CT scans are used to screen for a variety of conditions, and sometimes certain symptoms indicate that a CT may be necessary. Symptoms including severe headache, dizziness, and weakness or numbness relating to symptoms of a stroke would merit a CT. Symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling of your leg, particularly if these are associated with suspected blood clots could preclude CT. Trauma, including head injuries, or internal injury possibly from accidents may all need to be screened by CT. Other symptoms are persistent or severe abdominal pain, possibly kidney stones, and infection symptoms like fever and pain, especially in places like the lungs and abdomen.   

Head and Neurologic Symptoms 

Unexplained or severe headache: Persistent, sudden, or severe headaches can be debilitating and can affect normal activities and can cause you to wonder whether you should go to the ER with neurological deficits. If there are neurological findings, you can consider placing a role for CT to rule out more serious causes of the headache, such as brain tumor, bleeding, or stroke.  

Dizziness, confusion, or visual changes: These conditions may be indicating a serious potential condition such as a stroke or bleeding in the brain and may require imaging as an emergency.  

Head injury: With any significant head trauma, but especially with loss of consciousness, vomiting, or amnesia, CTs of the head usually are performed to assess for skull fractures, bleeding in the brain, or swelling. 

Symptoms Associated with the Chest 

Chest Pain: Unexpected or unusual chest pain may be the result of an issue with the heart, dissection in the aorta, pulmonary embolism, or other acute vascular emergency that requires prompt treatment, and CT can aid in the rapid treatment of any of these. 

Shortness of breath or swelling of the legs: These may be indicators of a pulmonary embolism or congestive heart failure; both can be evaluated using CT. 

Abdominal and Pelvic Symptoms 

Severe abdominal pain or persistent abdominal pain: CT imaging can demonstrate if there is an acute abdomen presentation whether an appendicitis, nephrolithiasis, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, or intra-abdominal bleeding, when the methodology is not obvious. 

Suspected infections or inflammatory processes: such as pancreatitis, liver abscess or inflammatory bowel disease, usually require CT use for diagnosis, management, and follow-up. 

Injury and Trauma 

Major Trauma: Many patients receive a CT scan after car accidents, falls, and other serious injuries to see if they have internal bleeding, organ damage or complicated fractures of bones. 

Suspended Spinal Injury: After trauma, with symptoms of back pain, numbness or weakness, some patients may require a spinal CT scan to look for fractures or damage to spinal cord. 

Assessment of Tumors and cancers 

Concern for malignant disease: If you are having any of the following symptoms – painful lumps that are unexplained, pain in your body that goes on for too long, or any abnormal imaging findings you may need to get a CT scan to find or stage tumors in your brain, chest, abdomen, or pelvis or just monitor your progress.  

Monitoring treatment response: Patients receiving treatment for cancer, may have follow up CT scans after having some or several treatments in order to assess if their tumors are getting smaller or if their disease is progressing. 

To Assess Blood Vessel Disorders 

Signs of serious vascular diseases, stroke, peripheral vascular disease (PAD), and carotid artery disease (CAD), are included in the many conditions to consider when there is suspicion of problems with blood vessels.  

With a CT scan, your doctor can view blood vessels and determine if there are related causes for risk of stroke or the advancement of diseases and conditions that could cause these or other fatal events. Compared to surgery and biopsy, a CT scan is a much safer and less invasive way to assess the condition of your blood vessels. 

Vascular and Cardiac Symptoms 

Stroke-like symptoms: Weakness, trouble speaking, or drooping of one side of the face occurring suddenly are all medical emergencies that are first evaluated with a CT scan to determine if the client has an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.  

Conclusion 

CT scans are considered when the patient’s symptoms point to serious and possibly life threatening conditions or ambiguous pathology that requires complicated cross-sectional imaging to inform diagnosis. The order for a CT is based on weighing the urgency and seriousness of the presenting symptoms, the chance of meaningful findings, and the necessity of avoiding unnecessary additional radiation exposure. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q. What are the symptoms of needing a CT scan? 

Some symptoms indicate severe trouble in many locations of the body, like the head , chest , abdomen, or spine. With these types of symptoms, it may be necessary to do a CT scan instead of an X-ray if a more detailed picture is needed.  

Q. Why would a doctor ask for a CT scan? 

A CT scan may be performed at a doctor’s direction to aid in the diagnosis, monitor, or treatment guidance of a vast number of conditions, injuries, diseases, including infections, injuries, and cancers.  

Q. What is the Full form of CT scan? 

CT scan stands for the Computed Tomography scan. 

Q. Can a CT scan detect all problems? 

No, a CT scan does not see everything. CT scans are good at seeing many kinds of conditions/injuries/infections and cancers. 

Q. Is it serious if I need a CT scan? 

No, needing a CT scan does not mean you have a serious problem  but it can be an important diagnostic instrument for many illnesses. Although CT scans require radiation exposure. 

In itself, a CT scan isn’t’ “serious.” It’s a medical procedure that uses radiation when doctors want sharper images of a patient’s body parts to help formalize a diagnosis or monitor a known condition. The recommendation for you to have a CT scan is a decision based on your doctor’s knowledge of the possible benefits to your health and your health situation. Normally, the risks associated when using radiation are well worth the benefits. 

