THe "IV contrast" is kind of like a dye that they will put in your blood so that it shows up on the CT scan. That's what the "contrast" part means, it makes your arteries and veins show up bright white on the pictures they will take.

It is important during the CT scan to hold very still so that the pictures aren't blurry. But if you tell the specialist that you are scared of restraints, they might give you a button on a cord that you can hold on to. If you push the button it means they might have to start over but for me, I was able to be brave in the tube knowing I could push it at any time and be let out. It really didn't take that long though to have my brain CT scan done. I just closed my eyes and thought about nice things.