What is CT Scan Brain/Head?
Computed tomography scan of brain or CT scan brain is a medical imaging technique that uses a special rotating X-rays machine and a computer to generate axial or horizontal slices/images of brain and related structures. A Brain CT scan is also referred to by many other names including Head CT scan, Cranial CT scan, skull CT scan or CAT scan of the brain.
It is a painless, harmless and non-invasive method employed to outline anatomical features of the brain and adjacent structures in more detail for enhanced evaluation and assessment of various pathologies and conditions of the brain like brain tumors, head trauma, stroke etc.
A CT scan produces three-dimensional images of brain, soft tissues and blood vessels and assists in the localization and identification of lesions. It provides much more information than conventional X-rays.
A CT scan is done with contrast dye as CECT brain or without contrast agent as NCCT brain/head. Also, for other purposes it is used along with other imaging methods like CT angiography, CT venography or PET-CT scan.
What are the applications of a CT scan brain/head?
A CT scan of head/brain is a sophisticated method that is applied to identification, localization, diagnosis, management and monitoring in numerous clinical situations such as:
- Skull malformations
- Skull diseases/abnormalities
- Bleeding in brain parenchyma
- Blood clots within brain
- Ruptured or leaking aneurysms within brain
- Dilated or enlarged ventricles
- Hydrocephalus
- Arterio-venous malformations within brain
- Arterio-venous fistula within brain
- Temporal bone diseases causing hearing loss
- Brain parenchymal atrophy
- Skull fractures
- Brain injury
- Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
- Brain tumours
- Secondary metastases to brain
- Infections of brain
- Inflammatory diseases of brain
- Congenital anomalies
- Seizures
- Slowness in speech or swallowing
- Intractable headaches
- Sudden changes in behavior or thought processes
- Sudden weakness in muscles or numbness
- Recurrent syncope attacks and more.
What Preparation Is Needed For A CT Scan Brain/Head?
Adopt these steps in case you are for a brain/head CT scan:
Take an appointment- Book your appointment in a Diagnostic center that has the facility of brain/cranial CT scan since it is done only in few centers.
Fasting- There is a requirement of 4-5 hours fasting if CT test with contrast dye is proposed.
Tell your Doctor about all your medications and supplements that you are taking.
Dressing- Dress as comfortably as possible and in clothes which are easy to remove and wear.
Allergy- Report to your Clinician previous history of allergy to any drug or medicines.
Pregnancy and lactation- Inform your Doctor if you are pregnant or have breastfed your baby so that your Doctor can assess the risk vs benefit ratio.
Implants- Inform your doctor if there is any implant in your body like cardiac implant, inner ear implants, metallic dentures, neurostimulators or any hearing aids etc.
Medical reports- Do not forget to take with you all the related medical, lab reports and any special instruction provided by your physician during going for CT scan. These reports can help in the better assessment of your status.
Claustrophobia and anxiety – If you have anxiety disorder or claustrophobia then don’t hesitate to inform your Doctor about it. He can provide sedatives or some alternatives to overcome this while doing test.
Take a company- Get a friend or family member with you to get mental, emotional and physical support and to drop you back home.
What Is The Procedure For CT Scan Brain/Skull?
The CT scan brain/head/skull/cranium procedure involves the following steps:
- You should provide written consent prior to the procedure starting.
- You are required to take off all metallic pieces such as jewellry, hearing aids, metallic hair clips, metallic underwired bras, wallets, keys, coins, cards with metallic strips, belts, goggles etc.
- If CT with contrast dye is scheduled then you will receive an intravenous injection of a contrast material that produces high definition images on CT scan.
- You will be then requested to undress and dress in a gown provided by the procedure assistant.
- You may be given headphones or earplugs for you to feel more comfortable.
- If you suffer from Claustrophobia or anxiety disorder, then you will be administered sedatives or some other options to make you relaxed throughout the scan. CT scanner also has a microphone and speakers for two-way communications.
- Your accompanying Doctor will tell you about all the potential side effects of taking contrast material like itching, rash, swelling etc. Your KFT report will be needed to exclude any kidney disease/pathology and to assess your GFR.
- Next you will be instructed to lie supine on the examination table which will move and position you within the scanner.
- You have to remain still while the procedure is being done as movements of the body can affect the quality of images obtained.
- Your Radiologist will obtain a few images in order to assess the underlying pathology and at the end these images will be interpreted in order to arrive at a definite diagnosis.
What happens following a CT scan brain/skull?
- You will be permitted to leave the scanner room after the procedure.
- You can be requested to wait in the observation room for a while to assess any potential side effects if contrast dye was administered.
- Drink water to clear contrast material from your body.
- Brain or head CT scanning typically lasts between 20-40 minutes. It may take longer depending on the severity of your condition and related comorbid conditions.
- If you are breastfeeding your child then ask your Radiologist or Doctor when to resume breastfeed if a contrast agent is applied in the procedure.
- You will receive reports on the next day. However, you might receive the image films the same day if ordered by your Clinician.
Price of Brain/head CT scan in Delhi?
Price of CT scan brain/head usually changes city-wise and location-wise. Different diagnostic and imaging centers charge differently based on the quality of machines they offer and the offers presently available in them. Charges for CT scans also differ based on the body part that needs to be scanned and the type of CT scan.
Brain/head CT scan test is a latest diagnostic and monitoring device that is offered at few diagnostic centers because it needs expensive and latest equipment and experienced Radiologists to conduct the scan.
Which diagnostic center is best for CT scan brain/head in North-East Delhi?
All centres are good at their level but finding the best diagnostic center is with a carebox for your Brain/head scan in Rohini, Delhi.
Carebox provides one of the most accessible and affordable Diagnostic centers in Delhi. High standard quality services for our patients. Pocket friendly healthcare and Patient satisfaction are our major priority. We provide smooth integration between diagnosis and treatment planning.
Conclusion
A CT of the brain is a necessary and reliable diagnostic technology in medicine today. CT of the brain is an effective imaging modality to visually reveal slices or cross-sections of anatomic structures including the brain, which allows for optimal identification of pathology, brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, stroke and many other variations of the conditions and injuries associated with the brain. Brain CT, whether with or without contrast (CECT, NCCT), is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test that ultimately serves as a supplemental imaging modality to meaningfully facilitate diagnosis and improves decision making for care for optimal patient outcomes. The CT is an expeditious test that provides clear and intricate imaging and can identify additional pathology during a patient’s follow-up care. CT is an indispensable imaging technique that gains detail, accuracy and provides a clear understanding of what treatments can be prescribed when used in conjunction with other imaging modalities. CT ultimately enhances the diagnostic accuracy care for the patient while enhancing overall decision making as a clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Full form of CT scan?
CT scan stands for the Computed Tomography scan.
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.
Q. Can an MRI show brain damage?
The brain MRI scan is able to show atrophy long after the injury.
Q. What does a CT scan of the brain show?
A CT scan of brain is capable of showing strokes, brain injuries, tumors, and infections.
Q. Which is better for the brain CT scan or MRI?
As MRI uses a high magnetic field, this is considered as the best to detect even teh smallest abnormality in your brain or other organ.
