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Head

General Information

Computerized Tomography (CT), also known as "Cat Scan", is a diagnostic imaging tool that takes cross-sectional images of the body using x-rays.  CT assists Physicians in detecting disease, tumors, or infections and injuries to internal organs.  Additionally, Bones can be evaluated for fractures and other lesions.  CT provides excellent anatomic clarity and detail that is not available with traditional diagnostic imaging (plain x-rays).  This is critical when it comes to head and neck exams, gastrointestinal exams, urological exams and CT Angiography (CTA) exams.

What is CT Scanning of the Head?

CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or transferred to a CD.

CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.

CT scanning provides more detailed information on head injuries, stroke, brain tumors and other brain diseases than regular radiographs (x-rays).

What are some common uses of the procedure?

CT scanning of the head is typically used to detect:

  • bleeding, brain injury and skull fractures in patients with head injuries.
  • bleeding caused by a ruptured or leaking aneurysm in a patient with a sudden severe headache.
  • a blood clot or bleeding within the brain shortly after a patient exhibits symptoms of a stroke.
  • a stroke, especially with a new technique called Perfusion CT.
  • brain tumors.
  • enlarged brain cavities (ventricles) in patients with hydrocephalus.
  • diseases or malformations of the skull.

CT scanning is also performed to:

  • evaluate the extent of bone and soft tissue damage in patients with facial trauma, and planning surgical reconstruction.
  • diagnose diseases of the temporal bone on the side of the skull, which may be causing hearing problems.
  • determine whether inflammation or other changes are present in the paranasal sinuses.
  • plan radiation therapy for cancer of the brain or other tissues.
  • guide the passage of a needle used to obtain a tissue sample (biopsy) from the brain.
  • assess aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations through a technique called CT angiography.

What are the limitations of CT Scanning of the Head?

A person who is very large may not fit into the opening of a conventional CT scanner or may be over the weight limit for the moving table which is usually about 450 pounds.

Compared to MR imaging, the precise details of soft tissue (particularly the brain, including the disease processes) are less visible on CT scans. CT is not sensitive in detecting inflammation of the meninges—the membranes covering the brain.