How Long Does a Brain CT Scan Take?
June 30, 2025
Curious how long you’ll be stuck in that scanner? Let’s get right into it—because nobody wants to spend more time in a medical facility than necessary. Brain CT scans are fast, painless, and actually kind of fascinating once you know what’s going on. Whether your doctor sent you in for headaches, dizziness, or a check after a head injury, we’re breaking it all down for you right here.
Welcome to your no-nonsense guide on how long a brain CT scan really takes, with expert insights from the team at NextGen Diagnostic Imaging.
Understanding Brain CT Scans
What Is a Brain CT Scan?
A brain CT scan (computed tomography) uses X-rays to take ultra-detailed images of your brain. Think of it like slicing the brain into super thin layers and snapping pictures of each one, then putting them together to create a full 3D view.
Why Would You Need One?
Doctors order these scans for all kinds of reasons—anything from checking for tumors or stroke to diagnosing brain bleeds or infections. It’s often the first step in understanding what’s happening inside your head—literally.
Before the Brain CT Scan
How to Prepare (Or Not Prepare)
Surprisingly, most CT scans don’t need any crazy preparation. In many cases, you can eat, drink, and go about your day like normal.
What to Expect Before the Scan
When you walk into NextGen Diagnostic Imaging, you’ll be greeted and asked to fill out a quick questionnaire. It’s pretty standard: they’ll ask about medications, allergies (especially to iodine, if contrast is involved), and previous imaging.
Do You Need to Fast?
Only if you’re getting a contrast CT scan. If that’s the case, you might be told to skip food for 4–6 hours beforehand. Plain water is usually fine.
Will You Need Contrast Dye?
Not always. Contrast helps highlight blood vessels or abnormal tissues, but it’s only used when necessary. If your scan is without contrast, your whole appointment will be even quicker.
The CT Scan Process: Step-by-Step
Arrival at the Imaging Center
When you arrive at NextGen Diagnostic Imaging, the check-in process is straightforward and stress-free. You’ll be greeted by the front desk staff, who will ask for a valid photo ID, your insurance (if applicable), and any referrals or paperwork your doctor may have provided. If you filled out forms online ahead of time, things move even faster.
While many places make you wait endlessly, at NextGen, the average wait time is just 5–10 minutes. Our system is designed to keep things flowing smoothly, so you’re not stuck flipping through outdated magazines for an hour. Most patients are surprised by how quickly they’re called in.
We respect your time—because we know you probably have other things to do today.
The Positioning Process
Once your name is called, a technologist will guide you to the scan room. If it’s your first CT scan, you might feel a little nervous. Don’t worry—it’s far less intimidating than it looks.
You’ll be asked to lie flat on a motorized table that moves into the donut-shaped CT scanner. A cushion may be placed under your head or knees for comfort, and in some cases, a headrest or gentle strap will be used to keep your head still. This isn’t to make you uncomfortable—it’s to get crystal-clear images the first time, so you don’t have to repeat the scan.
The technologist will step behind a protective glass window, but they can see and hear you the entire time through an intercom system. You’ll never be left alone or ignored.
The room may feel cool (hospitals and imaging centers usually are), so feel free to ask for a blanket if you need one.
The Actual Scanning Time
Here’s the best part—it’s incredibly fast.
Once you’re positioned and ready, the scanning process begins. The scanner rotates around your head, capturing detailed images from multiple angles in just seconds. You’ll hear a series of whirring, humming, or clicking sounds. These are perfectly normal—just the machine doing its job.
You might be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during certain parts of the scan to minimize motion blur. The tech will guide you with simple instructions over the intercom.
For a non-contrast brain CT scan, the actual scan takes only 5 to 10 minutes. Seriously—it’s that quick. Most of your time in the room is just getting you into position.
Contrast scans take a bit longer (more on that below), but the scanning itself? Still super speedy.
How Long Does a Brain CT Scan Take?
The Scan Itself
Let’s break it down again with more detail:
- Non-Contrast CT Scan: Typically lasts 5 to 10 minutes. That includes positioning, brief instructions, and the scan itself.
