CT scan of the head

CT of the head — is a modern diagnostic method that allows quickly obtaining detailed layered images of the structures of the head. The examination helps detect traumatic injuries, hemorrhages, neoplasms, circulatory disorders, and other pathological changes that require accurate and timely assessment.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, CT examinations of the head are performed on modern computed tomography scanners GE Revolution Maxima and SIEMENS Healthineers SOMATOM go.Up. The equipment allows obtaining detailed images for accurate diagnostics even with small pathological changes.

You can undergo CT of the head on the right bank of Kyiv near Dorohozhychi metro station and on the left bank — in Berezniaky. Book an examination at a time convenient for you through the website or the contact center of «Oxford Medical».

CT of the head allows obtaining detailed layered images of the anatomical structures of the head and assessing their condition. During the examination, the following may be examined:

• brain — to detect the consequences of injuries, hemorrhages, ischemic changes, neoplasms, and other pathological processes;
• skull bones — to diagnose fractures, cracks, post-traumatic changes, or congenital structural features;
• eye orbits — to assess bone structures, soft tissues, consequences of injuries, inflammatory processes;
• temporal bones — for detailed visualization of the structures of the middle and inner ear in cases of hearing disorders, injuries, or chronic inflammatory diseases;
• paranasal sinuses — to detect sinusitis, cysts, polyps, anatomical features, and other pathological changes;
• soft tissues of the head — to assess swelling, hematomas, consequences of injuries, or other changes.

If necessary, the doctor may separately prescribe CT of the skull bones for a detailed assessment of bone structures after injuries or when a fracture is suspected. CT of the temporal bones may also be performed if it is necessary to assess the ear structures and surrounding bone tissues in detail.

For diagnosing injuries, inflammatory processes, neoplasms, or other pathologies of the eye area, CT of the eye orbits may be performed. The examination allows detailed visualization of the bone walls of the orbits, eyeballs, and adjacent tissues.

CT is often used in situations when it is important to quickly rule out life-threatening conditions — for example, hemorrhage, brain swelling, or severe consequences of trauma. The examination may also be prescribed to assess the consequences of a stroke, monitor the condition after surgeries, or clarify changes detected during other diagnostic methods.

CT of the head with contrast enhancement is prescribed when it is necessary to assess vessels, soft tissues, or pathological changes that are not sufficiently clearly visible during standard scanning in more detail. The contrast agent helps better visualize the blood supply of tissues and the boundaries of the pathological process.

Most often, CT with contrast is performed in the following cases:

• suspicion of a neoplasm of the brain or its membranes;
• clarification of the spread of the inflammatory process;
• assessment of vascular disorders and blood supply of tissues;
• monitoring after surgeries or performed treatment.

The decision to perform an examination with contrast enhancement is made by the doctor individually — depending on symptoms, preliminary diagnosis, and the results of other examinations. In some cases, standard CT is sufficient, and sometimes it is contrast enhancement that helps obtain the necessary amount of diagnostic information.

CT of the head is considered a fast and informative diagnostic method; however, in some cases, performing the examination may be temporarily limited or require additional assessment of the patient’s condition.

The main contraindications for CT include:

• pregnancy;
• severe condition of the patient that does not allow scanning to be performed;
• inability to maintain a still position during the examination;
• pronounced uncontrolled movements or psychomotor agitation.

If CT with contrast enhancement is planned, the following are additionally taken into account:

• kidney function;
• presence of allergy to iodine-containing preparations;
• severe disorders of thyroid gland function;
• decompensated diabetes mellitus.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» note: before the examination, it is important to inform the doctor about chronic diseases, allergic reactions, taking medicinal preparations, and previous experience of undergoing CT with contrast. This helps select the safest diagnostic format for the patient.

If the examination is performed without contrast enhancement, in most cases special preparation is not required. Before scanning, it is necessary to remove glasses, hearing aids, jewelry, and other metal objects in the area of the head and neck, since they may affect the quality of the images.

If an examination with contrast enhancement is planned, preparation will be somewhat different. Before the procedure, it is most often recommended to take a blood test for creatinine in order to assess kidney function before the administration of the contrast agent. It is also usually advised not to eat for 4–6 hours before scanning. In most cases, water may be drunk, if the doctor has not provided other recommendations.

Before the examination, it is important to inform the doctor about pregnancy, allergic reactions, and chronic diseases. This helps correctly assess possible restrictions and choose a safe format of the examination.

How CT of the head is done depends on the need to use a contrast agent and the purpose of the examination. If scanning is performed without contrast enhancement, the procedure usually takes only a few minutes. If administration of a contrast agent is needed, the examination may last longer due to additional preparation.

Before the start of scanning, the patient is explained how the examination will take place and what needs to be done during the procedure. After this, the patient lies down on the movable table of the tomograph, which smoothly moves inside the ring-shaped part of the device.

During scanning, it is important to lie still, since any movements may affect the clarity of the images. In some cases, the specialist may ask to hold the breath for a few seconds.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain: if the CT of the head procedure with contrast enhancement is performed, before the examination the patient has an intravenous catheter placed for the administration of the contrast agent. During contrast administration, a short-term feeling of warmth in the body or a metallic taste in the mouth may occur — this is a normal reaction that usually passes quickly.

After the scan is completed, the patient can usually return to their usual daily routine. The obtained images are analyzed by a radiologist, after which a written report is prepared. After this, a consultation with a neurologist or another specialist who referred the patient for the examination is usually necessary.

The cost of CT of the head depends on the need to use a contrast agent. Standard scanning and an examination with contrast enhancement have different performance protocols, so the price of CT of the head may differ. You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the cost of medical services here.

To book an examination at the «Oxford Medical» clinic, leave a callback request on the website or contact the contact center by phone. The administrator will help choose a convenient time and location for undergoing diagnostics.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• RadiologyInfo.org
• American College of Radiology
• PubMed