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Written by

Dr. Shreya Gupta

BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

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Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

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CT Scan (Head)

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.
Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.

Overview

What is CT Scan (Head)?

The Computed Tomography (CT) Head is an imaging procedure where rotating beams of X-rays are used to create a detailed three-dimensional image of the head to detect damage or other disorders of the brain, skull, and other related areas of the head.
It’s a common test used to detect serious head injury, stubborn headaches, brain and skull birth defects, brain diseases, and stroke. The doctor may suggest a CT scan of the brain if one experiences symptoms indicating a problem in the brain such as seizures or epilepsy, altered or double vision, memory loss, and loss of sensation of touch.
The machine is noisy, however, the test is painless. A person who has had a stroke has a better chance of recovery when examined and treated early.

Why is CT Scan (Head) done?

• To detect the fracture of the skull or damage to the brain due to trauma • To detect any internal bleeding in the brain • To determine the risk of stroke or location of blockage in blood flow causing a stroke • To detect the presence of diseases like hydrocephalus • To detect the inflammation of the meninges (covering of the brain and spine) • To detect the presence of tumors (abnormal growths) and guide treatment procedures for it • To guide fine needle biopsy procedures