Head CT scan
A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.
Computed tomography
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHow the Test is Performed
Head CT is done in the hospital or radiology center.
You lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner.
While inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you.
A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be:
- Stored
- Viewed on a monitor
- Printed on film
- Saved to a disk
Three-dimensional models of the head area can be created by stacking the slices together.
You must be still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods.
A complete scan usually takes only 30 seconds to a few minutes.
How to Prepare for the Test
Certain CT exams require a special dye, called contrast material. It is delivered into the body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on x-rays.
- Contrast can be given through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the test.
- Let your health care provider know if you have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medicines before the test in order to safely receive it.
- Before receiving the contrast, tell your provider if you take the diabetes medicine metformin (Glucophage). You may need to take extra precautions. Also let your provider know if you have any kidney function problems as the IV contrast can worsen this problem.
If you weigh more than 300 pounds (135 kg), find out if the CT machine has a weight limit. Some machines do.
You will be asked to remove jewelry and may need to wear a hospital gown during the study.
How the Test will Feel
The x-rays produced by the CT scan are painless. Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.
Contrast material given through a vein may cause a:
- Slight burning feeling
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Warm flushing of the body
This is normal and usually goes away within a few seconds.
Why the Test is Performed
A head CT scan is recommended to help diagnose or monitor the following conditions:
- Birth (congenital) defect of the head or brain
- Brain infection
- Brain tumor
- Buildup of fluid inside the skull (hydrocephalus)
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to the brain pushing against the skull. Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain. "...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Injury (trauma) to the brain, head, or face
- Stroke
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Bleeding in or around the brain
It may also be done to look for the cause of:
- Abnormal head size in children
- Changes in thinking or behavior
- Fainting
- Headache, when you have certain other signs or symptoms
- Hearing loss (in some people)
- Symptoms of damage to part of the brain, such as vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, hearing loss, speaking difficulties, or swallowing problems
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
- Abnormal blood vessels (arteriovenous malformation)
Arteriovenous malformation
A cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain that usually forms before birth....
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Bulging blood vessel in the brain (aneurysm)
(aneurysm)
An aneurysm is a weak area in the wall of a blood vessel that causes the blood vessel to bulge or balloon out. When an aneurysm occurs in a blood ve...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Bleeding (for example, subdural hematoma or bleeding in the brain tissue)
Subdural hematoma
A chronic subdural hematoma is an "old" collection of blood and blood breakdown products between the surface of the brain and its outermost covering ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Bone infection
- Brain abscess or infection
Brain abscess
A brain abscess is a collection of pus, immune cells, and other material in the brain, caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Brain damage due to injury
- Brain tissue swelling or injury
- Brain tumor or other growth (mass)
- Loss of brain tissue (cerebral atrophy)
(cerebral atrophy)
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare form of dementia that is similar to Alzheimer disease, except that it tends to affect only certain areas of t...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Hydrocephalus
- Problems with the hearing nerve
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Transient ischemic attack
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief time. A person will have stroke-like symptoms for ...
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Risks
Risks of CT scans include:
- Being exposed to radiation
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye
- Kidney damage from the contrast dye
CT scans use more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. You and your provider should weigh this risk against the benefits of getting a correct diagnosis for a medical problem.
Some people have allergies to contrast dye. Let your provider know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye.
- The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. If a person with an iodine allergy is given this type of contrast, nausea or vomiting, sneezing, itching, or hives may occur.
Hives
Hives are raised, often itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They can be an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can also ap...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - If you absolutely must be given such contrast, your provider may give you antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test to prevent an allergic reaction.
- The kidneys help remove iodine from the body. Those with kidney disease or diabetes may need to receive extra fluids after the test to help flush the iodine out of the body.
In rare cases, the dye may cause a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis. If you have any trouble breathing during the test, tell the scanner operator right away. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so someone can hear you at all times.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleConsiderations
A CT scan can reduce or avoid the need for invasive procedures to diagnose problems in the skull. This is one of the safest ways to study the head and neck.
Other tests that may be done instead of a head CT scan include:
- MRI of the head
MRI of the head
A head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the head
PET
A brain positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test of the brain. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease...
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Reviewed By
Jason Levy, MD, FSIR, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Barras CD, Bhattacharya JJ. Current status of imaging of the brain and anatomical features. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 53.
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Cerebral computed tomography - diagnostic. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:310-312.