Brain examination with computerized tomography (Computerized Tomography: CT Scan) is a diagnostic test using a computerized X-ray machine, which emits X-rays to the area of the body to be examined and then uses a computer to create images showing the characteristics and internal organs of the body to assist in diagnosing abnormalities. This method provides doctors with images that have higher resolution than regular X-rays and can be used to examine almost all internal organs.
Why is brain examination with CT Scan necessary?
CT Scan is important for diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment, and guiding treatment because it provides detailed images of almost every part of the body. For examining neurological and brain disorders, CT scans can visualize the pituitary gland, eyes, salivary glands, and neck, among others. A contrast agent must be injected into a vein to help clearly see the images and characteristics of the disease. CT Scan examinations have specific indications, such as detecting tumors in various organs like the brain, including the location and size of the tumor, detecting tumor spread, checking for brain hemorrhage, and identifying vascular abnormalities such as aneurysms and blood clots.
How accurate is a CT scan (brain scan)?
With the capabilities of CT Scan technology, it can perform more complex functions than regular X-rays, displaying 3D images and slicing organ images into thin cross-sectional layers, sometimes dozens of slices, allowing doctors to analyze abnormalities in the organs in detail.
Advantages of CT Scan
It can scan most organs in the body. The examination is painless. It provides images with higher detail than ultrasound, helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses. Additionally, computerized X-rays are used to assist in planning biopsies or other medical procedures. Currently, no long-term harmful effects from CT Scan have been found. With modern medical technology, the risk of patients developing cancer from CT Scan radiation is very low. Besides the brain system, CT Scan can also examine other systems such as the abdominal and chest cavities, bones, muscles, joints, spine, blood vessels, heart and vascular diseases, trauma, and cancer spread.
Simple, safe procedure under medical supervision
When starting a CT Scan, the patient lies flat on the scanning bed. The machine begins scanning by rotating to emit X-rays around the patient. During the CT Scan, the patient can communicate with the doctor and radiologic technologist overseeing the scan. The procedure takes about 10–20 minutes. After the CT Scan, the patient can go home or resume normal activities, except for those who receive sedatives to reduce anxiety before the scan, which may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Therefore, they should not drive themselves.