What is a CT scan machine? 

There are some important parts of a CT scan machine.The gantry is the ring-shaped part of the scanner and where the X-ray tube and digital X-ray detectors are located.  

New or Sudden Neurological Symptoms 

• New, severe headaches. 

• Loss of consciousness. 

• Seizures. 

• Slurred speech. 

• Change in vision. 

• Persistent vomiting. 

• Memory loss. 

• New weakness or numbness in any part of your body. 

These signs may indicate conditions such as stroke, brain bleed, brain tumor, or traumatic brain injury. Because CT scans are fast and accessible, CT scans are usually the first imaging investigation in these situations allowing for relatively rapid diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal and Pelvic Symptoms 

• Severe – or unexplained – abdominal pain.  

• Unexplained weight loss.  

• Constant nausea or vomiting.  

• Blood in the urine or stool.  

• Possible kidney stone or appendicitis.  

CT scans can identify tumors, infections, bowel obstructions, kidney stones, appendicitis , diverticulitis and other emergency cases of abdominal emergency situations. CT scans are also helpful when physical examination and conditioning tests are not evidently pointing towards any specific diagnosis. 

Why might you need a CT Scan? 

There are many potential reasons your provider may order a CT scan. For example, a CT scan can: 

Evaluate muscular and/or bony issues such as bone tumors and bone fractures.   

Assist in procedures such as surgical, biopsy or radiotherapy.  

Detects and monitors progression of disease and/or conditions such as cancer, coronary artery disease, lung nodules and liver masses.  

Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for some diseases, such as cancer treatments.  

Evaluate internal injury caused by trauma as well as any bleeding. 

Does a CT Scan Show? 

CT scans can find bone and joint problems such as complicated bone fractures and tumors. 

They can show internal injuries and bleeding, such as after a car accident. 

They can help find a tumor, blood clot, excess fluid, or infection. 

Doctors use CT scans for treatment plans, it guides them with procedures like surgeries, and radiation therapy. 

Identify The Cause Of Chronic Pain 

Chronic pain, specifically in the back or spine, can originate from many different locations. Sometimes, a fracture, or a problem with another area of your body can be producing chronic back pain. This is known as referred pain. A CT scan can help your doctor evaluate the origin of your chronic pain so that you can get the right treatment. 

This is an important test to help your doctor assess if there is a fracture, herniated disk, or scoliosis. CT allows your doctor to visualize your spine prior to surgery, and then post-operatively as well. In some cases, a CT scan may be used with an MRI to more accurately assess arthritis or infections.  

Conclusion 

The recommendation for a CT scan is an example of the good faith to which patients are entitled concerning providers giving diagnostic tests or ordering referrals for diagnostic tests to monitor, or search for, health-related issues. This may be an important element of the overall decision-making process to arrive at the best diagnosis to ultimately give you the best health care; however, it does not necessarily mean that. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q. Should I be worried if I had a CT scan? 

CT scans use radiation and there is a small theoretical possibility of cancer with any kind of radiation exposure, many doctors and experts agree that a CT scan has more benefits than risk, especially if it is medically important. Doctors make sure to put together the benefits and risks before recommending the availability of a CT scan. 

Q. Is getting a CT scan a big deal? 

While a CT scan can offer some beneficial information for diagnosis, there is some radiation exposure and a few small risks that you might like to keep in mind. Whether the CT scan is a ‘big deal’ truly depends on individual aspects of your situation and reasons for having the CT scan. 

Q. What are the symptoms that require a CT scan? 

CT scans may be requested for a range of symptoms and diagnoses including a head injury, suspected stroke, suspected aneurysm, unexplained headaches or dizziness, abdominal pain or abdominal masses, suspected kidney stones or obstructions; such as in kidney, ureter, bladder scans. CT scans are also used to diagnose and monitor cancers, heart disease, blood clots, conditions of the bowel, and multiple conditions of bone and spine disease.  

Q. Is it serious to get a CT scan? 

Reasons Why You May Require a CT Scan – Health Images 

Although CT scans involve an exposure to radiation, it is a relatively low risk that often is far worth the actual risk of gaining the correct diagnosis and getting the correct treatment. Scans are effective at detecting many different conditions. The doctors are appropriately weighing the risk versus benefits before recommending a CT scan. 

Q. What is the Full form of CT scan? 

CT scan stands for the Computed Tomography scan. 

NCCT is the abbreviation of Non-contrast computed tomography, which is the advanced form of the X-ray imaging technology to produce images of the scanned region. NCCT can be performed on various regions of the body and is specified as per the region to be scanned such as NCCT Head. This scan is utilized to produce the images of the abnormalities of the head. NCCT head is performed to look for injuries, bad headaches, dizziness, bleeding, brain tumours, stroke etc. without radiopharmaceutical glucose or use of contrast dye.  

What Does NCCT Head Reveal? 

