Cranial CT scans

What are Cranial CT scans?

The process of taking a cranial CT begins by taking many different X-ray views at various different angles, which are then combined with the use of computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissue inside of your body, including tissues inside of solid organ.

Ordinary X-ray testing does not show clear images of soft tissue, so doctors often request CT scanning to get a good image of soft tissue including organs, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and the brain. Sometimes a contrast dye is used as it shows up clearer on the screen.

Many parts of your body can be seen during a quality cranial CT scan including the skull, brain, sinuses, and eye sockets. This type of scan is often referred to as a brain scan, head scan, or skull scan.

Reasons for a Cranial CT scan:

Cranial CT scans are used for a multitude of reasons. They may be done to check for certain cancers in various different ways including to detect abnormal tumors, growths or lumps. They also identify the location of tumors, the stage of cancer, and where to perform a biopsy.

A cranial CT scan can be used to guide doctors or surgeons during a procedure, such as a biopsy. They are important in planning for certain types of therapy and surgery, as well as in the aftermath to determine whether your body is responding to treatment.

Cranial CT scans can be used to detect cysts or infections in the body. They can also identify the bone structures within the body and can accurately measure the density of bone.

A cranial CT scan is often used to quickly inspect a patient after an accident in order to identify traumatic head injuries or any other internal injuries.

A Cranial CT scan may help diagnose (find):

A cranial CT scan can diagnose various diseases, cancers, and infections.

Cranial CT scans of the head and brain may be requested if the patient has experienced an injury or is displaying symptoms such as constant headaches, hearing or vision loss, muscle weakness, or difficulty swallowing or speaking.

It may also identify the cause of fainting, change of mind function including behavior or thinking, or numbness and tingling. A cranial CT scan are also used for pre-surgery planning and injuries following trauma.

A cranial CT scan can diagnose abnormal blood vessels, aneurysms, bone infection, brain damage, brain swelling, brain tumors, or a stroke.