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. The NABL (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 scan chennai provide these standards.
How CT brain scans work:-
- 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.
- The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient imaging center. It takes only 15 minutes to complete the scan.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Discomfort:-
- Computed tomography itself is a painless procedure. Some people feel uncomfortable at the hard table or have difficulty staying still.
- 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.
- Exposure to radiation
- 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.
- 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. You can get here https://www.hospitalroad.com/ the information about an MRI scan including the uses, benefits, and risks.
- Allergic reaction
- Before the scan if you have ever had an allergic reaction to the dye then your doctor must know about this before doing scan.
- 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.
- 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.
The NABL 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.