Head CT shows high-quality images of the head and related tissues with the following abnormalities: 

• To observe any injury or fracture of skull bones or anywhere in the head. 

• To observe cancer and tumour in the head. 

• To observe any brain haemorrhage. 

• To find the blockage of blood vessels in the head. 

• To find build-up fluid in the skull (hydrocephalus). 

• To find injury to the face, brain or around the head. 

• To find any stroke. 

• To search for the change in head size. 

• To search for the reason for the headache. 

• To search for the reason for hearing loss. 

Procedure for NCCT Head? 

NCCT Head scan is done in a CT scanner machine, which is a doughnut-shaped machine. The patient is requested to remove any metal they are wearing and instructed to lie on the scanner bed. The scanner bed moves in the scanner and the technician begins to acquire images. The patient will need to minimize movement and stay relaxed in order to acquire good scanning images. Excessive movement blurs images therefore in children sedative medication is administered to restrict movement. The average NCCT head scan would last for about 10 to 20 minutes. 

What is the price of a NCCT Head in Delhi? 

The price of NCCT head scans in Delhi varies with the area, healthcare facility and quality of healthcare provider. You can opt carebox for the NCCT head scan screening tests as they are the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have experience in healthcare with reasonable prices and offers available.  

Conclusion 

NCCT head is a painless and non-invasive diagnostic test which is employed to diagnose and identify the various abnormal head conditions. This is the improved version of the X-ray method which does not involve any contrast material. The process of the test is straightforward and costs approximately 10-20 minutes. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q. What is NCCT head? 

Head NCCT is the non-contrast computed tomography a non-invasive imaging diagnostic device that employs the use of X-rays in the detection of head disorders and diseases. 

Q. What is revealed by NCCT head scans? 

NCCT head scan reveals injuries, fractures, tumours, cancers, inflammation, blockage, infections, blood flow abnormalities etc. 

Q. Do CT and NCCT scans differ? 

CT can or cannot utilize the contrast material whereas NCCT scan never utilizes the contrast material for scanning. 

Q. Difference between a CT scan and PET scan is that a CT scan utilizes the X-rays with computer technology whereas PET scans utilize radioactive tracers for detection of abnormalities. 

Q. When to get an NCCT head scan? 

Patients should never neglect any symptom of head abnormalities or disorders. Patients should undertake NCCT head screening in order to prevent any delay in treatment and diagnosis. (Click for screening) 

Q. How long does an NCCT head scan take? 

A routine NCCT head scan would take 10-20 minutes. 

Q. Is a NCCT head scan painful? 

NCCT head scan is not painful, but certain patients can feel uneasy if they are claustrophobic (afraid of closed spaces). 

Q. What are the side effects of a NCCT head scan? 

There are no side effects of NCCT head scans apart from certain individuals having an allergy to contrast. 

Q. How to find a NCCT head scan center near me? 

You can search NCCT head scan near me in Google search for the centres nearest to you or click here for consultation. 

Medical imaging professionals use CT (Computerised Tomography) scanners to create cross-sectional images of the body. CT scanners accurately show what lies inside a patient’s body using a combination of X-ray technology and computer programs. 

The device consists of a large hole or doughnut shaped structure called a gantry. The patient lies on a table that slides through the hole to get placed in the gantry. Once the patient is in the gantry, an X-ray tube rotates around the patient while detectors on the opposite side of the gantry measure the X-rays passing through the patient’s body.  

There are many different types of CT scan machines, and they all vary depending on their application and technology. Some of the common types of CT scan machines include: 

Conventional CT scans 

One of the earliest forms of CT scanners were the traditional CT scanners, more popularly known as spiral or helical CT scanners. They produce a sequence of 2D images of the body through a narrow x-ray beam that is focused, which are then combined by a computer to generate an accurate 3D image. Fundamental features of the traditional CT scanners are: 

Quick diagnosis in emergency cases is a need, for which traditional CT scanners are perfect. They are able to scan the entire body in a matter of seconds. 

Traditional CT scanners are able to produce high-resolution images so that they can identify small lesions or abnormalities. 

Patients undergoing traditional CT scans are allowed to move only slightly during the procedure so that images are not blurred. 

Radiation exposure: Older CT scanners emit more radiation than newer versions, which can increase the risk of cancer development. 

Limited ability to image certain body parts, such as the lungs and bones, using traditional CT scanners. 

Cost-effective: Old-style CT scanners are often less expensive than newer scanners and thus are available to smaller hospitals and clinics. 

Most clinics and hospitals have access to traditional CT scanners, which have made them a widespread device for the identification of various medical conditions. 

Limited contrast resolution: Because traditional CT scanners have limited contrast resolution, it is difficult to differentiate among different types of soft tissues. 

Spiral CT scans 

To create precise 3D images of the body, spiral CT scans, which are otherwise known as helical CT scans, employ an advanced type of CT scanner that spirals continuously. With a spiral CT scanner, the scanner continuously spins around the patient, producing a continual flow of pictures that are combined to create a higher-quality 3D image of the body instead of taking separate “slices” of the body like with standard CT scans. 

