CT scan of Internal Auditory Meatii

[Cunninghamsarah]

I’m due to have a CT scan of the ‘Internal Auditory Meatii’ tomorrow. I have constant tinnitus in one ear. The generic information booklet the hospital sent with my appointment time says ‘you may be required to have an injection of X-Ray dye in you arm during the scan.’ I’m really worried about this as I’m quite scared of injections. Has anyone had a CT scan of the auditory area? If so, did you have to have contrast dye injected? I’m looking for some reassurance.

Yes I have and with dye. I'm not very good with mri scans, I get quite panicky. My gp prescribed me some Valium. Helped me relax enough for the cannula too. It's quite quick (ten mins)

Thanks. I’m not keen on cannulas. The doctor attempted to put one in when I was in labour and it hit a nerve which caused my hand to jump about. Once it’s in, it’s fine. It’s just the procedure I don’t like.

I had the contrast dye for a CT scan a couple of weeks ago. Didn’t feel it going in although the radiologist warned I might feel hot and that I was peeing myself - but it wouldn’t mean I was! As it was, I felt neither and they’d have been theoretically happy for me to drive home…

Yes, exactly the same, one ear tinnitus, tumor suspected. They wanted to do an MRI Extremely claustrophobic, said they would have to knock me out. So CT with contrast. Very difficult to cannulate me.... rubbish veins,so I put on the big girl pants. It was fine and results were NAD.

I’m glad to hear that it was fine. I feel claustrophobic also which is why they’re doing a CT scan instead of an MRI. The doctor didn’t mention contrast. I only read it in the general info booklet which covers all CT scans. Did you know ahead of time that you would need the contrast or did you only find out when you went along for your scan?

Mine was an emergency and they didn’t find what they were looking with, so then tried again with the contrast. I knew it was a possibility so wasn’t a surprise.

Thank you everyone for your replies. They really helped. I had my scan this morning and I had to have the contrast. It was fine and all over very quickly. Now I just have to wait (and try not to worry) for the results. Thanks again.

How long did you wait for your referral to ENT?

It was around 8 weeks. I was on the urgent list. I think it can take months if not urgent though. I’m in Scotland.

My referral was very quick,as the GP thought I might have a tumour, just a couple of weeks, I also didn't know I was having contrast. Radiographer told me there and then,it was NAD, I am in the UK.