...pistols aren't revolvers?

I’ve been doing a lot of research lately for my works in progress—an adult crime novel tentatively titled SHADOW RIDERS and a thriller novelette, W.olf.

For SHADOW RIDERS, I researched handguns.

Did you know…

…although both are handguns, pistols and revolvers are not the same things? For more handgun trivia visit the Criminal Minds at Work blog.

For W.olf I researched CT Scans…actually, I didn’t. It just so happened my doctor ordered one for me six months after the muses decided my W.olf character ought to have one.

Did you know…(Information obtained from the radiology staff at the Cold Lake Health Centre.)

…CT Scans (or CAT Scans) can’t detect neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy? MRIs are better used for diagnosing those types of problems. However, CT Scans can detect abnormalities in brain structure such as tumours and cysts. If a dye is used in conjunction with the test, it can also locate problems in the brain’s circulatory system, such as unhealthy arteries and veins as well as damage from strokes.

…the most common unwanted side effect of the dye used in CT Scans is hives? The most dangerous side effect (but very rare) is anaphylactic shock.

…when the dye is injected intravenously most people feel a hot flush move throughout their body? When the warmth hits the pelvic region, people often feel they’re peeing or about to (but they don’t).  Other common sensations include a weird taste and smell.

…a normal CT Scan of the head takes only about five minutes? With dye, the exam is a bit longer as one or two scans are usually taken before the dye is injected and then a couple are taken afterwards.

…unless dye is being used, there are no special preparations for the procedure? However, if dye is used, one is instructed to arrive for one’s appointment with an empty stomach—because nausea is a fairly common side effect of the dye and also because of the possibility of an allergic reaction to the dye. An empty stomach ensures one doesn’t aspirate if unconscious…or mess up the radiology room with vomit.

…you can keep your clothes on during a CT scan of the head? Other than removing metallic objects from the head area (such as earrings and hair clips), one can just crawl onto the table as is. I was even told to leave my shoes on.  There you go—easier than getting through airport security!

Brought to you by:

The BACKTRACKER Series...Crime fiction at its best. Cops vs Bikers on the Canadian prairie--and throw in a thirteen-year old girl