Spiral CT scanners can deliver images much quicker than conventional CT scanners and using less radiation on the patient while generating images of higher quality. They can be employed for more accurate imaging of organs such as the brain and other organs, and are particularly useful for imaging moving organs such as the heart and lungs. 

Spiral CT scanners exist in two main forms: multi-slice and single-slice. Multi-slice scanners use multiple rows of detectors to generate better-quality images in a shorter time compared to single-slice scanners using a single row of detectors to create images. 

Cancer, cardiovascular, and lung disease are just a few of the diseases most commonly diagnosed and followed up using spiral CT scans. They are also used to plan and guide a variety of medical procedures such as biopsies and radiation therapy. 

Dual Energy CT Scanner 

Dual-energy CT scanners, also known as spectral CT scanners, are a category of CT equipment that is capable of simultaneously capturing two sets of information at different energy levels. Therefore, the scanner can supply more accurate and detailed images by distinguishing between different kinds of tissue based on their density and composition. 

Dual-energy CT scanners possess several major characteristics, including: 

Dual-source CT: This scanner simultaneously acquires low- and high-energy information with two x-ray tubes and two detectors. Scanning times can be reduced, and image quality can be enhanced. 

Single-source CT: This scanner switches between low- and high-energy scans with one x-ray tube and a specific filter. While it is slower to acquire the desired information, it is a less expensive option. 

The capacity to visualize many substances and body structures, like the iodine in contrast agents or bone density, is referred to as spectral imaging. 

Virtual non-contrast imaging: The ability can create a “virtual” non-contrast image based on dual-energy data without needing a true non-contrast scan. Besides enhancing patient comfort, this reduces radiation exposure. 

Metal artefact reduction: Dual-energy CT scanners can reduce the artefact caused by metallic implants, like those in joint replacement or dental therapy. This allows the tissue around it to be visible more clearly. 

Multi-Slice CT scanner 

numerous rows of detectors: MSCT scanners have numerous rows of detectors, enabling them to capture more image data with every rotation of the X-ray tubes. Because of this, scan times can be reduced and 3D images created. 

MSCT scanners are able to create images with a resolution of sub-millimeters, which enables them to capture extremely fine details in the body. 

Lower radiation doses can be employed by MSCT scanners than older versions of CT scanners and still provide images of sufficient quality. 

Dynamic scanning: Through quickly taking multiple photos during a single breath-hold, MSCT scanners are capable of imaging moving internal body structures such as the heart or lungs. 

Dual-energy ability: Certain MSCT scanners can create images with multiple X-ray energies due to their dual-energy abilities. This can be useful for detecting certain tissue types, like calcium deposits or iodine contrast. 

Cone-Beam CT Scanner 

Technology: Cone-Beam CT is a refined version of standard CT scanning. The CBCT scanner employs a cone-shaped X-ray beam rotating around the patient rather than a fan-shaped X-ray beam to acquire a series of images and then combine them into a 3D patient volume. 

Applications: CBCT scanners can be applied in various facilities such as orthopaedics, radiology, and interventional procedures. They are most commonly utilized in dentistry and maxillofacial imaging, though. 

Benefits: CBCT scanners are better than other CT scanners in several aspects. They are faster in scanning and are able to produce 3D images of high quality with low exposure to radiation. 

Cons: In contrast to traditional CT scanners, CBCT scanners also have a limited field of view, meaning they are only capable of capturing images of a small area of the body. Second, CBCT image resolution may not be as great as for traditional CT scans. 

Some examples of CBCT scanners include the Vatech Pax-i3D Green, Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid, and Carestream CS 9300. 

Photon- Counting CT Scanner 

More advanced CT scanners referred to as photon-counting CT scanners (PCCT) incorporate advanced detector technology and improve image quality, reduce exposure to radiation, and allow for novel clinical applications. 

The PCCT scanners incorporate photon-counting detectors (PCDs), which use the ability to measure the energy of individual x-ray photons to provide higher contrast resolution due to the ability to differentiate between tissues of varying densities and the measurement of the x-ray beam with higher accuracy. 

CT scanning can be radically transformed by PCCT technology, particularly in cardiology, cancer, and neurology. PCCT would help in the detection of small lesions at an early stage and help to track disease development since it has the ability to accurately distinguish different tissue types. 

By better delineating tumour borders and sparing normal tissue, PCCT would have a major impact on the accuracy of radiation therapy planning. 

Portable CT Scanner 

Rather than having the patient rolled to the machine, portable CT scanners are small devices that can be carried to the patient site. They are often used in emergency and critical care environments where rapid and easy imaging is needed, as well as in remote or resource-limited areas where a fixed CT scanner might not be present. 

Some of the key features of CT scanners are 

Lightweight design: Portable CT scanners are designed to be portable and lightweight, which makes it easy to transport them and have them ready in other locations.  

Battery-powered: Because most portable CT scanners have batteries integrated into them, they can be operated in areas with no electric outlet available. 

The service of rapid imaging can be provided by portable CT scanners with scan times ranging from a few minutes to a few seconds. 

