CT scan brain is a highly informative method of radiation diagnostics used to obtain a layered image of brain structures. It allows you to detect tumors, structural anomalies, foci of inflammation, post-traumatic changes and other pathological processes. It is performed without special training, with contrast enhancement is carried out on an empty stomach. CT scan brain is used at the final stage of diagnostic search, after radiography. The patient on the movable tomograph table in a state of complete rest automatically moves through the tunnel of the tomograph. The image is transmitted to the monitor, the results are recorded on a digital medium.
Indications
CT scan brain is indicated for patients who are worried about severe headaches of unclear etiology, double vision, dizziness, accompanied by fainting. The procedure is carried out if an intracranial hemorrhage is suspected as a result of a traumatic brain injury, to clarify the cause of persistent nausea and vomiting with a concussion of the brain. During tomography, the localization of pathological changes, edema, hematoma, displacement of brain structures is determined. CT is prescribed for visualization of foreign bodies in brain tissues. Scanning is required for patients who have previously been diagnosed with a brain tumor to determine the prevalence of the process and clarify the stage of cancer. With the help of the technique, differential diagnosis of volumetric formations is carried out, control of the effectiveness of treatment of cancer patients is ensured.
In neurology, tomography is performed for suspected stroke, atherosclerosis, sharp deterioration of hearing and vision, memory and speech, epilepsy and hydrocephalus. CT scan brain is necessary for differential diagnosis of neuroinfections and brain tumors, confirmation of neurodegeneration of the central nervous system (Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease), determination of the cause of seizures. The study is prescribed to patients with sharply developed inappropriate behavior, mental disorders to identify the “penumbra zone” in acute cerebrovascular accident – a perifocal area with perfusion at the pre-functional level.
In maxillofacial surgery, computed tomography is performed to exclude brain damage during abscessing of purulent processes in the area of the facial skull. The procedure is performed for patients with complaints of infertility, if the cause is presumably hypothalamic-pituitary pathology. Radiography does not allow to diagnose pituitary microadenomas within the Turkish saddle, therefore CT is used for their visualization. The technique is painless, does not require breath retention, and is non-invasive. It makes it possible to assess the state of the internal structures of the brain in real time, is used to control the actions of a neurosurgeon during a biopsy and other procedures.
Preparation for CT
Manipulation does not require special training. Patients need to remove metal jewelry, hairpins, watches, dentures, phones, cards, hearing aids, warn the doctor about metal implants and drug intolerance. You need to have the results of other studies with you. Contrast CT scan brain is performed on an empty stomach (the patient is forbidden to eat 7 hours before the procedure). Scanning is performed using a tomograph, the basis of which is a ray tube mounted in the body of the device. A movable table is attached to it, shifting inside the tunnel (ring) at the time of the procedure. The CT scanner is located in a room shielded from X-rays and is controlled remotely from an adjacent room.
Methodology of conducting
During the entire contrast-free examination, which lasts about three minutes, the patient is lying on his back in a comfortable position. The specialist is located in a neighboring office, from where he monitors the progress of the procedure, communicating with the patient using a microphone installed in the arch of the device. The subject automatically moves through a beam tunnel with a set of sensors that rotate around him according to a given program. To ensure the informative nature of the study, complete immobility is necessary, so the patient’s head is fixed with special straps.
A CT scan of the brain with contrast takes 15 minutes. Before it begins, a skin test is carried out, excluding an allergy to iodine. With its positive result, the procedure is performed without contrast. In the absence of an allergic reaction, iodine-containing drugs are administered intravenously. The patient experiences a feeling of warmth. Iodine highlights the affected areas of the brain and changes the color of blood vessels, which allows a detailed analysis of the prevalence and localization of the pathological process.
Decryption of the received data takes about an hour. The patient receives pictures and a CD-ROM with a three-dimensional computer image and a detailed description of the course of the procedure and its results. If the images do not reveal pathological changes, all brain structures retain their normal size and structure, there are no foreign inclusions, fluid accumulations, bleeding symptoms, then the CT data of the brain is regarded as normal. When changes are detected, they are described in detail.