CT scans are frequently used to evaluate the brain (head). Brain CTs are typically ordered for many different symptoms such as headaches, weakness, seizures, confusion, etc to exclude a tumor, aneurysm or infection. They are also used as a follow up test for patients with strokes, bleeds or surgery. Below are a few common diagnoses that a CT scan of the brain detect.
Aneurysm - Aneurysms are ballooning of vessels that risk rupturing. If blood leaks from the aneurysm patients describe the headache as a thunderclap and sharp/shooting pains. Patients can also have stroke-like symptoms with weakness, slurred speech and confusion. A Brain CT scan is the first test done to evaluate for a bleed.
Tumors - Tumors can be primary (from brain tissue) or secondary (from other sites, eg breast cancer). These typically present with headaches, weakness, and seizures. Head CT scans can be done without or with IV contrast to detect tumors.
Bleeding - Hemorrhage, aka bleeding, in the brain can be from trauma, ruptured aneurysms or tumors that bleed. CT scans are very sensitive to recent bleeds (especially within a few hours).
Stroke - Also known as a "brain attack", stroke refers to a blocked artery that deprives a part of the brain of blood (and therefore oxygen). This part of the brain loses it function and patients present with weakness, slurred speech, difficulty walking and on occasion, headaches. Head CT scans are a good first test to detect a stroke or determine if the symptoms are caused by another factor such as a bleed or a tumor.
An CT scan of the brain will evaluate:
Sinuses
A CT scan of the brain will include parts of the sinuses. Though not used to primarily look for sinus disease, the brain CT can pick up thickening of the sinus tissue (mucosa) or fluid in the sinuses.
Orbits
Brain CT scans can include parts of the orbits. It can pick up injury to the orbit and diseases of the orbits such as large tumors, bleeds, inflammation, etc.
Bones
The skull is included in a brain CT scan and can detect bone tumors, infection and fractures. It can also detect bleeds in the space between the skull and brain (aka epidural and subdural bleeds).
Brain matter
The white and gray matter of the brain are well seen. CT can detect tumors, infection, bleeds, stroke and congenital defects. Part of the pituitary gland, optic nerves and upper brainstem are also evaluated. A "routine" head CT is done without contrast.
Ventricles
These are the fluid filled structures inside the brain that help circulate cerberospinal fluid. Tumors and bleeds can extend into these structures and cause blockage which can lead to headaches, confusion and problems with walking for example.
Your Brain CT Scan
A brain CT scan generally takes about 5 minutes or so to complete. If you are going for one remember to remove hair pins, piercings, earrings and necklaces as these metallic objects can interfere with the scan. Most scans are done without IV contrast. But if your doctor is looking for a tumor or infection this may be done with contrast.
If you're insured, you may need to have your test authorized (approved) by your insurance company first. If you're uninsured and need to look up prices and buy an CT scan of the brain, you can use our website to look up CT scan costs and then purchase with your credit card.
Have you had a Brain CT scan? What was it like? Please leave your comments below.