CT of the brain

One of the most modern, informative and effective methods of X-ray examination of the human nervous system is computed tomography or CT of the brain. This procedure allows you to obtain an image of the organ in minute detail, which greatly simplifies the diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

How do CT of the brain?

The essence of the procedure is to perform X-ray photographs of the brain in different sections using a directional beam of radiation. The thickness of one layer, as a rule, is from 0.5 to 1 mm, which guarantees the highest accuracy of the resulting reconstructed image. In simple terms, the final image is collected from a set of successive elements, like a loaf of bread - from sliced ​​thin slices.

Examination of the brain by CT:

1. The patient removes any metal objects and jewelry from the head and neck.
2. The patient is placed on a horizontal surface, on each side of which are located the source and receiver of X-rays (in the form of a circle).
3. The head is placed in a special holder to ensure its immobility.
4. Within 15-30 minutes a series of X-ray images is produced in different projections.
5. The received images are received on the computer monitor of the medical technician, which reduces them by means of a special program.

It is important to note that during the study the patient can see everything that is happening around, therefore CT is a comfortable method of diagnosis even for people suffering from claustrophobia. In addition, the laboratory assistant monitors the patient's condition every minute and, if necessary, can communicate with him.

CT of the brain with perfusion or contrast

Perfusion computer tomography is used for more accurate diagnosis of diseases of the vascular system of the brain tissues.

The procedure is similar to conventional CT, but beforehand, 100 to 150 ml of contrast medium is injected into the patient's vein. The solution is supplied either by means of an automatic syringe or a dropper.

In this case, some preparation for CT of the brain is required - you can not take food 2.5-3 hours before the start of the study.

With tomography with perfusion, many patients experience a feeling of heat throughout the body, especially immediately after the injection, and a metallic taste appears on the tongue. These are perfectly normal phenomena that will disappear on their own in a few minutes.

Indications for CT of the brain

To the described method of diagnosis apply for suspected of such diseases:

• complications after mechanical damage to the brain;
• intense headaches that are not amenable to drug treatment;
• disturbances in the work of the organs of hearing, sight, speech;
• persistent dizziness and vomiting;
• concussion of the brain ;
• tumors in the brain tissue;
• abscess, cerebral edema;
• atherosclerosis ;
• hemorrhagic, ischemic stroke;
• occlusion;
• isthmus of the rhomboid brain;
• aneurysm;
• neuroinfection.

This study is also conducted to monitor the effectiveness and subsequent adjustment of the treatment regimen for encephalitis, cancer, and toxoplasmosis.

Contraindications to CT of the brain

You can not use this type of survey in such cases:

• allergy to iodine-containing drugs;
• hepatic or renal insufficiency;
• pregnancy;
• severe stages of diabetes mellitus;
• patient weight over 130 kg;
• the presence of foreign bodies in the skull;
• previously received high doses of X-rays.