Head, chest, abdomen, and extremities are some of the regions of the body that can be imaged via portable CT scanners because they are highly flexible. 

Low radiation exposure: Certain mobile CT scanners have the latest imaging technologies that are designed to minimize radiation exposure, and thus these are ideal for use with children and other radiation-vulnerable populations. 

What is a Brain PET scan? 

A brain PET scan( Positron emission tomography of the Brain) is a scanning procedure which enables physicians to view the activity of your brain. After radioactive “tracers” are absorbed by the bloodstream, the scan captures images of the brain’s activity. The chemicals such as glucose(the source of energy for the brain) contain these tracers “tagged” onto them (sugar). The brain will consume glucose faster in active regions than in passive ones. It can be visualized using a PET scanner, which aids physicians in evaluating how the brain is performing and identifying any irregularities. 

Why does a brain PET scan get done? 

The test gives accurate data regarding the size, structure, and functions of the brain. A brain PET scan, unlike a regular scan, provides doctors with an image of not only the brain anatomy but also functionality. 

It assists in diagnosing: 

• Screen for cancer and its extension to the brain 

• Diagnose dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease 

• Distinguish between Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders 

• Pre-surgery epilepsy 

How to Prepare for a Brain PET scan? 

• Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and even dietary supplements. 

• You may be instructed not to eat anything prior to your treatment for a period of up to six hours. You will be able to have water. 

• If you suspect that you may be pregnant or are pregnant, inform your doctor. 

• Also, you need to reveal to your doctor any present medical conditions.  

How is a brain PET scan done? 

You’ll be guided to the procedure room, where a chair awaits. A technician will insert an intravenous catheter (IV) into your arm. A special dye with radioactive tracers will be injected into your veins through this IV. 

You will need to wait until the scan is initiated since your body needs time to take up the tracers as blood circulates through the brain. Under normal circumstances, this takes one hour. 

You will then receive the scan. For this, you will need to lie on a small table that is attached to the PET machine. 

You’ll need to stay still while being scanned. You’ll be told when you should hold still by the technician. 

The scans record the brain activity as it happens. Both video and still images may be taken of these. Where blood flow has increased, the tracers are dense. 

After a brain PET scan 

After the test, it is a good practice to take lots of water to help your body clear out the tracers. Tracers usually only take twenty-four hours to be gone from your body. 

Conclusion: 

A Brain PET Scan is a very important diagnostic tool that assists in the detection of a variety of chronic brain-related disorders like cancer, brain diseases. Physicians normally prescribe Brain PET scans for diagnosing, tracking and treating some health issues. If you need to get the best PET Scan diagnostic center to conduct a Brain PET scan for you or your relative, then contact the healthcare professionals at carebox.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is a PET scan of the brain for? 

Brain PET CT scan is to detect the disorders such as tumours and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Q. How to find the best imaging centre near me in Delhi NCR? 

You can just type best imaging centre near me on Google or directly contact carebox for consultation. 

Q. Does a PET scan show all cancers? 

No, PET CT scan is not able to  detect and show all types of cancers. Doctors used different technologies and methods to detect cancers and its type/ 

Q. What is the Full form of CT scan? 

CT scan stands for the Computed Tomography scan. 

Q. Can a PET scan detect a brain tumor? 

Yes, PET CT scan can detect brain tumour. 

Lumbosacral computed tomography (%CT) is an X-ray based non-invasive imaging modality utilized for the evaluation of abnormalities in the lumbar spine and surrounding structures. CT lumbosacral spine may be used to assess abnormalities such as; lumbar spine injury, lumbar spine fracture, infection, tumours, cancers, vasculature of the lumbar spine, nerves of the lumbar spine etc. CT uses X-ray pictures taken at various angles, is able to produce three-dimensional images, and is analyzed by computer to make an evaluation. CT lumbar Spine is more informative than plain X-ray but more costly. 

What is Lumbar Spine CT? 

Lumbar spine CT (Computed Tomography) is the non-invasive diagnostic method which employs X-rays for the detection of Lumbar spine disorders. CT Lumbar spine can diagnose diseases like Lumbar spine injuries, Lumbar spine fractures, bone dislocation of lumbar, infections of Lumbar spine, disorders of blood vessels etc. CT uses X-rays and help to take the pictures in various directions with the help of a computer and generate 3D images. CT Lumbar spine is possible with or without contrast based on necessity and suggested by the doctor. 

What is the Contrast enhanced CT of Lumbar spine (CECT Lumbar spine)? 

Lumbar spine (LS) CT, or contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT), is high level CT technology, using contrast material to assist in the detection of abnormalities in the Lumbar spine. 

In the contrast Lumbar spine CT, a contrast material containing iodine is injected through the IV, for the best diagnostic images. The use of the contrast material in Lumbar spine CT assists in enhancing the quality of the image of the Lumbar spine and the added benefit of detecting any abnormalities. 

What are the Uses of CT Lumbar spine? 

