Head (Brain) CT - Overview & Technique

CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or transferred to a CD. CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams. CT scanning provides more detailed information on head injuries, stroke, brain tumors and other brain diseases than regular radiographs (x-rays).

Head (Brain) CT - Alternative Names and Explanations

CT Scan of the head, cerebral CT, Cat scan of the head, CT scan of the brain, brain CT, CT Scan -  Head (Brain) w/o contrast 70450, CT Scan -  Head with contrast 70460, CT Scan -  Head with & w/o contrast 70470

Brain (Head) CT - Benefits (versus Other Diagnostic Options)

• CT of the head is now widely available and is performed in a relatively short time, at a reasonable cost—especially when compared to MR imaging.
• The exam shows some changes in bone better than any other imaging method.
• It readily detects bleeding.
• The exam is usually used as an initial study for stroke detection.
• CT is the method of choice for rapidly screening trauma victims to detect internal bleeding or other life-threatening conditions.

CT of the Brain (Head) - Indications, Common Uses, & Positive Findings

CT scanning of the head is typically used to detect:

• bleeding, brain injury and skull fractures in patients with head injuries.
• bleeding caused by a ruptured or leaking aneurysm in a patient with a sudden severe headache.
• a blood clot or bleeding within the brain shortly after a patient exhibits symptoms of a stroke.
• a stroke, especially with a new technique called Perfusion CT.
• brain tumors.
• enlarged brain cavities (ventricles) in patients with hydrocephalus.
• diseases or malformations of the skull.

CT scanning is also performed to:

• evaluate the extent of bone and soft tissue damage in patients with facial trauma, and planning surgical reconstruction.
• diagnose diseases of the temporal bone on the side of the skull, which may be causing hearing problems.
• determine whether inflammation or other changes are present in the paranasal sinuses.
• plan radiation therapy for cancer of the brain or other tissues.
• guide the passage of a needle used to obtain a tissue sample (biopsy) from the brain.

CT Head - Images

CT Head - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your Head CT Scan Today! 

• If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

• If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a CT, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

• If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.

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• brain CT, head CT, CAT scan of the head, CAT scan of brain
• CT of the Brain information page. Schedule a CT scan of the head in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Glendale.
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