ct neck w/ contrast

[Jay4471]

I have been having a problem w/ burning pain left side of neck behind angle of jaw and waves of dizziness weakness and nausea. Am concerned recent manipulation of neck may have damaged vessel. Will a neck ct w/ contrast show if there is a problem?

[Eric Wang, MD]

Standard CT Neck with contrast CAN detect vascular problems, but it is less sensitive than CTA, as it is not optimized for vessel evaluation. If I KNOW i'm looking at vessels primarily, I'll order a CTA ahead of time, but if I am only given a regular CT Neck with contrast, I'll look and comment on the vessels, but it's just not as good.

[Jay4471]

thanks for reply. question is whether standard ct neck w/ contrast will show vessel problems or is cta or mra only way to detect this

[Eric Wang, MD]

In general, CT angiograms of the neck can show if there has been vessel damage, but this is a usually done for acute neck trauma such as from vehicle collisions. If your doctor thinks it's indicated, (s)he can order one.