any signs of conditions such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), herniated discs, or osteoarthritis. The radiologist will also look for any signs of trauma, such as fractures or other injuries, and will report any findings to the referring doctor.
The results of a CT scan of the cervical spine will be provided to the patient’s doctor, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up care. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and to ask any questions you may have about the results of your CT scan.
Sample Report
Here is the sample report for CT Spine 3 Levels:
Benefits of CT Cervical Spine Scan:
CT scans of the cervical spine have several advantages, including the ability to produce high-resolution images in a short time, the ability to diagnose a variety of medical conditions, and the ability to guide medical procedures.
- High-resolution images can show the structure and function of the cervical spine in great detail.
- Quick and non-invasive: CT scans are painless, quick, and non-invasive. It typically takes only a few minutes and does not require the patient to undergo surgery or other invasive procedures.
- Diagnostic capabilities: They can also be used to assess the structure and function of the cervical spine and monitor a medical condition’s progress.
- Guiding medical procedures: CT scans can be used to guide medical procedures, such as biopsies and surgeries. This can help doctors to locate the exact area of the cervical spine that needs to be treated and to plan the best approach for the procedure.
CT VS MRI of Cervical Spine
Here are some key points to consider when comparing CT scans and MRIs of the cervical spine:
- CT scans use X-rays, while MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the tissues and organs in the body.
- CT scans are generally faster and more widely available than MRIs and are typically less expensive. However, MRIs can provide better detail and more accurate images of the soft tissues of the neck and upper spine, including the nerves and spinal cord.
- CT scans expose the patient to a small amount of radiation, while MRIs do not use radiation. This can be an important consideration for pregnant patients or with certain medical conditions.
- CT scans are generally more suitable for patients with metal implants, such as pacemakers or metal clips in the brain, because they are less affected by metal than MRIs.
Overall, both CT scans and MRIs can be useful for imaging the cervical spine. It’s important to talk to your doctor about each test’s benefits and limitations and discuss which test is best for your needs.
CT Neck vs Cervical Spine
The two terms CT Neck and CT Cervical spine are used interchangeably at times. CT neck is a type of CT scan that is specifically designed to image the neck and its structures, such as the thyroid gland, the lymph nodes, and the blood vessels. It is often used to diagnose medical conditions that affect the neck, such as tumors, infections, and inflammatory conditions.
CT cervical spine, on the other hand, is a type of CT scan that is used to image the cervical spine and its structures, such as the vertebrae, the intervertebral discs, and the spinal cord. It is often used to diagnose medical conditions that affect the cervical spine, such as spinal fractures, herniated discs, and tumors.
Risks and limitations of CT Scans:
- While x-rays are generally considered safe, they can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer over time.
- Additionally, CT scans involve the use of contrast agents, which are injected into the body to make certain areas of the body more visible. These contrast agents can cause allergic reactions in some people, including nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
- CT scans contain several contraindications, including pregnancy and certain medical conditions such as kidney disease or heart disease. In general, any condition that may be worsened by exposure to radiation or contrast dye should be carefully considered before undergoing a CT scan. Talking to your doctor about any potential contraindications before having a CT scan is important.
Limitation of CT Scan
- They are not able to detect certain types of soft tissue, such as muscles and ligaments, which can make it difficult to diagnose certain conditions.
- Additionally, CT scans can be expensive and time-consuming and may not be available in all areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a CT scan of the cervical spine can be a valuable tool for identifying and diagnosing conditions that affect the neck. It can provide detailed images of the bones, soft tissues, and nerves in the cervical spine, which can help doctors to identify issues such as fractures, herniated discs, and degenerative changes. Additionally, a CT scan can also be used to guide certain medical procedures, such as spinal injections or surgeries. It is a non-invasive and relatively fast procedure. However, it does expose the patient to ionizing radiation, therefore it should be used judiciously and only when other diagnostic methods cannot provide the necessary information. As always, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for any condition affecting the cervical spine.
FAQs
A CT cervical spine is a diagnostic imaging test that uses x-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the bones and soft tissues in the cervical (neck) region of the spine
A CT cervical spine may be performed to diagnose or evaluate conditions such as spinal tumors, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or fractures of the cervical spine. It may also be used to guide spinal procedures such as spinal injections or surgery.
Preparation for a CT cervical spine typically includes removing any metal objects or clothing that may interfere with the scan and informing the healthcare provider of any allergies or medications you are currently taking. You may also be asked to drink a contrast material before the scan to enhance the images.
During the CT cervical spine, you will lie on a table and the table will move through the center of the CT scanner. You will need to lie still and hold your breath for a few seconds at a time while the images are being taken. The entire scan typically takes about 15 minutes
CT scans use radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer. However, the amount of radiation used in CT scans is relatively low and the risk is considered minimal. Some people may experience mild side effects from the contrast material, such as a warm sensation or nausea. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur
After a CT scan of the cervical spine, the patient can usually return to normal activities immediately. However, the radiologist may recommend follow-up or additional testing if any abnormalities are found on the scan.
A CT scan of the cervical spine typically takes 15-20 minutes.
CT scans are considered safe when performed by trained professionals and when the benefits outweigh the potential risks. However, they do expose the patient to a small amount of ionizing radiation.
How to Book CT Cervical Spine?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.