There are various uses of CT Lumbar spine and some of them are stated below: 

• To seek Lumbar spine fractures 
• To seek  Lumbar spine injuries 
• Used to seek tumors in lumbar spine 
• To seek vessels of lumbar spine 
• To search for nerves of lumbar spine 
• Lumbar spine birth defects 
• To direct treatment of lumbar spine 
• To search for structural defects 

Conclusion 

Used for the diagnosis of Lumbar spine problems, a CT lumbar spine (or computed tomography) is the only tool that can find Lumbar spine problems. A CT lumbar spine uses x-rays to make cross sectional images of lumbar spine cord. It is computer assisted not only in generating cross sectional images but also in making coherent 3D images of lumbar spine cord.  

Other modalities to investigate for abnormalities include, MRI, CT, PET CT, X-rays, MR Angiography lumbar spine, etc. CT can be done either with contrast material or without contrast material. The contrast material utilized in a CT imaging provides clarity of images and also to help identify abnormalities in the lumbar spine. 

Yes. diagnosis of nerve damage, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is generally utilized in place of CT (Computed Tomography) scans. MRI generates higher quality soft tissue contrast, which provides improved visibility of nerves and the soft tissues around them such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. CT scans are used only for bones and are not as proficient in imaging soft tissues such as nerves.

What does a nerve resemble?

Your body has two nervous systems. Central nervous system (CNS), consisting of your brain and spinal cord, regulates posture as well as general function. Supplementing the CNS is the peripheral nervous system (PNS), consisting of nerves.

Nerves are similar to wires that carry information in the form of electrical messages (known as impulses) from your brain to the rest of you. Healthy nerves allow these messages to flow through freely, but damaged nerves can interfere with the flow of messages.

Nerves come directly from your brain (cranial nerves), others directly from your spinal cord (spinal nerves) and run all the way through your body, connecting with each cell, gland, muscle, organ, and limb, and even with each other. According to what is their main function, there are three kinds of nerves, that are.

What is a pinched nerve?

It results when surrounding tissues or an abnormality, bone spur, tumour, fracture, bulging or herniated disc, oedema (swelling), or joint dislocation place too much pressure on a nerve. Pinched nerves are frequently observed in the lower back, upper-middle back, and neck but may also occur in the wrist, elbow, foot, shoulder, and hip.

Trapped vagus nerve: It comes out of the brain and coils around tissue and organs as it courses through the face, neck and down to the lower abdomen. It provides your brain with monitoring and regulating power over your mouth, heart, lungs, and digestive system. 

What is nerve damage?

When peripheral nerve injury takes place, it most often in the PNS, thereby being referred to as peripheral neuropathy or peripheral nerve injury (PNI). It is when a nerve(s) is injured or compromised, and its structure and efficiency at sending signals are affected by it.

• Compression.
• Physical injury (e.g., cut wounds, overstretching and sporting injuries)
• Side effects of drugs or chemical poisoning.
• Dietary deficiencies.

Illness including type-2 diabetes, degenerative illness, infectious illness (e.g., HIV, Lyme disease, hepatitis C and shingles) and autoimmune illness (e.g., multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome).

Peripheral nerve diseases that alter the structure or function of nerves, causing pain, weakness, or numbness.

Nerve injury may occur suddenly or over time, when inflammation, pre-existing chronic health conditions, and age-related illness are present, over a few weeks, months, or even years.

CT Scan: Restricted for Nerves, Critical for Bones

Best for Acute and Bone Trauma: CT scans are best at imaging bones, fractures, and bony lesions that can compress nerves, for example, bone spurs or herniated discs.

Indirect Nerve Evaluation: Regular CT scans do not demonstrate nerves well unless a specialized technique, CT myelography, is employed, in which contrast dye is injected into the spinal fluid. This has added risks and is usually reserved for use when MRI is contraindicated.

Conclusion

MRI is usually better than CT scans for nerve damage detection and evaluation due to its capacity for direct visualization of nerves and precise imaging of soft tissues without radiation. CT scans are still priceless in assessing fractures and are the choice when there is acute trauma or MRI is contraindicated. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is a CT Lumbar Spine Scan?

A CT Lumbar Spine scan is an imaging modality that uses computed X-rays to take images of the lower back (lumbar in the spinal column).  It is necessary to determine whether there are structural problems or abnormalities of the lumbar spine.

Q. What is a CT Lumbar Spine Scan with Contrast?

CT Lumbar Spine Scan with Contrast is otherwise termed CECT Lumbar Spine scan, which uses a contrast dye (most often iodine) to visualize internal structures, typically better than a CT scan without aid. This is particularly useful with subtle abnormalities or if the abnormalities lie hidden behind bones of the lumbar spine.

Q. Will a CT Scan show lumbar spine cancer?

Yes a CT scan will help to identify lumbar spine cancer, as the CT scan provides clear images to show tumors or other suspiciously formed structures.

Q. Where can l get a CT lumbar spine scan in Delhi?

If you are located in Delhi then you can book your CT Lumbar Spine scan via CareBox and benefit from huge discounts, please contact us for booking appointment and other information.

Postural kyphosis (hypermobility in upper back) and scoliosis (sideways curvature of spine) are also fairly common in the thoracic region.

