CT Brain-Head with Contrast
About Test
About Test
CT (Computed Tomography) scan is an imaging modality that uses a series of X-rays taken from different angles and a computer to create cross-sectional images of internal body organs, bones, and soft tissues.
CT scan brain-head is performed to visualize brain tissue, its blood supply, and any disease processes causing symptoms like infection, hemorrhage, tumor, etc. CT scan brain-head can be performed with or without contrast. Contrast is a special dye usually injected through a vein in your arm to enhance the image quality. In some conditions and situations, there is no need to use contrast material, so no contrast material is used.
Why and when do you need this test?
Your doctor may advise this test if you have signs and symptoms related to brain disease like headache, unconsciousness, seizures, memory loss, etc. Or if he finds any abnormality on physical examination (papilledema) or other investigations.
Some of the indications for a contrast CT scan of the brain-head include the following;
- Trauma (Accidents and emergencies)
- Altered level of consciousness/ unconsciousness
- Paralysis
- Vision/ speech/ hearing loss
- Recurrent unexplained fainting
- Signs of brain infection or abscess
- Seizures
- Chronic headache or severe headache (worst headache of life)
- Stroke
- Suspicion of intracranial hemorrhage or tumor
- Suspicion of skull fracture or bone abnormality
- Progressive memory loss or behavioral change
- Hypertensive emergency
Do you need to prepare for the test?
- You may eat or drink and take regular medicines according to your doctor’s advice.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, as X-rays can harm the baby.
What can you expect?
- You will be asked to lie down on the table that will slide into the CT scan machine that looks like a large donut with a tunnel.
- You need to lie down still and not move to prevent the images from getting blurry.
- You will be alone in the room but under the constant care of a technician across the glass window who will be talking to you.
- It is a painless procedure that lasts for about 15-20 minutes but may take longer.
Are there any risks to this test?
It is a non-invasive test that uses low doses of X-rays that poses no risks unless you are pregnant. Don’t forget to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
What do the test results mean?
The abnormal results may include;
- Skull fractures
- Hydrocephalus
- Intracranial or subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Blood clots in brain tissue or blood vessels
- Brain infection or abscess
- Brain herniation
- Aneurysms
- Ischemia
- Tumors
- Brain tissue atrophy
Related Tests:
Other related tests may include:
- MRI scan of the brain
- X-ray of the head
Frequently ordered together
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