Cranial CT Scan

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 A cranial computed tomography (CT) scan usesmany x-rays to create pictures of the head, including

the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.

Alternative Names

Brain CT; Head CT; CT scan - skull; CT scan - head; CT scan - orbits;CT scan - sinuses; Computed tomography - cranial

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Uses:

A cranial CT scan is recommended to help diagnose or monitor

the following conditions:

Birth (congenital) defect of the head or brainBrain infection

Brain tumor

Buildup of fluid inside the skull Injury (trauma) to the

head and face

Stroke or bleeding in the brain

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A cranial CT may also be done to look for the cause of:

Changes in thinking or behavior

Fainting

Headache, when certain other signs or symptoms are

present

Hearing loss (in some patients)

Symptoms of damage to part of the brain, such as vision

problems, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling,

hearing loss, speaking difficulties, or swallowing problems

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You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into thecenter of the CT scanner.

Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam

rotates around you. (Modern "spiral" scanners can performthe exam without stopping.)

A computer creates separate images of the body area,

called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a

monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of 

the head area can be created by stacking the slices together.

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You must be still during the exam, becausemovement causes blurred images. You may be told

to hold your breath for short periods of time.

Generally, complete scans take only a few minutes.

The newest scanners can image your entire body,

head to toe, in less than 30 seconds.

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 Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be

delivered into the body before the test starts. Contrast helps

certain areas show up better on the x-rays.

Contrast can be given through a vein (IV) in your hand orforearm. If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat

or drink anything for 4-6 hours before the test.

Let your doctor know if you have ever had a reaction to

contrast. You may need to take medications before the test inorder to safely receive this substance.

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 Before receiving the contrast, tell your health careprovider if you take the diabetes medication metformin

(Glucophage) because you may need to take extra

precautions.

If you weigh more than 300 pounds, find out if the CT

machine has a weight limit. Too much weight can cause

damage to the scanner's working parts.

You will be asked to remove jewelry and wear a hospital

gown during the study.

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The x-rays produced by the CT scan are painless. Some

people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.

Contrast given through a vein may cause a slight burning

sensation, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm

flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and

usually go away within a few seconds.

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Let the wise hear and increase in

learning, and the one who

understands obtain guidance.

Proverbs 1:5