- With Contrast Dye: Add another 5 to 15 minutes for prep. This includes placing the IV line, injecting the dye, and allowing it to circulate through your bloodstream to enhance the images.
The actual image capture still only takes a few minutes, but the added steps (like monitoring for contrast reactions) require a bit more time.
Good news: even with contrast, you’re not on the table for long. And if you’re worried about the dye, know that the team at NextGen Diagnostic Imaging has performed thousands of contrast-enhanced scans—so you’re in safe, experienced hands.
Total Time at the Imaging Center
From walking in to walking out, how long should you plan to be there?
- Without Contrast: You can usually expect to be in and out in 30 minutes or less. Some appointments may even take only 20 minutes if things are moving quickly.
- With Contrast: Plan for 45 to 60 minutes, just to be safe. That includes time for the contrast prep, scan, and brief post-scan observation.
Of course, these times can vary slightly depending on:
- How early you arrive
- How busy the center is
- Whether additional images or protocols are needed
But in most cases, NextGen Diagnostic Imaging keeps things moving efficiently without rushing you through the process. We aim for a balance: fast, but never careless.
With and Without Contrast: What’s the Difference?
Time Difference With Contrast
- Without Contrast: In and out in under 30 minutes.
- With Contrast: Could take up to an hour due to prep time.
What Contrast Dye Feels Like
It’s warm. Some people say it feels like you’ve just peed your pants (don’t worry, you didn’t). It passes in seconds. And yes, it’s totally normal.
After the Scan: What Happens Next?
Can You Drive Home?
Yep. Unless you had sedation—which is rare for a CT—you can drive, eat, and go back to life as usual.
Waiting for Results
Most centers, including NextGen Diagnostic Imaging, get results to your referring doctor within 24–48 hours. If it’s urgent, they can expedite it.
How NextGen Diagnostic Imaging Makes It Smoother
Fast Appointments and Minimal Wait Times
We respect your time. Our streamlined scheduling and efficient workflow mean you’re not stuck in a waiting room for half the day.
Cutting-Edge Imaging Technology
We use the latest multislice CT machines, which capture high-res images in seconds and reduce the need for repeat scans.
Friendly Staff That Actually Cares
Our techs talk to you like a human, not just a number on a chart. Nervous? We get it. We’ll walk you through every step.
What Can Affect Scan Duration?
Patient Movement
Stay still—it matters. If you move during the scan, we may need to re-do part of it, which means extra time.
Emergencies or Extra Imaging
Sometimes doctors ask for additional angles or more views. This can extend the scan by a few minutes.
Equipment and Staffing
At some clinics, outdated machines and understaffing can cause delays. That’s not an issue at NextGen Diagnostic Imaging—we invest in both the tech and the people.
NextGen Diagnostic Imaging Serving the Larchmont Community and Beyond in Houston
NextGen Diagnostic Imaging is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the local community of Houston, including individuals residing in neighborhoods like Larchmont. With its convenient location near landmarks such as the Anderson Park and major intersections like Beverly Hill St. & Chimney Rock Rd. (coordinates: 29.73019301718039, -95.47827525529857), we offer imaging centers Houston services.
Get Imaging Centers Houston Services at Larchmont Now
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Time Matters: What to Expect From Your Brain CT Appointment
How long does a brain CT scan take? The short answer: 5–10 minutes for the scan, and 30–60 minutes total visit time, tops.
It’s quick, painless, and over before you know it. And when you choose a center like NextGen Diagnostic Imaging, you’re in and out without all the hassle. So don’t stress—this part of your health journey is one of the easiest.
FAQs
1. Is a brain CT scan painful?
Nope! It’s completely painless. You just lie still while the machine does its thing.
2. Can I eat before a brain CT scan?
Yes—unless you’re getting contrast dye. Then you may be asked to fast for a few hours beforehand.
3. How do I know if I need contrast?
Your doctor will decide. Some brain scans don’t require it, especially if they’re just checking for bleeding or stroke.
4. How soon will I get my results?
At NextGen Diagnostic Imaging, most results are ready within 24–48 hours. If urgent, it’s even faster.
5. Are brain CT scans safe?
Yes. The radiation dose is low and the scan is very safe—especially when medically necessary.
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