Back pain in the thoracic region is by far the most common issue with the thoracic spine, usually due to a muscle strain or postural habits. A herniation of the thoracic intervertebral disk is not as common as herniation of the cervical or lumbar spine, but this is another option to consider for your pain or discomfort.

Thoracic back pain may occur due to

Specific conditions such as primary and secondary osteoporosis, particularly those that impact the thoracic spine (particularly vertebral fractures, and hyperkyphosis due to vertebral bone loss, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and Scheuermann’s disease.

Muscle Strains and Sprains: 

These are also typically caused by overuse, injury, or poor posture and often results in the muscle and soft tissues around the thoracic spine to become inflamed and painful.

Symptoms include localized pain, stiffness, and those movements may be completely limited.

Thoracic Disc Herniation:

Although less prevalent than herniated discs in the lumbar or cervical regions of the spine, herniated discs can occur in the thoracic spine and produce pain, ache or numbness that can wrap around the rib cage. Pain can present with effort or simply with deep breathing.

Spinal Arthritis

The thoracic spine can be affected by osteoarthritis as well as other forms of arthritis, resulting in pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion as cartilage can deteriorate, and bones can rub together. 

Damage to a Supporting Structure

Nerves can become compressed or damaged in the thoracic spine either due to spinal stenosis or due to an injury that may lead to pain, weakness, or numbness. Thoracic outlet syndrome can also cause thoracic pain or thoracic symptoms.

Postural Issues:

Scoliosis is defined as a sideways curvature of the spine that can create muscle imbalances, pain, and the external potential for nerve irritation from spasms.

Kyphosis is a rounding of the upper back beyond what is considered normal which also influences pain and discomfort.

Poor Posture prolonged sitting and slouched position can create stress on the muscles  joints of the thoracic spine that can contribute to pain and stiffness in that area.

What is the role of the thoracic spine?

Protecting Your Spinal Cord and Branching Spinal Nerve: The nerves from your spinal cord travel through a large hole (called vertebral foramen) through the center of all of your vertebrae in your spine. All of your vertebrae stacked on top of each other make a protective central canal in which the spinal cord is housed.

Nerves branch out from the thoracic spine

Each number is similar to your nerves located in that section of your spinal cord too. The nerves branch off of the spinal cord and provide sensation (feeling) and movement to specific areas of your body. Some of the functions of your thoracic spine nerves include.

What are the key elements of the thoracic spine?

Your intervertebral disks sit between each of your vertebrae and provide cushion sort of like shock absorbers for your spine. Each disk has a soft gel center and a durable flexible ring that goes all the way around them.

Thoracic spine pain – what are the common causes?

Your back consists of many bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons that help protect your spinal cord. Pain in the thoracic spine (the upper-middle back) can come from a number of issues on, or affecting the tissues that may include.

What are degenerative changes of the thoracic spine?

“Degenerative changes of the spine” is the same thing as spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis, and degenerative disk disease. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between the vertebrae of your spine wear down, dry out and/or shrink. This narrows the space between vertebrae which creates certain issues for the individual.  

What is the most common injury to the thoracic spine?

Vertebral Compression Fractures occur when a vertebra collapses onto itself and often causes severe pain, deformity, and a loss of height.

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal pain as a result of inflammation from muscle strain, ligament sprain, and poor posture is the most common thoracic spine problem. Although some other conditions such as facet joint osteoarthritis, radiculopathy, and vertebral fractures can also produce thoracic pain.

FAQ’s

Q. What is the most common thoracic spine problem?

A vertebral compression fracture happens when too much force/pressure causes the front aspect of a vertebra to collapse.

Q. What is the most common thoracic spine tumor?

Most hemangiomas tend to be benign, typically an incidental finding. Additionally, metastatic tumors, also referred to as ‘cancers’ that are tumors that spread from other organs,

Q. What is thoracic spine disease?

The thoracic spine is located in the middle of the spine between the neck and the lower back. Diseases may affect the thoracic vertebrae (the bones), the thoracic discs, thoracic nerves, and any other structures involved with the thoracic spine.

Q. How to find the best imaging centre near me in Delhi NCR?

You can just type the best imaging centre near me on Google or directly contact carebox for consultation.

Why Should We Undergo A CT Spine Test?

CT spine is done to search for abnormalities in the spinal cord. If the physician is suspecting any kind of abnormalities such as back pain, injuries, inflammations, infections, cancer, osteoarthritis, pinched nerve etc. in the spinal cord. Then the physician will refer the patient for the CT spine test.

Let’s Discuss The Process of CT Spine:

CT spine is done using a CT scanner, which is shaped like a doughnut. The patient would be positioned on the bed and the bed moves into the scanner to do the scanning. Patients should restrict movement until the scanning is done because excess movement will blur the CT scan images. The scan will take approximately 10-20 minutes to do a simple scan and approximately 80-90 minutes for the contrast scan.

What Is The Price of a CT Spine in Delhi?

