Why patient should do the examination? (value of test).
In settings of head trauma to assess calvarial osseous integrity, exclude cerebral intracranial/intraparenchymal hematomas or cerebral affection.
It is used to exclude cerebral hematomas in stroke patients.
It helps to detect cerebral inflammatory conditions and its related complications. (IV contrast is recommended).
The helps to detect the presence of hydrocephalus or tumors.
Can evaluates cases with suspected congenital disorders
Who benefits from getting tested?
Symptomatic patients after traumatic injuries or patients with neurological deficits suggestive of stroke.
Patients with features of raised intra cranial tension.
Patients with suspected congenital malformation
Are there any contraindications to the examination?
Pregnant women particularly in the first trimester to avoid harmful effects of ionization radiation on the fetus. It can be carried out for pregnant women only in critical situations only after discussion of the potential risks and obtaining informed consent and using abdominal lead aprons.
Patients who have a known allergy to the intravenous contrast media, patients with impaired renal functions should avoid contrast enhanced study but can perform routine non contrast study safely
What other tests should be done with this examination?
MRI brain may be requested with this exam in in many of the clinical settings
Examination preparations
No preparation needed for the non-contrast study.
Patient should be food fasting 4-6 hrs before the exam in case of contrast enhanced study only. Adequate hydration is needed and recent kidney function test should be available at the time of your examination
A brief description of the examination procedure
CT can scan the whole brain in less than a minute while the patient is lying comfortably on the CT table
Where I can get tested?
The examination is done on one of our highly advanced CT machines available in all of our branches
Are there any aftercare or precautions to be done?
No after care or precautions needed following non contrast enhanced study.
In case of contrast enhanced study drinking plenty of water is advised to help to wash out the injected IV contrast material out of your body except if you are on fluid balance for renal or cardiac condition you may consult your physician and in case of lactating mothers it is advised to escape lactation for 24 hrs after the contrast injection
Are there any possible complications to the examination?
In very rare cases some patients may experience contrast allergic reaction after IV contrast injection so if you have any previous history of allergy to IV contrast media it is safer to perform the exam without IV contrast
