Pseudotumor Cerebri Support Group

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, in the absence of a tumor or other diseases affecting the brain or its lining. Diagnosis requires brain scans and lumbar puncture. Characteristic symptoms are headache, transient visual obscurations or transient visual loss in one or both eyes usually lasting...

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Michellec01 02/07/2013

I am scheduled for a ct scan w contrast on the 20th. What should I expect. Ive never had one. It is so weird some days are really good and other days are bad. but I seem to have more good days. Currently not taking anything. Its this normal. I haven't had a really bad headache and pressure in months. The headaches I do have are very mild seems to be a bit worse with the weather.

loveyalots143 02/08/2013

The CT scans are relatively short, at least at the places I have had them done at. Usually they have you lie down on a table and (please forgive the simple analogy I am a youth and children's pastor so I describe things differently than most) once they get you semi-comfortable put you through what looks like a doughnut hole. The table moves slowly taking pictures, during which time you have to stay still in order for the best images to come out. The contrast is given via an IV halfway through the test. The tech will come in and let you know they are giving it to you and all. Then they take more pictures and you are finished with the test. Plan on filling out some paperwork before the test because of the contrast, other than that it was only after having the test at a different hospital did someone mention to me the importance of drinking plenty of fluids to go ahead and flush the contrast. Nowadays I drink enough water it doesn't matter, but just in case, be sure to drink extra fluids to rid our body of that contrast.

Hope this helps a little,
Kristena

Michellec01 02/08/2013

since the ct scan is for my head, is that all they scan.

deleted_user 02/08/2013

if the order is just for your head then yes, that's it.
They are a lot quicker than MRIs. The contrast is kind of weird. Makes you really hot, makes you feel like your peeing your pants. lol.

Good luck!

Melissa-Nauss 02/09/2013

Yes the IV contrast feels WEIRD. It makes you feel warm all over and feels like you're urinating...but you're not. It's QUICK and easy though! Much easier than an MRI, IMO!

Michellec01 02/09/2013

how long does the symptoms from the contrast usually last?

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