CT SCAN OF BRAIN & CORONALS

A CT Scan of the Head, also known as a brain CT or cranial CT, is a highly effective and powerful diagnostic imaging tool used to get a clear look inside your brain and skull. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we utilize advanced CT technology to create detailed, cross-sectional images that help doctors diagnose a wide spectrum of conditions quickly and accurately. This guide explains everything you need to know about the CT scan of the head, from why it's needed to what you can expect during the fast, non-invasive, and painless procedure.

What is a CT Scan of the Head?

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from many different angles around your head. A sophisticated computer then processes these images to create detailed "slices" or cross-sectional pictures of your brain, soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones.

Think of it like looking at a loaf of bread by examining one slice at a time. This detailed view allows radiologists to see intricate structures within the head that are not visible on a standard X-ray.

While both a CT scan and an MRI provide detailed images of the brain, they have different strengths. A CT scan of the head is exceptionally fast, making it the preferred choice in emergencies. It excels at detecting acute bleeding, skull fractures, and certain types of strokes, providing critical information within minutes. An MRI, on the other hand, is typically better for examining fine details in soft tissues, like detecting early-stage tumors or conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Types of CT Scan of the Head

There are two main types of head CT scans, and your doctor will choose the one that is most appropriate for your specific symptoms and medical needs.

CT Brain Plain vs Contrast

Plain/Non-Contrast CT

A plain or non-contrast CT scan of the head is the standard procedure. It is performed without the use of any special dyes. This type of scan is exceptionally good at providing clear images of bone and fresh blood. It is the go-to test for quickly identifying skull fractures and acute bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage) after an injury.

CT with Contrast

A CT with contrast involves injecting an iodine-based dye into a vein, usually in your arm. This contrast material travels through your bloodstream and highlights blood vessels and areas with increased blood supply. This makes it easier for the radiologist to identify abnormalities like brain tumors, abscesses (infections), or inflammation. It is also used in a technique called CT Angiography (CTA) to specifically look for aneurysms or blockages in the brain's blood vessels.

When a radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics reviews your scan, they are not just looking for one thing. They are performing a comprehensive analysis of multiple structures and parameters to form a complete picture of your brain's health.

Key areas of focus include:

• Brain Tissue: The radiologist checks for any signs of abnormality, such as swelling (edema), areas of tissue death from a stroke (ischemia), tumors, cysts, or other masses. They look for symmetry and consistent density throughout the brain.
• Ventricles: These are fluid-filled spaces within the brain. The radiologist assesses their size and shape. Enlarged ventricles can be a sign of hydrocephalus, a condition involving excess fluid buildup.
• Blood & Blood Vessels: The scan is meticulously checked for any signs of hemorrhage (bleeding) or hematomas (collections of blood). If a CT with contrast or a CT angiogram is performed, the blood vessels are evaluated for aneurysms (bulges) or blockages.
• Skull and Facial Bones: The bones of the skull are carefully examined for any signs of fractures, from fine cracks to more significant breaks, which are common after a head injury.

The reasons for ordering a head CT are diverse, but they are all centered on the need for fast and reliable answers to serious medical questions.

• Trauma/Injury: This is one of the most common reasons. A CT scan for head injury is the fastest way for doctors to assess the extent of damage, check for life-threatening bleeding or skull fractures, and make immediate treatment decisions.
• Stroke Symptoms: Time is critical when treating a stroke. A head CT can quickly differentiate between an ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) and a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a bleed). These two types require completely different treatments, so an accurate diagnosis is vital.
• Severe Headaches: While most headaches are not serious, a CT scan may be ordered to investigate the cause of a sudden, unusually severe headache (a "thunderclap" headache) or a headache accompanied by other neurological symptoms, as this can be a sign of a brain bleed or another serious issue.
• Other Symptoms: It is a crucial tool for investigating a wide range of neurological symptoms, including seizures, persistent dizziness or vertigo, sudden changes in vision or hearing, or unexplained changes in mental status or behavior.

When and Who Needs to Take a Head CT Scan?

A doctor may recommend a head CT scan in various situations, especially when a rapid and precise diagnosis is crucial.

Common scenarios that warrant a CT scan of the head include:

• After a physical accident: This is a primary tool for evaluating head trauma from events like a car crash, a serious fall, or a sports-related injury.
• Sudden onset of severe symptoms: A scan is often ordered to investigate the cause of concerning neurological symptoms.

