What does a CT scan of the brain diagnose? Notes when shooting?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ton Nu Tra My - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Brain CT scan is one of the imaging methods that uses X-rays to evaluate and detect abnormalities inside the brain. So what disease does a brain CT scan diagnose, what should be noted when taking a brain CT scan?

A brain CT scan, also known as a computed tomography brain scan, is a technique that uses a CT scanner to emit an X-ray beam around the patient's brain, from the chin area to the top of the head. The machine is set to record images of each cross-section in the patient's head and brain each time it stops at one position.
Depending on the level of X-ray absorption of hard and soft tissues, as well as the density of the tissue, the image of the skull and brain structure will be clearly shown with different densities, thereby showing the lesions. injury or abnormality in the brain. The clarity or resolution of the image depends on the generation, the number of slices of the machine. The higher the number of slices the CT scanner has, the clearer the image will be.
Today, the image processing system of CT scanners is much improved, the brain CT scan results can be reconstructed and rendered into 3D images, supporting and serving the accurate diagnosis and detection of diseases. than.

Brain CT scan is a modern technique with a short scan time (about 1 minute), so it is applied in the following cases:
Trauma detection: Occupational accident or traffic accident causing traumatic brain injury , suspected cerebral hemorrhage. Pathological diagnosis: brain stroke, sinusitis - nose, cerebral infarction, brain cancer. In particular, brain CT scan is considered an effective and accurate diagnostic method for suspected cases of brain cancer, helping to detect the disease early. 2D and 3D imaging techniques allow doctors to clearly see and clearly see the very small abnormal lesions and tumors located inside the brain.
Brain CT scan will provide information about the location, size, condition and nature of the cancer, combined with other methods, will be the basis for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.
Therefore, when noticing some unusual symptoms in the head - brain area related to brain cancer such as headache, hearing loss or impairment, fainting, behavior changes, ... the patient needs to visit See a doctor for timely diagnosis, detection and treatment.

Brain CT scan is a modern diagnostic method, gives accurate results with a quick scan time, simple operation, but it is important to note the following information before, during and after the scan:
Women Pregnant women should consider and avoid brain CT scans in the first 3 months of pregnancy because X-rays can affect and cause danger to the fetus. Instead, other non-X-ray examination methods can be chosen. Contrast-enhanced CT brain scan is also contraindicated for people with diabetes because the drug metformin used in the treatment of the disease can cause metabolic acidosis in the presence of iodinated contrast agents. However, in some cases where the use of contrast is required, the patient will be asked to stop using the drug 48 hours before and after the scan. Patients are also tested for blood and kidney function before taking the scan. Contrast-enhanced CT brain scan is contraindicated in patients with renal failure, alternatively, a more suitable method can be selected or consider not injecting contrast. However, in some cases where the use of contrast is required, the patient should be treated immediately after the injection. Contrast-enhanced CT brain scan should be considered for patients with contrast allergy. Some symptoms of drug allergy may be encountered such as vomiting, nausea, dizziness, burning all over the body, ... Avoid overusing CT scans, do not take multiple scans in close proximity because they may accumulate. radiation to the body and brain region. Although the quantity of X-rays in each scan is always within the allowable limits and does not have a significant effect, however, it should be minimized to avoid risks. Brain CT scans are considered for infants and young children because of the potential impact of X-rays during the scan.

Brain CT scan allows to detect lesions inside the brain and diagnose dangerous diseases such as brain hemorrhage, stroke, brain cancer.
Vinmec International General Hospital is proud to be one of the hospital systems in the country that has invested in modern CT scanners with a team of doctors who are leading experts who can conduct imaging and diagnosis. , effectively detect cranial diseases, providing the highest treatment opportunity for patients.