The price of a CT spine in Delhi varies with the region, quality of healthcare facility and healthcare provider offering the CT spine. You may opt for a carebox for your CT spine screening as they are offering good facilities at affordable costs and discounts offered. (Click to know Discounts)

Conclusion

CT spine is a non-painful procedure that utilizes X-rays combined with computer technology to produce high-resolution cross-sectional images or slices of the spinal cord. The spinal scan will aid in diagnosing diseases such as injury, inflammation, dislocation, cancers, tumours etc. in the spinal cord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a CT spine

CT spine is a diagnostic imaging tool that utilizes X-rays with the computer for identifying diseases and disorders of the spine. 

Q. What does a CT spine reveal?

CT spine is utilized to reveal why one has got unexplained back pain, injury, fractures, tumours, cancers, bone evaluation, disc bulging etc. of the spine.

Q. How is a CT scan spine different from a PET scan spine?

CT employs X-rays along with computer technology for the spine scan and PET scans employ radioactive tracers for detecting the abnormalities of the spine.

Q. When to get a CT spine?

The patients should not neglect any symptoms for spinal abnormalities or spinal disorders. The patients should get themselves screened if they have any suspicion of abnormality in the spine.

Q. How long does a CT spine take?

Routine CT spine would take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. But contrast CT spine scans would require about 80 to 90 minutes.

Q. Is a CT spine painful?

CT spine is a non-painful procedure, but some of the patients who are undergoing the spine CT would feel uncomfortable if they suffer from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).

Q. What are the side effects of a CT spine?

There are no side effects of spine CT scans known, so frequent exposure to the X-rays can lead to abnormalities.

Q. How much is a CT spine?

The price of the CT spine varies with the area and the healthcare facility provider. You may opt for carebox for CT spine since they offer heavy discounts and the best facility or call us for confirmation of price.

Q. How to get a CT spine centre near me?

You may search a CT spine CT scan near me in Google for the nearest available centres or click here for consultation.

What is a CECT brain?

CECT brain or contrast-enhanced computed tomography brain scan is a diagnostic procedure to assess brain abnormalities and conditions such as headache, leakages, aneurysms, inflammation, injuries, cancers or tumours. The scan employs the scan for disease detection and disorders for the clear and precise images of the brain. This facilitates easy and early detection of abnormalities in the brain.

What is the scanning purpose of the use of the CECT brain?

CECT employs contrast for clear and detailed images scanning purpose. The scan will reveal:

• To identify fractures or brain injuries.
• To identify brain infections.
• To identify inflammation of the meninges (meninges covering of the brain and spine).
• To identify brain birth defects.
• To identify brain tissue atrophy.
• To identify aneurysm of the brain.
• To identify the brain bleeding or haemorrhage.
• To identify the brain tumours or cancers.
• To direct find needle biopsy procedures.
• To assess the risk of stroke or obstruction.
• To identify the brain inflammation.
• To direct brain surgeries.
• To plan for the radiation or chemotherapy of the brain.

How much does CECT brain cost in Delhi NCR?

The price of CECT brain in Delhi NCR is based upon the location, quality of healthcare facility and healthcare provider. You can opt for Ganesh Diagnostic for CECT brain screening tests because they offer the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have healthcare experience with reasonable prices and discounts offered. (Click to know Discounts)

Why Choose Carebox?

When selecting the imaging centres at carebox, it’s important to know and remember also, why carebox is the perfect choice for imaging tests – 

● Convenience: Find MRI scans nearby, and book in just a few clicks. 

● Price Transparency: Compare all MRI scans with prices and get the best price. 

● Trust & Quality: We work only with trusted and reputable diagnostic centres across Delhi. 

● Expert Support: We offer support throughout the entire Booking and scanning process. 

Conclusion

CECT brain is an X-ray procedure without pain that employs contrast along with computer technology to obtain precise cross-sectional images or cuts of the brain. A CT scan has the ability to diagnose infections, injuries, inflammations, fractures, tumours, cancers etc. The patients should provide the information of diet, drugs and allergies prior to the contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the CECT brain?

CECT is the contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the brain.

Q. What is the full form of CECT?

The full form of CECT is contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Q. Is CT and CAT the same?

CT refers to computed tomography and CAT refers to computed axial tomography and both are equivalent.

Q. What does the CECT brain reveal?

CECT brain reveals tumours, cancers, inflammation, fractures, infections, injuries etc.

Q. What is the difference between a CECT scan and a PET scan?

CECT employs contrast and X-rays along with computer technology whereas PET scans employ radioactive tracers for the identification of abnormality.

Q. When to have a CECT brain scan?

When physicians require good and clear images of the brain to identify abnormality easily and early. (Click for screening)

Q. How long does the CECT brain take?

CECT brain scans may take about 60 to 90 minutes.

Q. Is a CECT brain painful?

CECT brain is a painless procedure, but certain patients might feel uneasy if they are claustrophobic (fear of enclosed spaces) and also entail needle prick for contrast injection.

Q. What are the side effects of CECT brain?

There are no established side effects of CECT brain if the patient is not allergic to contrast.

Q. How to locate the CECT brain centre near me?

You can search for CECT brain scan near me on Google search for nearby available centres or click here for consultation.