In modern medical science, invasive procedures used for diagnostic needs are rapidly being replaced with high definition imaging and virtual reality which enables an accurate diagnosis before any invasive procedures are applied on patients. This has reduced the morbidity and mortality associated in the diagnosis phase and had improved the outcome of many medical interventions.
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan is a machine which is able to send multiple x-ray beams, as against a single beam sent by an x-ray machine, to generate a detailed photograph or a cross sectional image of a certain section of the body. The machine will be able to produce a sequence of images at few millimeters gap in order to give the clinician a detailed picture of the region. The underlying principle of this technology will be as same as the x-rays although there are multiple rays involved which will be sent in different angles. The penetration ability of the x-ray through various tissues of the body will illustrate them different to one another and therefore can be readily indentified in the CT image.
Although the CT is initially developed to detect problems related to the brain, it is now being used for detecting abnormalities in many parts of the body. At present time, the CT has gone beyond its usual role of producing 2D images to generating 3D models based on the information gathered through the system. Thus, a virtual representation of a designated organ will be done by these units in order to further clarify the details in a realistic manner.
What are the brain related conditions detected using a CT?
When it comes to brain, it is a highly sensitive structure which may not tolerate unnecessary manipulations. Therefore, non invasive CT imaging would be an ideal method to detect certain problems related to the brain where any other method would put the patient in more danger.
Thus, the CT will be able to detect a brain tumor which can be separated from the rest of the brain matter using a contrast medium injected into the vein. At the same time, a bleeding underneath the skull bone or else within the brain or between the brain coverings can also be detected through a brain CT. In such instances, the compression of the brain substance, deviations of the tissues and spaces within the brain…etc can also be determined which will be useful in planning the management to avoid life threatening events.
In instances where there is a head trauma, there is a possibility of brain edema and the CT will be able to tell the clinicians the presence or absence of such manifestations.
At the same time, in stroke patients, the CT will reveal whether there is a bleeding within the brain or else if the stroke is due to an ischemic event. This information is vital in prescribing certain medicines in such individuals to prevent a recurrence.
Apart from the above, the CT will also be helpful in detecting aneurysms of the brain and certain other structural defects including fractures of the skull bone.
