CT of the head is a modern diagnostic method that combines x-ray equipment and computers. It helps to detect injuries, diseases of the brain and its vessels, as well as various skull injuries.
Indications for conduction
What does a CT scan of the brain show? Using this examination method, you can visualize the skull, additional sinuses, brain vessels, so it is used in the following cases:
- suspected bruising of head tissue;
- cranial fractures;
- acute epidural hematomas;
- hands and brain hygromas;
- post-traumatic hydrocephalus or encephalitis.
In addition, a CT scan of the brain is performed to confirm acute circulatory disorders of the head, which happens with ischemia or stroke, to detect blood clots and hemorrhages. This examination is also used to diagnose focal neoplasms and malformations of the skull, to detect inflammation in the paranasal sinuses, as well as to evaluate aneurysms and conduct a targeted biopsy.
Contraindications
CT of the braincan be carried out with the use of special contrast agents, therefore it is not recommended for use with a tendency to allergic reactions, especially with hypersensitivity to iodine-containing drugs. Also, computed tomography is not performed with elevated serum creatinine, severe bronchial asthma, or in the presence of hypothyroidism.
Pregnant women are recommended alternative methods of examination, as there is a risk of irradiation of the fetus. Young children also have a higher sensitivity to radiation, so they only undergo brain CT scans when strictly indicated. It is worth noting that X-ray exposure increases the risk of cancer, so unjustified CT scans are unacceptable.
In addition, very obese patients may not fit into the opening of the scanner, or their weight may become an obstacle to moving a special table on which the patient should be placed during the examination.
An important disadvantage of CT of the brain is that it cannot detect inflammation in the meninges.
Advantages of CT
Computed tomography is absolutely painless. It is a non-invasive and highly accurate examination method that allows you to simultaneously obtain images of bones, tissues and blood vessels. Unlike X-rays, CT scans provide very clear and detailed images.
CT of the brain in Moscow is carried out in various diagnostic centers equipped withmodern equipment. These are the Stolitsa medical center, and Medicina OJSC, and the Center for Computed and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, etc. With the help of it, you can be examined not only qualitatively, but also quickly, which in some clinical cases can save the patient’s life, especially this concerns head injuries that are accompanied by internal hemorrhages.
In addition, computed tomography allows physicians to obtain real-time images of internal structures, conduct targeted biopsies, and, if necessary, select minimally invasive procedures. The advantage is that this examination in most cases does not require special training. It is also less sensitive to patient movement (unlike MRI) and does not require breath holding.
