A CT scan of the
brain is a non-invasive imaging process that uses special X-ray dimensions to
produce horizontal or axial images of the brain. CT brain scans provide the
elaborated information about the tissue and structures of brain as compared to
any standard X-rays of the head, which providing more data related to brain
injuries and / or diseases. Throughout the CT scan of the brain, the beam moves
in a circle way to the body and allows capturing various views of the brain.
After
capturing the various views of brain the X-ray information is sent to a
specific computer which interprets the captured X-ray data and displays it on
monitor. CT scans of the brain can be done with or without
"contrast." Contrast refers to a substance that is taken orally or
injected into an intravenous (IV) line that makes the particular organ or
tissue under study look more visibly.TheNABL
(National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) and
NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers)
accreditations, the highest standards in the field of laboratories and ct brain scanchennai provide these standards.
How CT brain scans work:-
1. A
cranial CT scanner takes a sequence of x-rays. Then, a computer puts all the
sequence of X-ray images collectively to create complete images of your head.
It helps the doctor make a decision about the diagnosis.
2. The
procedure is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient imaging center. It takes
only 15 minutes to complete the scan.
3. The
day when the procedure is going to be happen, jewelry and other metal objects
should be removed because metal objects can damage the scanner
4. It
is likely that you will be asked to put on a hospital gown. You have to lie on
a slim table face down or up, that depend on why you want to do CT head scan.
5. It
is very important that during the CT scan procedure you have to be still, because
a little moment in your body can blur the scan images.
6. Many people feels that CT scans is hectic or
claustrophobic. All doctors suggest a sedative to keep you calm during the ct
brain scan procedure and it help you to stay still during the scan. If any
child going for ct brain scan then also doctor recommend the sedative.
7. The table will slowly slide so that your head
easily go inside the scanner. You may have to hold your breath for some time.
The X-ray beam of the scanner is rotating around the patients head and creating
a sequence of images of the head from different angles. Individual images are
called slices. Stacking the slices creates three-dimensional images.
8.
All The images
can be seen on monitor during the scan and these images are stored for later
viewing and printing. For your safety, the CT scanner has a microphone and
speakers for bidirectional communication with the scanner operator.
General side effects or risks
The side effects of a CT scan engage
radiation exposure, discomfort and allergic reaction to the contrast dye.
Discuss this with your doctor before the test, so you can evaluate the
potential risks and remuneration to your medical condition.
1.
Discomfort:-
a. Computed tomography itself is a painless procedure. Some
people feel uncomfortable at the hard table or have difficulty staying still.
b. Patient will feel like burning when the contrast dye enters
the vein. Some people experience a metallic taste in the mouth and a warm
feeling throughout the body. These reactions are very normal and last in very
less minutes.
2. Exposure
to radiation
a. CT scans expose to some radiation. A doctor says that the
risks which are accrued during the scan is low as compared to the risk of not
being diagnosed with the a health issue and
The risk of a single scan is very less, but it continuously increasing
if a patient is having many x rays over the time.
b. If you are pregnant then your doctor who is going to do your
scan must know before the scan that you are pregnant. Your doctor can avoid
exposing your baby to radiation using other tests. These may include an MRI or
head ultrasound, which does not use radiation.
3. Allergic
reaction
a. Before the scan if you have ever had an allergic reaction to
the dye then your doctor must know about this before doing scan.
b. Contrast dye commonly contains iodine and may cause nausea,
vomiting, rashes, hives, itching or sneezing in people who are allergic to
iodine. To Patient is giving steroids or
antihistamines to help patient to fight with these symptoms before receiving
the dye injection. After the test, patients have to drink extra fluids to
eliminate iodine from the body if the patients have any disease like diabetes
or kidney disease.
4.
Pregnancy:
If patient
is pregnant, patient have to inform the doctor. Exposure to radiation during
pregnancy can lead to child birth defects. If a CT scan of the brain is
necessary, special safety measures will be taken to reduce the radiation
exposure to the fetus.
TheNABL and accreditations are the standards of
laboratories and ct brain scan chennai
provide the scan with these standards. Any injury or illness related to your
head can be frightening. The clear image which is given by the CT scanners can
help the doctor to diagnose and treat the conditions related to the head and
brain better. You can also reduce the need for other medical procedures that
include tubes, needles, or surgery.
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a way to
look inside the patient head or neck. If you consult your doctor for a problem
related to the head, he or she will do a careful examination in the office and
analyze your symptoms before deciding whether to recommend a CT scan. Your
doctor will also examine the severity of your symptoms before deciding if you
need a CT scan.