This is a highly specialised form of imaging, using sophisticated computer techniques, to build up a detailed picture of the structures being examined. It is mainly used to examine the head and brain, spinal cord, chest and abdomen. ‘Slices’ or scans taken at many levels build up a complete image of various organs and internal structures when viewed together. Occasionally some dye is injected into the body through a vein on the back of the hand to highlight certain structures. The procedure itself is painless.
The machinery itself can look quite frightening to children, as they have to lie still within a large cylindrical tube. It always helps if you stay close to your child during the procedure, and remain calm and reassuring. It may be necessary to give a younger child a light general anaesthetic to ensure that he lies perfectly still for the test.
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