What is a CT scan of the Brain?

• A CT of the brain is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses special X-rays measurements to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the brain. Brain CT scans can provide more detailed information about brain tissue and brain structures than standard X-rays of the head, thus providing more data related to injuries and/or diseases of the brain.
• During a brain CT, the X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body, allowing many different views of the brain. The X-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the X-ray data and displays it in a two-dimensional (2D) form on a monitor.
• Brain CT scans may be done with or without "contrast." Contrast refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into an intravenous (IV) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to be seen more clearly. Contrast examinations may require you to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure.

Why do I need a CT Brain?

The pictures created by a cranial CT scan are far more detailed than regular X-rays. They can help diagnose a range of conditions, including:
• abnormalities of the bones of your skull
• arteriovenous malformation, or abnormal blood vessels
• atrophy of brain tissue
• birth defects
• brain aneurysm
• hemorrhage, or bleeding, in your brain
• hydrocephalus, or fluid buildup in your skull
• infections or swelling
• injuries to your head, face, or skull
• stroke
• tumors

Your doctor may order a cranial CT scan if you’ve had an injury or display any of these symptoms with no apparent cause:
• fainting
• headache
• seizures, especially if any occurred recently
• sudden behavioral changes or changes in thinking
• hearing loss
• vision loss
• muscle weakness or numbness and tingling
• speech difficulty
• difficulty swallowing

How to prepare for a CT scan of the Brain?

• You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam.
• Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Women will be asked to remove underwire containing metal.
• Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
• You should inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
• Inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, and diabetes or kidney disease.

In case of contrast Examinations:
• You should not to eat or drink anything (fasting) for a few hours (4 to 6 h) before the exam, and do renal function test, inform your doctor or radiology technician if you have any allergies or kidney diseases.