Key symptoms that might prompt a doctor to order a scan include:

• Sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache
• Stroke symptoms, such as facial drooping, sudden weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or difficulty speaking
• Seizures, especially a first-time seizure
• Unexplained dizziness, loss of balance, or vertigo
• Confusion, memory loss, or changes in behavior
• Changes in vision or hearing

Patient groups who frequently undergo this test include trauma patients in the emergency room, individuals with suspected neurological disorders, and patients who require post-operative monitoring after brain surgery.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Choosing to have a CT scan of the head provides several significant benefits, particularly in urgent medical situations.

• Speed: A head CT is incredibly fast. The actual scanning process takes less than a minute, allowing for rapid diagnosis in emergency settings like a stroke or major trauma.
• Accuracy: It provides high-resolution images that are excellent for accurately diagnosing acute conditions, especially bleeding and bone fractures.
• Guidance: The detailed images from a CT scan provide doctors with the precise information they need to guide immediate medical care or plan for surgical intervention.
• Accessibility: CT scanners are widely available in most hospitals and diagnostic centers, including Cadabams Diagnostics, making it an accessible test for both emergency and scheduled appointments.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT scan of Brain & Coronal

So, what does a CT scan of the brain show? It can reveal and help diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the brain and skull.

Common illnesses and injuries diagnosed include:

• Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Strokes: Differentiating between a bleed and a clot.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Including skull fractures, concussions, and different types of brain bleeds like epidural, subdural, and intracerebral hematomas.
• Brain Tumors: Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors and cysts.
• Hydrocephalus: The abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles.
• Infections and Inflammation: Conditions like brain abscesses or sinusitis that may affect the brain.
• Aneurysms: Weak, bulging spots on the wall of a brain artery (often seen with CT angiography).

Preparation for a head CT is typically straightforward.

• For a plain/non-contrast CT scan, there is generally no special preparation needed. You can eat, drink, and take your prescribed medications as usual.
• For a CT scan with contrast, you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything) for 2 to 4 hours before your appointment. This ensures your stomach is empty, which reduces the risk of nausea from the contrast dye.
• On the day of the scan, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will be asked to remove any metal objects like jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, as metal can interfere with the CT images.

Pre-requisites

• A formal referral or prescription from your doctor is required to undergo a CT scan of the head.
• If contrast dye is going to be used, your doctor may order a simple blood test to check your kidney function (e.g., a creatinine level) beforehand. This is a safety measure to ensure your kidneys can safely process and eliminate the dye.

Best Time to Take the CT Scan of the Head

• In emergencies, the test is performed immediately upon arrival at the hospital or diagnostic center. Cadabams Diagnostics is equipped to handle urgent requests 24/7.
• For non-emergency, scheduled scans, the appointment can be made at any time of day that is convenient for you.

Eligibility

Most people can safely have a CT scan. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Pregnancy: CT scans are generally not recommended for pregnant women unless the benefits heavily outweigh the potential risk of radiation exposure to the fetus. It is crucial to inform your doctor and the technologist if you are or think you might be pregnant.
• Contrast Dye Allergies: If you have a known severe allergy to iodine or have had a serious reaction to contrast dye in the past, you may not be eligible for a scan with contrast.
• Poor Kidney Function: Patients with severe kidney disease may not be able to receive contrast dye.

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan of the Head

Understanding the head ct scan procedure can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. The process is simple and efficient.

• Step 1: Check-in & Preparation: You will check in for your appointment at the front desk. A technologist will confirm your details and explain the procedure. If you are having a scan with contrast, a small IV line will be placed in a vein in your arm. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• Step 2: Positioning: You will be asked to lie down on a narrow, motorized table. The technologist will help you get comfortable, usually resting your head in a special cradle to help you keep it still during the scan. The table will then slide slowly into the center of the large, ring-shaped CT scanner (gantry).
• Step 3: The Scan: The gantry will rotate around your head as it captures the X-ray images. You will hear whirring and clicking sounds. The technologist will operate the scanner from an adjacent control room, but they will be able to see you through a window and communicate with you via an intercom at all times. They will ask you to hold very still, as movement can blur the images.
• Step 4: Duration: The entire process in the scanning room typically takes about 15-20 minutes. The actual scanning time is remarkably short, often lasting less than a minute. If contrast is used, you may feel a warm sensation throughout your body or a metallic taste in your mouth as the dye is injected; this is normal and passes quickly.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, it is vital to communicate the following information to the technologist before your scan begins:

• Pregnancy: Inform them if you are pregnant or if there is any chance you might be.
• Allergies: Disclose any known allergies, especially to iodine, shellfish, or previous X-ray contrast dyes.
• Medical History: Mention any significant medical conditions, particularly a history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or diabetes (especially if you take Metformin).
• Claustrophobia: Let the team know if you are anxious about enclosed spaces. While a CT scanner is much more open than an MRI machine, they can offer support to help you feel more at ease.