It is far from always possible to make a diagnosis based on the patient's complaints alone, especially if problems are observed from the nervous system. To investigate her condition allows computed tomography (tomogram) of the head. This is one of the modern methods of medical diagnostics, which is suitable for patients of different age categories.
Procedure description
Computed tomography is a method of studying the state and structure of internal organs using x-rays. The tomograph allows you to get a high quality image that is processed by a computer. The method is based on the technology of X-ray (layered) imaging and registration of rays with supersensitive detectors (to reduce the radiation dose), as well as processing and analysis of the resulting image using computer programs.
Computed tomography (CT) of the head gives a complete picture of the state of the brain, soft tissues, adjacent bone structures. This diagnostic method is used fordetection of pathologies and control of their treatment. A more complex and accurate method is magnetic resonance imaging, which allows you to diagnose any disorder in the nervous system.
Indications for head CT
Until recently, the main "tool" for diagnosing the state of the nervous system was a special hammer, with which a neurologist tested sensitivity. Experts had no opportunity to look into the essence of the problem. Currently, computed tomography allows to examine parts of the brain. Although doctors do not forget about old devices.
Tomography of the brain can be prescribed for certain symptoms and complaints of the patient. The main indications for diagnosis are the following pathological conditions:
- unreasonable headaches;
- suspected oncology;
- cranial injury;
- periodic increase in intracranial pressure;
- encephalitis, meningitis;
- brain hemorrhage (stroke);
- pathology of the central nervous system in history;
- presence of foreign bodies.
A neurosurgeon, a neuropathologist, an otolaryngologist can give a referral for diagnosis. The specialist also tells the patient where to make a tomogram of the head. Many private medical centers and hospitals are now equipped with modern equipment.
What does a head tomogram show?
During the study, X-rays pass through the tissues of the area being examined. Sensors located inside the device record the changed beams, and the computerbegins to process the received information and converts it into images. On the resulting black and white picture, you can identify injuries, tumors, hemorrhages, determine their location and size.
Tomogram of the head allows you to assess the condition of the gray and white matter, the ventricles of the brain, the bones of the facial and brain regions, blood vessels, veins, arteries, paranasal sinuses.
With the help of a tomograph, the following pathologies are diagnosed in patients:
- thrombosis;
- aneurysm;
- hemorrhagic, ischemic stroke;
- cysts;
- infectious processes;
- congenital malformations;
- cranial injury;
- osteomyelitis;
- tumor lesions.
How is head tomography done?
Do not be afraid of the procedure - it is completely painless. The scanning setup is a cylindrical tube that is surrounded by magnets. The patient is located on a special mobile table (couch), which "goes" inside the scanner tunnel when it is activated. The specialist conducting the study should be in the next room and control the diagnostic process, the patient's condition.
In the process of diagnostics, the installation rotates around the table on which the patient is located. The machine may make noise during operation. It is important to remain calm and not move to get an accurate picture. If necessary, the specialist can fix the patient's head with special belts.at the time of scanning.
When is CT prohibited?
Unlike magnetic resonance imaging, CT has a number of limitations. Do not carry out the procedure for patients weighing more than 150 kg. Modern equipment for tomography is not designed to examine such patients. An alternative method in this case is MRI.
If the patient suffers from a fear of confined spaces, a head tomogram can only be performed under general anesthesia. If there is a history of serious mental disorders, the procedure is not performed.
It is contraindicated to prescribe tomography to pregnant women. During lactation, CT can be performed, but during the next day, you should refuse to feed the baby and express milk.
Can children have the procedure?
Tomography of small patients is possible, but only in cases of special need. X-ray radiation is dangerous for a child's body. Therefore, computed tomography is often replaced by magnetic resonance imaging, which uses electromagnetic radiation. In the first year of a baby's life, when the fontanel is still open, the state of the brain can be examined using a diagnostic method such as neurosonography.
Head tomogram can be assigned to babies in the following cases:
- diagnosis of birth injuries;
- increased intracranial pressure;
- hydrocephalus;
- vascular anomalies, cysts;
- suspected oncology;
- psychicdeviations;
- injuries, hematomas, skull fractures.
How to prepare a child?
It is far from always possible to make a tomogram of a child's head without the use of anesthesia or sedatives due to age-related features. It is difficult for babies to remain still during the scanning process with a tomograph. In addition, the child may be frightened by the sounds that the operating apparatus makes. That is why the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist and a doctor will monitor the child's condition.
Anesthesia is done only on an empty stomach and therefore the last meal of the child should be no later than 4 hours before the procedure. Babies can be fed in 2-3 hours. In some cases, experts recommend pre-doing an electrocardiogram to the child. If you need the introduction of a contrast agent, you should check the sensitivity of the baby to the drug in advance.
Training adults
This diagnostic method does not require special preparation. Immediately before the procedure, the patient must remove metal objects and jewelry from himself. The specialist should be warned about the presence of metal implants. You should not undergo the procedure on a full stomach.
If the patient is shown a brain tomogram using a contrast agent, it is necessary to exclude food intake 4-5 hours before the start of the scan. Otherwise, nausea, vomiting, dizziness may occur. If necessary, the patient may take a sedative before the procedure.
Applying contrast
If necessary, tomography can be performed using a special contrast agent. This allows you to visualize the most difficult areas that are inaccessible to conventional x-rays. To whom is the procedure indicated and how is a tomogram of the head done with contrast? First of all, this diagnostic method is necessary for patients who need to check the condition of the vessels. The dye allows you to detect a new focus of ischemia and oncological neoplasms.
During the day after the procedure, the contrast agent will be excreted from the body. During this period, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. To avoid negative consequences, it is recommended to first undergo laboratory diagnostics and exclude an allergy to contrast.
Contraindications
The use of contrast agent is prohibited for patients under 14 years of age, as well as for pregnant women. Contraindications include kidney failure, the presence of allergic reactions to iodine, thyroid pathology, leukemia.
Only after all contraindications have been ruled out, a CT scan of the head can be performed. It should be borne in mind that the method is considered one of the most informative, and therefore doctors do not recommend refusing to diagnose without good reasons. The procedure helps to identify the disease at an early stage and start its timely treatment.
Tomogram of the head: description of the results
It may take a specialist some time to decipher the results. Typically, the images are issued to the patient 30-60 minutes after the diagnosis, but in some cases it may take longer. The patient receives black and white photographs, a disc with a recording and a description of the tomography data.
With the received answer, you should contact the doctor who gave the referral for a head tomogram. In the future, you may need to consult other specialists.
Cost and reviews
According to experts, a tomogram of the head does not bring tangible harm to the human body if the examination is carried out on new equipment. The average radiation dose per session is 6 m3v. To study the condition of the skull and brain, the exposure does not exceed 2 m3v.
Patients are advised to give preference to multislice tomographs, which in a short period of time (several seconds) perform a large number of slices and carry the least radiation load. The cost of the procedure usually depends on the equipment and ranges from 3,000-5,000 rubles. If it is necessary to use a contrast agent, the price of the procedure will increase to 7,000-12,000 rubles.
Many patients begin to worry when they find out that they are scheduled for a CT scan of the head. Reviews of the procedure confirm their fears, and patients begin to refuse to undergo the examination. In fact, it only exacerbates the situation. Timely diagnosis allows you to detect the slightest disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system in time and begin therapy. Don't worryregarding exposure, because the dose will be minimal and will not harm he alth.
