CT scan of the brain

Computed tomography of the brain is a fast, simple and painless way to determine the smallest negative changes in human brain tissue. During the examination the CT scanner takes many images of the brain, the so-called "slices", on the basis of which the computer forms a three-dimensional model of the brain.

Computed tomography of the brain allows you to detect hemorrhages, edema, the consequences of head injuries, volumetric formations (tumors, cysts, abscesses), as well as assess the condition of the meninges, ventricular system and bone structures of the skull. The examination is prescribed if there is suspicion of stroke, neoplasm, inflammation or neurological disorders.

To assess the condition of the arteries and veins, a CT scan of the brain vessels is performed - this is a separate study performed with a contrast agent. It allows you to see vascular pathologies: thrombosis, aneurysms, narrowing or malformations. The doctor prescribes such an examination in cases where there is suspicion of circulatory disorders or vascular anomalies.

Computed tomography of the brain is performed without any preliminary preparation. If it is necessary to use a contrast agent, then the patient is recommended to drink more liquid before the procedure – it helps to speed up the removal of contrast from the body after the examination. A patient should also stop eating and drinking liquids 4 hours before a CT scan examination.

The patient must take off accessories containing metal: jewelry, hairpins, glasses, hearing devices, etc, just before performing a CT scan study.

A CT scan does not last more than a few minutes, but you should be prepared to spend about half an hour in the clinic. Most of this time is spent on preparing and forming a conclusion based on the results of the study.

When CT scan of the head is going to be conducted patient lies down on the scanner table, fixing the head in a stationary position. After that, the table with the patient drives into the tunnel of the scanner and the examination begins. At this time the doctor stays in an adjacent room, watching the patient through a special window. Communication between the patient and the diagnostician is carried out with the help of an intercom device which is built in the CT scanner. For several minutes, during which the examination lasts, the patient is required to stay still.

The patient does not experience painful or unpleasant sensations during the study – the impact of the scanner does not affect his well-being in any way.

If the examination is carried out with a contrast agent, its introduction is performed by means of a special automatic injector. In this case there may be a short-term feeling of warmth spreading through the body, or a metallic taste in the mouth, which also quickly passes.

CT with contrast is contraindicated in patients with renal or heart failure, type II diabetes mellitus, or allergies to iodine, shellfish, and contrast media. For all other categories of patients CT is a safe and fast way to get examined.

You can make an appointment for a brain CT scan by phone or by writing to the chat operator on the website.

CT of the brain is not recommended for:

• renal failure;
• liver failure;
• decompensated diabetes mellitus;
• allergy to iodine or other components of the contrast medium;
• the presence of metal implants in the body;
• acute diseases.

These contraindications apply mainly to CT of the brain with contrast. In the presence of any diseases, the specialist individually decides whether the study can be performed.

The price of a brain CT scan may vary depending on whether contrast enhancement is used. A brain CT scan with contrast is more expensive because it requires the use of a special preparation and is a more complex procedure.

You can find out the price of a brain CT scan at «Oxford Medical» here.

The examination is performed on an expert-class Siemens Somatom Go.UP. tomograph, which provides 64-slice brain scanning with a step of 0.7 mm with minimal radiation exposure.