CT Brain - Uses, Procedure, and Risks

Introduction:

A CT brain is an imaging technique that uses special X-rays to evaluate the structures of the brain (cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and brain stem). It is also called computed tomography or CT scan. CT brain provides horizontal or axial images of the brain called slices. A CT scan can be done with or without contrast material. It is often not required, but the choice is left up to the physician’s decision.

What Information Will a CT Scan Provide to the Doctor?

A CT scan can reveal whether a stroke is caused by a blood vessel blocked by a clot or by a burst blood vessel. If a vessel is blocked, treatment to thin the blood or dissolve the clot will be administered. However, if a vessel has burst, such treatment would worsen the bleeding. In addition to diagnosis, a CT scan can guide treatments. For instance, in the event of a stroke, a CT angiogram can be performed to map the blood vessels and pinpoint the clot's location. The clot can then be removed using a tube, similar to an angioplasty used for heart attacks.

How Much Time Does a CT Scan Take?

The scan itself typically takes only a few minutes, though it may take longer for more complex cases.

How Should Patients Prepare for the CT Brain?

• Patients can take their regular diet and medicines before the scan.

• If the scan includes contrast material, patients would be advised not to eat or drink anything for about four to six hours before the scan.

• Diabetic patients should have light food three hours before the scan.

• Patients should Inform the doctor about their medical conditions and their regular medicines.

• They should not wear jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, or hairpins, which may affect the quality of the image.

• Patients should inform their doctor if they have had any allergic reactions to contrast material previously.

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels must be taken within 72 hours of the contrast CT scan.

How Is the CT Brain Taken?

• During CT brain, the patients may be asked to remove their clothes and jewelry and to wear the gown provided by them.

• If the procedure requires contrast, the contrast material (a special dye) is injected into the veins through an intravenous (IV) line. The patient may feel warm throughout the body when the dye passes through the veins, or it may be given orally by asking the patient to drink the contrast liquid.

• The patient will be asked to lie on a flat table at the center of the scanner. Pillows may be used to prevent them from moving during the scan, which affects the clarity of the image.

• The technician controls the scanner with remote control from a separate room. Speakers inside the room help in communication between the technician and the patient. The technician will constantly observe the patient through a window during the scan. The patient will be provided a button to press so that they can communicate with the technician if facing any difficulties during the scan.

• Once the patient is ready, the scanner begins to rotate around. X-rays from the scanner will pass through the body at different angles and are absorbed by the tissues in the body. The scanner will detect this and transmit it to the computer. The computer processes the information into slices. This process is repeated to get several slices. These slices are arranged to get the images (3D) on the computer screen. The patient may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds in between the scans at various times to get quality images.

• Once the scan is finished, the technician will check the images and sometimes may repeat the scan if the images are not clear or may require additional images.

• After CT brain, the patient may continue their regular diet and activities. They would be advised to drink ample water to help remove the contrast material from their body.

What Occurs Following a Brain CT Scan?

If contrast media was used during the brain CT scan, individuals might be monitored for a period to check for any side effects or reactions. Inform the radiologist if they experience swelling, itching, rash, or difficulty breathing. Individuals should notice any pain, swelling, or redness at the IV site once they return home and contact the doctor, as this could indicate an infection or other reaction. Otherwise, no special care is needed after a brain CT scan. Most patients can resume their usual diet and activities. The doctor may give additional or different instructions based on the specific situation.

What Are the Risks Associated With CT Brain?

The risks of CT brain are low. Some of them are:

• Radiation Exposure - There is a slight chance of cancer from increased radiation exposure.

• Kidney Damage From Contrast Dye - Contrast material used in the scan may worsen the condition in patients having kidney failure or kidney disorder.

• Allergic Reactions to the Contrast Material - The most common type of contrast material used in the scan contains iodine. The side effects of iodine contrast include headache, itching, and hives (skin rashes).

• Some severe symptoms of contrast materials include difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and swelling of body parts.

Are There Individuals Who Should Avoid Having a Brain CT Scan?

Inform the doctor if the individual is pregnant, as an alternative test may be recommended. If the scan is necessary, the abdomen can be shielded with a lead cover. Contrast dye should be avoided if the person has kidney issues (kidney function may be tested beforehand). If the person is taking Metformin for diabetes, it should be discontinued 24 hours before using the contrast dye.

What Are the Alternatives for CT Brain?

For diagnosing brain disorders, imaging techniques other than CT scans may be useful. They are:

• X-rays.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.

• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the brain.

• Cerebral arteriogram (used to look at the blood vessels of the brain).

Conclusion:

CT brain is a painless, non-invasive imaging technique used to diagnose brain disorders. As CT brain is fast and simple, it is useful in treating emergency conditions such as injuries and internal bleeding and can save many lives. CT scans can image bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels all at the same time. CT scan is also used as a guiding tool in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and biopsy procedures by guiding the correct placement of needles or scalpels during the procedure. Also, guides the treatment procedure, such as brain surgery. Early diagnosis with a brain scan may eliminate the need for invasive brain surgery.