CT SCAN OF BRAIN

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CT SCAN OF BRAIN Image

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NABH Accredited

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6hrs

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About The Test

Definition

A CT scan of brain (computed tomography of the head) uses a thin beam of X-rays and powerful computers to create detailed cross-sectional images of your skull, brain tissue, and blood vessels.
### CT vs CAT Scan of Brain
There is no difference—CT and CAT are two names for the same technology.
### CT vs MRI Brain Scan
| CT Scan of Brain | MRI Brain Scan |
|------------------|----------------|
| 5–10 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| Uses X-rays | Uses magnetic fields & radio waves |
| Best for acute bleeding & fractures | Best for subtle tumors & nerve fibers |
| Lower cost | Higher cost |

When and Who Needs a CT Scan of Brain?

Common Symptoms That Prompt a Scan

  • Sudden, severe headache (“worst of my life”)
  • Head injury after a fall or accident
  • Stroke signs—face droop, arm weakness, slurred speech
  • New or worsening seizures

Emergency vs Elective

  • Emergency: Head trauma, acute stroke, loss of consciousness
  • Elective: Chronic headaches, follow-up on known lesions

Special Groups

  • Pediatric: Child must weigh ≥15 kg; radiation dose is minimized.
  • Geriatric: Kidney function (creatinine) checked if contrast is planned.

List of Parameters

Parameter Purpose
Slice thickness (0.5–5 mm) Determines smallest visible detail
Reconstruction interval Overlapping images reduce gaps
Windowing – brain vs bone Adjusts contrast for soft tissue or bone
Contrast timing & dose 70–100 ml injected at 3–5 ml/sec

Why This Test

  • Detect bleeding, tumors, skull fractures, hydrocephalus
  • Monitor post-surgical changes after tumor removal or shunt placement

When to Take Test

Benefits

Benefits of Taking the Test

  • Fast diagnosis in emergencies—door-to-image in < 15 minutes at Cadabams Diagnostics
  • High-resolution bone and calcium visualization
  • Lower cost than MRI—ideal for routine screening and follow-up

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT scan of the Brain

  • Stroke – differentiates ischemic vs hemorrhagic within minutes
  • Traumatic brain injury – shows bleeds, contusions, fractures
  • Brain tumors & cysts – reveals size, location, and mass effect

Preparing for test

  • Fasting 4 hours only if contrast is planned
  • Remove jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids
  • Inform staff about pregnancy or claustrophobia (rarely an issue with modern open-bore scanners)

Pre-requisites

  • Doctor’s prescription with clinical indication
  • Valid ID for registration
  • Creatinine report (within 4 weeks) if intravenous contrast is required

Best Time to Take the CT Scan of Brain

  • After trauma or sudden symptoms – do not delay; we accept walk-ins 24×7.
  • Morning slots are best for patients needing contrast because overnight fasting is easier.

Eligibility

  • Adults & children ≥15 kg
  • Pregnancy: Scan only if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk; lead shielding provided.

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan of Brain

  1. Check-in & vitals – ID verified, weight & creatinine reviewed.
  2. Positioning – Lie on the table; head rests in a soft holder.
  3. Scan – Table glides in and out of the doughnut-shaped scanner; stay still for 5 minutes.
  4. Contrast injection (if ordered) – quick IV, may feel warmth or metallic taste.

Caution Before Taking the Test

  • Avoid if pregnant unless emergency; inform the technologist.
  • Contrast allergy monitoring – 15-minute post-scan observation for any rash or swelling.

Test Results

Results and Interpretations

Finding / ObservationDescription General Interpretation / Significance
Ventricular size (lateral ventricle index)0.25–0.33 >0.33 suggests hydrocephalus
Midline shift0 mm>5 mm indicates mass effect or herniation
Hemorrhage volume 0 mL>30 mL carries high surgical risk
Extra-ocular muscle thickness3–5 mm >6 mm suggests thyroid eye disease
Fat stranding Absent Present indicates inflammation infection
Foreign bodyAbsentPresent – locate & measure for surgical planning
Orbital floor fracture Discontinuity & fat herniationSurgical evaluation within 24–48 h
Hyperdense mass Enhancing lesion in muscle coneRule out lymphoma or cavernous haemangioma
Sinus opacification Mucosal thickening or fluidENT referral for infection source control

Risks & Limitations

  • Radiation dose: ~2 mSv—the same as 8 months of natural background exposure; risk is low but cumulative.
  • Contrast allergy: <1 % develop rash or itching; severe reactions are extremely rare.
  • Limitations:
  • Very small lesions (< 5 mm) can be missed.
  • Bone near the back of the head (posterior fossa) sometimes creates shadows.

Types of CT Scan of Brain

  1. Non-contrast head CT – First choice in trauma and acute stroke.
  2. CT brain with IV contrast – Highlights tumors and infections.
  3. CT perfusion & CT angiography – Maps blood flow and vessel blockages.

FAQs

Is a CT scan of brain painful?

No, it is completely painless and non-invasive.

How long does it take?

5–10 minutes overall; add 10 extra minutes if contrast is used.

Are there side effects?

Side effects are rare. You might feel a brief warmth or metallic taste after contrast

Can I eat before the scan?

Fast for 4 hours only if your doctor has ordered contrast.

When will my results be ready?

Within 2 hours at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Is the radiation harmful?

The dose is very low, and the diagnostic benefit far outweighs the minimal risk, especially in emergencies.

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